1
Get Involved!
Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine
Join the GN Team
November 2016 Issue No. 177 Published on November 4, 2016 Cover Photo: Lorryn Smit Cover Art & Design: Joe Wabe Gwangju News is the first local English magazine in Korea, first published in 2001. It covers local and regional issues, with a focus on roles and activities of the international residents and local Englishspeaking communities. Copyright by Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means — graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise — without the written consent of the publisher. Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center 5, Jungang-ro 196 beon-gil (Geumnam-no 3 Ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea Tel: (+82)-62-226-2733~34 Fax: (+82)-62-226-2731 Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date February 22, 2010 Printed by Join Adcom 조인애드컴 (+82)-62-367-7702
We have plenty of opportunities for writers, copy editors, photographers, web and blog editors as well as graphic artists and creators. Please contact our managing editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for volunteering inquiries.
Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.
@GwangjuNewsGIC
November 2016
Volunteering Inquiry and Feedback: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Advertising and Subscription Inquiries: minsu@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733~34
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
PUBLISHER Shin Gyonggu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joe Wabe MANAGING EDITORS Kelsey Rivers, Anastasia Traynin COORDINATOR AND LAYOUT EDITORS Minsu Kim, Joe Wabe PHOTO EDITOR Lorryn Smit CHIEF PROOFREADER Joey Nunez COPY EDITORS Eden Jones, Carrie Levinson, Gabi Nygaard, Kelsey Rivers PROOFREADERS Angie Hartley, Britton Inglehart, Sera Kim, David La Boon, Teri Lyn, Kelsey Minnig, Joey Nunez, Daniel Onderdonk, Stephen Redeker, Laura Sweeten, Gilda Wilson, Kelsey Yohe RESEARCHERS Ahn Hyerang, Jang Jaehee, Park Chulhan, Son Serom, Yu Ri
GwangjuNews
Gwangju News always needs volunteers who want to share or gain expertise.
Email us today and start getting involved!
THE EDITORIAL TEAM
gwangjunewsgic.com
Are you looking for ways to be actively involved with your community while spending time with fun and engaging people?
2
18
Contents November 2016
40
22
07 42
28
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
24 GWANGJU NEWS
FEATURE
TRAVEL
04. Gwangju City News 05. Upcoming Events 07. Symphony for Asia 10. GIC Talk November Schedule 12. GIC Tour: Jindo
18. Autumn in Korea 22. The Damyang House 24. Everyday a Rainbow
42. Around Korea: Suncheon 44. Lost in the South: Mudeung Mountain
ARTS & CULTURE
EDUCATION
34. Photo Essay: Campsite Mongolia 38. Photo of the Month 40. Synergy
48. KOTESOL: Quality Teacher Talk for Quality Language Learning 55. Talk to me in Korean
COMMUNITY 14. New in Town: Suttira Kaewthep 16. Community Leaders: Sarah Hale 28. Local Entrepreneurs: GROUND PLAN 50. From Abroad: Sweater Weather, American Memories 54. Expat Living: How to Start your own Business
FOOD & DRINKS 31. Korean Food: Chueotang 32. Where to Eat: Cucina Vera - Pizza Pizzeria Sports 46. The Dance Chronicles 47. Moving Meditaion
OPINION 50. Leadership in Organizations
issue
#177
3
Letter from the Editor
S
ummer ends, and autumn comes. “Autumn” is derived from the French, which came from the Latin “autumnus,” the Roman name for this season. This season is also known as “fall,” which is a Germanic word that refers to the season’s falling leaves and fruit, and to nature’s decline as winter approaches. As a photographer and an art lover, I consider this season to probably be the best one all year. Mornings are golden and misty, everything gets a bit more atmospheric, there are plenty of leaves to kick and with the cold weather coming, and we finally have the excuse for hot drinks and lattés. It is a season for tasty apples and funny Halloween costumes, warm jackets and trips to the outskirts of the city to enjoy the foliage, and the fallen leaves in the forest seem to make even the ground burn with light. With the November issue of Gwangju News, we wanted to bring the feelings of autumn to our readers. There are plenty of stories and photographs with which to delve deeply into the beauty of this season. Our editors, writers and photographers have crafted another wonderful issue, this time full of the colors and showcasing the spirit of fall. Winter is around the corner, and soon this season will also be gone. But in your hands you have a timeless issue that will keep the spirit of the autumn season alive for as long as you keep it in your possession. We hope you enjoy this season and specially the November issue. Stay warm and colorful.
Joe Wabe
Editor-In-Chief Gwangju News www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
4
Gwangju City
News
Compiled by Ahn Hyerang, Jang Jaehee, Park Chulhan, Son Serom, Yu Ri
Gwangju’s Mudeung Mountain Nominated for UNESCO Global Geopark The National Geological Park Committee has selected Mount Mudeung Geological Park for consideration as a UNESCO Global Geological Park.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Gwangju Metropolitan City will submit a certification application form in Mudeung Mountain’s honor by November 2016 and local inspection will be held next year. The committee has evaluated the physiographic and geological values of the park and the residents’ efforts to improve the operations of the park. Furthermore, it has recognized the values of Seoseokdae and Ipseokdae peaks and the dinosaur footprints fossil site at Seoyu-ri, Hwasun as features of the global geopark. Two preliminary inspections were made by Jose P. Calvo (Secretary General), Mark Komac (Vice President of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) Executive Committee), and Patrick McKeever, from the IGCP UNESCO, the International Geoscience Program of UNESCO. The outcome of the nomination will be announced in April 2018 at the Executive Board of UNESCO. Noh Wongi, Director of Park and Greenbelt Division of the City, said, “The nomination for Mount Mudeung as UNESCO World Geopark is an opportunity for the city and the Jeonnam region to advance further as a world-class international city.”
Extended Closure of Gwangju Drive-In Theater 60 percent of Foreign Residents in Gwangju are not Receiving Heath Care Benefits It has recently been discovered that more than half of the foreign residents in Gwangju are not receiving health coverage. According to the City of Gwangju, only 9,900 foreign residents in the city, or 40.6% of the total number of 26,500, are receiving health care benefits from the National Health Insurance Service. Nationwide, 784,369 foreign nationals residing in Korea, or 45.6% of 1.7 million people, are receiving national health care benefits. Foreign residents are eligible for national health care with full coverage guaranteed, but the registration rate is still low. Medical volunteer organizations are trying to help out with this issue. However, with the rapidly increasing number of foreign residents in Gwangju, the employees helping are understaffed and struggling financially.
Gwangju Drive-In Theater closed their homepage and discontinued the business after the urgent and sudden closing of the theater on September 26. The theater, which is located in the parking area of Gwangju Family Land, was thriving. It served as a parking lot during the daytime and transformed into a theater in the evening. Its sudden closure has brought disappointment to regular customers. The previous service provider expressed discontent over the closure of the city’s cultural facility. According to the management office of Gwangju U-chi Park, officers have announced a call for new enterprises to commence operations. Considering its withdrawal of equipment and replacement of the new management, the theater will require more than three to four months for reopening.
5
Upcoming
Events
04
16
18
Suncheon Bay Reeds Festival 2016
7th Gwangju Women’s Film Festival Gwangju Kimchi Cultural Festival
순천만갈대축제
광주여성영화제
Date : November 16-20, 2016 Location: Gwangju Theater & Usquare Dongsan Art Hall Admission fee: 5,000 won for opening ceremory, free of charge for others Website: cafe.daum.net/wffig Contact: 062)515-6560
Gwangju International Kimchi Festival is held to promote one of the most famous locally-produced specialties, kimchi. The nation’s singular kimchi-themed park, Gwangju Kimchi Town, is the venue for diverse kimchi-related programs like cooking experiences, planned experiences, kimchi market and other entertaining events. Also, the Kimchi Presidential prize will be awarded for the “Master Competition” held along with various hands-on programs. Participants can take home kimchi that they made themselves at the festival. Dates: November 18-22, 2016 Venue: Gwangju Kimchi Town 60, Kimchi-ro, Namgu Admission Fees: Free Website: kimchi.gwangju.go.kr Telephone Inquiries: 062-613-8221
November 2016
Dates: November 4-6, 2016 Venue and Address: Suncheon Bay & Dongcheon Stream Area – 162-2 Daedae-dong, Suncheon, Jeollanam-do Admission Fees: Adults 8,000 won, Children 4,000 won Website: reeds.suncheon.go.kr Telephone Inquiries: 061-749-4007
The 7th Women’s Film Festival in Gwangju will be held from November 16 to 20 at Gwangju Theater and U-square Dongsan Art Hall. The theme of this year’s event is “Wind blows. Come along with me.” Tickets are free, except for the opening film ‘Suffragette,’ which costs 5,000won, including the opening ceremony.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Suncheon is inviting everyone to the gardens of Suncheon Bay and the fields of reeds. Autumn in Suncheon Bay creates a magnificent landscape which must be seen. A variety of events will be held in Suncheon City to celebrate its 18th anniversary.
광주세계김치축제
6
GWANGJU THEATER GWANGJU NEWS
Chungjang-no 5-ga 62, Dong-gu, Gwangju (two blocks behind NC WAVE) TICKETS: 8,000 won INFORMATION: 062-224-5858
The 5th Swedish Film Festival 11.6 to 11.12
The Swedish Film Festival marks its fifth anniversary since its inaugural week in 2012. Reflecting an increasing Korean interest in Sweden and its film industry, music, literature, design and lifestyle, the Swedish Film Festival is for many an eagerly-awaited cultural event. The theme of the Swedish Film Festival is “Solidarity and Friendship – Opening Hearts.” Five feature films, three documentary films and a package of 10 short films will be screened during this year’s Film Festival.
24
List of screening films
Underdog 2015 / 97min / Drama Director: Ronnie Sandahl / Cast: Bianca Kronlöf, Henrik Rafaelsen, Mona Kristianse The Circle 2015 / 144min / Fantasy, Horror, Drama Director: Levan Akin / Cast: Josefin Asplund, Irma von Platen, Miranda Frydman, Helena Engström Astrid 2014 / 90min / Documentary Director: Kristina Lindström / Cast: Karin Ny-
The 1st ACC Anniversary “Symphony for Asia” 아시아를 위한 심포니
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
To celebrate the ACC’s first anniversary, there will be an international music festival. Globally-renowned composers, whose musical pieces were recognized at international contests, will be present. Pieces recommended by prestigious composers will also be played.
This festival will be an international exchange where various composers, artists and performers gather from all around the world. Furthermore, creative and innovative shows will be held during the festival. There will also be music and dance competitions, as well as talks and discussions at the venue. Dates: November 24-27, 2016 Venue: Asia Culture Center Admission Fees: To be announced Website: www.acc.go.kr
man, Astrid Lindgren, Gunvor Runström Bikes vs Cars 2015 / 92min / Documentary Director: Fredrik Gertten / Cast: Aline Cavalcante, Dan Koeppel, Raquel Rolnik Nice People 2015 / 96min / Documentary Director: Karin af Klintberg, Anders Helgeson / Cast: Ahmed Hussein, Abdihakiin Mohamed Viskan Miracles 2015 / 106min / Family Drama Director: John O. Olsson / Cast: Rolf Lassgård, Lia Boysen, Ingvar Hirdwall We Are the Best 2013 / 102min / Drama Director: Lukas Moodysson / Cast: Mira Barkhammar, Mira Grosin, Liv LeMoyne Young Sophie Bell 2015 / 80min / Drama Director: Amanda Adolfsson / Cast: Felice Jankell, Hedda Stiernstedt
The 5th Gwangju Independent Film Festival 11.13 ~ 11.15 The 7th Gwangju Women’s Film Festival 11.16 ~ 11. 20 November 21
Yourself and Yours (당신자신과 당신의 것)
Drama / 86 min Director: Hong Sang-soo Cast: Kim Joo-hyuck, Lee You-young Korean maestro and festival favorite Hong Sang-soo (Right Now, Wrong Then) embarks on an intriguing foray into the uncanny with this ingenious spin on Luis Buñuel’s final masterpiece That Obscure Object of Desire.
For the End of Time (시간의 종말)
Documentary / 67 min Director: Kim Dae-hyun Cast: Yang Sung-won, Olivier Charlier(Violin), Emmanuel STrosser(Piano) This is a documentary on the history of the Korean Catholic Church. Along with the masterpiece Quatuor pour la Fin du Temps, the film is dedicated to all that missionaries have sacrificed in order to spread the Word on the Korean peninsula.
For the full November movie calendar please visit: cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju
7
The ACC’s First Anniversary Festival (AFAF)
Symphony for Asia Words by Namhee Cho
international visitors. To celebrate the one year anniversary of its opening, the ACC’s First Anniversary Festival (AFAF), Symphony for Asia, the first international music festival, will be held at the complex November 24 to 27, hosting a diverse range of music concerts, contests, dance performances and much more.
The ACC has contributed to the city’s promotion of cultural and art awareness, which has been a true pleasure for citizens. From the grand opening ceremony performances to the regular events and performances held at the venue, the ACC has hosted hundreds of experts and celebrities, giving citizens plenty of surprises. This
November 2016
ince its grand opening November 25, 2015, the Asia Culture Center (ACC) has progressively positioned itself as the hub of Asian culture and a must-see attraction of Gwangju City. Through countless efforts of organizing international exchange programs and art and cultural events, the ACC has successfully attracted thousands of domestic and
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
S
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ACC
GWANGJU NEWS
8 AFAF is no exception. The ACC has been calling for distinguished composers from around the world to submit their scores and as a result, musical pieces from the invited and commissioned composers will be played at the festival. Moreover, the festival features special ensembles from Japan, China and Hong Kong for the solidarity of Asian culture. On the first day of the festival, a series of musical performances representing Gwangju, the Korean peninsula and Asia will be held to celebrate the ACC’s first anniversary. To begin the celebration, the Jindo National Gugak Center’s performance will start off in the lobby of Theatre 1, followed by the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra and the ACC-commissioned percussion performance group “Asian Beat.”
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
“Asian Beat” was commissioned to four world famous composers, including Christian Mason, to explore and interpret unique Asian rhythms through the history, religion, culture and climate of Asia, creating a contemporary music piece. The group will have its special world premiere at the AFAF. Yet another array of ensembles and performances is to be held on Day 2 and Day 3 of the festival. The second day of the celebration will include the famous Korean dancer Hong Sinja’s performance, as well as Japanese
modern ensemble and world-renowned composer Michael Daugherty’s special lecture, adding more to the exuberance of the festival. This diverse festival will end with more music performances, special composition contests and music workshops. Come and enjoy this festival of music and arts, and celebrate the ACC and Gwangju’s cultural advancement. A limited 50 daily admission package tickets are available online until November 11 at the price of 30,000 won per person. Individual tickets for performances will be sold afterward on the Asia Culture Center website at www.acc.go.kr/asiaSymphony.
9
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
10
November Schedule The monthly GIC Talk will showcase talks from speakers who would like to share their areas of expertise with the GIC Talk audience, with new topics throughout 2016. Time & Location: Saturdays from 3 – 4 p.m., GIC Auditorium (1st Floor) For more information and for a GIC Talk Application, contact gictalk@gic.or.kr
:: November 5
the same culture and speak the same language (Kinyarwanda). English and French are spoken by people who have gone to school and are also the languages of administration, including Kinyarwanda.
Maria Lind is a curator, writer and educator based in Stockholm, where she was born in 1966. She is the director of Tensta konsthall, Stockholm, and the artistic director of the 11th Gwangju Biennale. She will talk about her work with Tensta konsthall, an art center in the suburb of Tensta in Stockholm.
Rwanda had a genocide in 1994 (the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi) whereby Rwandans killed their fellow Rwandans (more than 1,000,000 people were murdered). Genocide devastated the country to the extent that there was almost nothing when it finally ended in July 1994. From July 1994 until the present day, the country has registered miraculous developments in all sectors of life, including the economy, education, health, infrastructure and politics.
Speaker: Maria Lind (Sweden) Topic: Contact and Conflict Zones in and Around Stockholm’s Tensta konsthall
Keywords: #GwangjuBiennale2016 #ArtisticDirector #MariaLind
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Keywords: #Rwanda #CentralAfrica #RwandanGenocide
:: November 12 Speaker: TBA Topic: TBA
:: November 19
Speaker: Emmanuel Ntegamaherezo (Rwanda) Topic: A Brief History of Rwanda and Rwandan Culture Rwanda is a country located in central Africa. Due to its geographical position in Africa, it is called a country in the heart of Africa. Its citizens are Rwandans and their mother language is Kinyarwanda. All Rwandans from North to South, West to East, have
:: November 26
Speaker: Mamadou Cisse (Senegal) Topic: Senegal, a Country of West Africa – Link between Religion, Politics and Culture See the GIC Talk Preview for more information. Keywords: #Senegal #WestAfrica #Teranga #AfricanDay
11
Senegal, a Country of West Africa
– Link between Religion, Politics and Culture Words by Mamadou Cisse Senegal has a tropical, hot and humid climate and has two seasons: the rainy season that starts from May and ends in November, and the dry season that begins in December. Independent from France since 1960, Senegal joined with The Gambia, which is an enclave inside Senegal, to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. However, the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989.
The Senegalese people are 94 percent Muslim divided into Tijan, Murid, Khadr and Ibadu Rahman practices. The majority of Muslims live in total harmony with the five percent of the population that is Christian in the country.
Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping and is a welcoming country with its legendary hospitality known as “Teranga.” Come, learn and travel with me to Senegal, on Saturday, November 26 at 3 p.m. in the First Floor Hall at the Gwangju International Center!
November 2016
Senegal is a country on the coast of West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean in the West. With an area of 196,722 km², the country has a population of about 14.8 million people (as of 2016), and the capital
and largest city is Dakar. The spoken languages are French (official), Wolof, Serere, Diola, Pular and other languages from minority ethnic groups.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
H
ello, my name is Mamadou Cisse. I am a KOICA student and I am earning my MBA at Chonnam National University. It is a great opportunity for me to share with you about my country.
During the Presidential elections in March 2000, Senegal has shown to the world that the country has a strong democracy which is considered to be as one of the earliest democracies in Africa. In this field of politics, religious leaders are known to be very influential in Senegalese people’s decisions in regards to their choice of their candidates. Though turned into a modern society, Senegal is still a country where the caste system prevails.
12
GIC Tour November
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Uldolmok - Lunch: Home-made Pork Cutlet & Pizza - Jindo Local Community Center - Ullimsanbang: Making an Eco Bag
Date & Time: Saturday, November 29, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration: By Sunday, November 20 Participation fee: 25,000 won (GIC members), 35,000 won (Non-members) More Info: Jeongmin Lee 062.226.2733 / gictour@gic.or.kr
GIC TOUR
13
Jindo Words by Hyo-eun Park and Nahia Antoranz Photos courtesy of the GIC Tour
T
his November, we are going to the Southern island of Jindo, which is full of things to see and enjoy! Jindo is the third largest island in Korea, and Jindo means “precious” and “stone,” so Jindo is called “Precious Island” or “Stone Island.” So, how many things do you know about Jindo? Jindo dogs, Jindo Arirang, Myeongnyang Battle… We got more! Keep reading!
After being surrounded by all the beauty of the ocean energy, we will be hungry for an impressive homemade pork cutlet and pizza. Now, do not be fooled, this pork cutlet is mouthwatering, and the dish will be served with a side of amazing scenery, since the restaurant is located on a high spot that overlooks the Jindo Sea in all of its beauty. But that is not all, here we can purchase Hongju (red alcohol made from herbal medicine) which is a delicacy of Jindo that is known to have several health benefits. Dreamy enough? There is still more to experience in Jindo! After eating our delicious lunch and being calmly inspired by the ocean
(and Hongju), we will head to the Jindo Local Community Center to watch a pansori performance with traditional Korean music, instruments and songs. We will then visit Ullimsabang (art house) where Sochi Heo Ryeon lived, who was a master of landscape painting during the Joseon Dynasty. People named this house “Ullimsanbang” because the fog in the mountains made it look like a cloud forest. In this location, we will take a walk around the traditional garden with a pond. Also, we will be touring around the Memorial Hall of Ryeon, and the Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards, we will create and design our own personal eco bag, using ancient drawing techniques. After reading this preview, will you be joining us for this month’s tour? Do not miss out on discovering unexplored areas and delicacies of Jindo with us! Sign up now, spaces are limited!
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
We will start off the day by going to the Marine Energy Park. We will watch a short film that gives an explanation of the historical site. Here is where the epic battle of Myeongnyang happened. At this site, we can see a huge statue of General Yi Sun Shin, who fought 133 enemy ships with only 12 panokseon (turtleshaped battleship) and came out successful. At this site the waves are really strong, as they go through Uldolmok (narrow seaway). It is really a show that nature gives, since a glass
pathway has been installed to enjoy the ocean under your feet. During this sea walk you cross the Uldolmok from above, allowing you to enjoy the sound of waves crashing and the scenery.
November 2016
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
COMMUNITY
14
Suttira Kaewthep
Words by Anne Murray
Photos courtesy of GIC
When did you start working for the Gwangju Youth Center? I started my internship at the Gwangju Youth Service Center on September 5, 2016. It was a day later than the rest of my friends who joined this internship program, because the Gwangju Youth Service Center operates from Tuesdays to Saturdays. What do you do there? Every day I get to do different kinds of work, such as helping my coworkers with their tasks, shopping for office
supplies or contacting other organizations. At the moment, I am helping Korean students to prepare for their upcoming Korea Youth Volunteer Program, which will be held in Laos. So, I spend my work hours on translation from Korean to English and from English to Lao [the language in the country of Laos]. I will also have to teach some Laos language and culture classes for the students, which is very challenging [but rewarding] work for me. What is your background? Where are you from?
I come from Chiang Mai, Thailand. I graduated from Chiang Mai University earlier this year with a Master’s degree in English. Before I came to Gwangju, I was working as an Internet research agent and my work involved English-Thai translation, Search Engine Optimization writing and also collecting and analyzing data. What led you to Gwangju? During March and April 2016, I was traveling around South Korea on my own. I have visited Busan, Cheongju, Daejeon, Gyeongju, Gwangju, Jin-
NEW IN TOWN 15 hae, Seoul and Suncheon. These cities are very beautiful in spring, but it is Gwangju that has my heart. The city is not too big nor too small. The people are kind and friendly. The food is really nice. It felt like home when I was in Gwangju. After I went back to my home country, I kept seeking a way to come back to Gwangju again. What do you find most rewarding in your work? One of the most satisfying aspects of my workplace is the friendly work environment. My colleagues will often spare their time to help each other even though they are not working on the same project. They also take time to guide me on both work and personal issues. I also like the combination of working at a desk and meeting with Korean students. My job gives me great opportunities to professionally improve my working skills and personally develop my maturity. Tell me about a time your work made a difference in Gwangju/Korea. That is a difficult question because I have not been working here long enough to make a prominent difference. However, I have enjoyed giving direct support to my colleagues
and sharing my knowledge about Thailand and Thai culture with them. More or less, my contributions have helped save their time and better their understanding about my home country. Somehow, I think it is the people at my workplace that make a difference to me. I have become more productive from the tasks I have helped them accomplish every single day. I have become more active in learning Korean since they always try to teach and speak to me in Korean. So, my Korean speaking skills have improved faster and better than I had expected. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Since I work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and I have a Korean language class from 6 to 9 p.m. during the week, I usually spend my weekends relaxing at home or going out for a walk. I like to walk in random streets and observe how Korean people live. As autumn is coming, I would love to go out more and take photos of the colorful scenery of Gwangju. Do you have any more things you would like to accomplish?
much as possible and to learn from my workplace as much as I can. I would love to speak Korean fluently. I also hope to pass at least the first level of Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Is there anything else you would like to mention? I would like to thank the Gwangju International Center for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Gwangju International Internship Program. I am very grateful for their support, from the application process to acquiring work and being able to live in Gwangju. Without their kindness, I would not be able to be here and experience living in Korea. Also, I really appreciate the guidance and generosity from all the staff at the Gwangju Youth Service Center and their sharing of their knowledge and experience with me. My time in Gwangju is well-spent because of them. Thank you so much, GIC and Gwangju Youth Service Center, from the bottom of my heart.
Yes, I do. As for now, I want to experience the Korean working culture as www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
COMMUNITY
16
Words by Anne Murray
Photos courtesy of Sarah Hale
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Sarah Hale
T
his month we interviewed Sarah Hale, who is a Assistant Professor at Dongshin University, Naju City. Rumor has it she likes to “help out” around Gwangju. When did the Adopt-a-Child start as a Christmas program? I have been involved with Adopt-aChild for about four years now. I am the current president of the organization. It was founded in 2010 by Al Barnum and originally only included one orphanage-Sungbin Home for Girls. We are now trying to branch out a bit and have been working each year to include the other 11 orphanages. In total, there are about 700 kids
staying at the orphanages throughout the city ranging from infants to young adults in their early twenties.
most Northeast state in the U.S. It is famous for lobsters and beautiful scenery.
Who do you work with on the program? There is a small group of both Koreans and ex-pats who help with the work on this project each year. We mostly work to fund-raise, shop for gifts, wrap them all (this part is tough), have the gifts delivered and throw Christmas parties at the orphanages with our own resident Santa Claus, too!
What led you to Gwangju? I have always enjoyed living in foreign countries much more than my own. I guess I like the constant state of uncertainty that a new environment provides. I do not think anyone can completely know a culture that is not his/her own, so the surprises and learning of new things tends to be a weekly if not a daily part of my life, and I enjoy that very much. I lived in Romania for a year when I was 18, Bulgaria for a year when I was 21, and have currently been living here
What is your background? I grew up in the state of Maine, the
COMMUNITY LEADERS
in Gwangju for the past five years. I was placed here by happenstance and could not be happier about it.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Having a drink and chatting with the people I love or anyone that happens by is one of my favorite things to do in my free time. I also adore listen-
Tell me about your work at the orphanage in Gwangju. Since my first year here, I have volunteered at Sungbin Home for Girls every other Saturday. It is a one-hour slot they open for us to come in and just get to know and play with the girls. I was very reluctant to get involved with things [back then], but my good friend Lily made me wake up one Saturday to go visit the orphanage and the rest is history. From there, I got involved with Adopt-aChild but I do continue to visit Sungbin as well. I love helping out at the other homes, but Sungbin is where my heart lies.
Additionally, if you have any interest in volunteering with us, please do not hesitate to message me on Facebook or the page!
November 2016
Tell me about a time your work made a difference in Gwangju/Korea. I am continuously helping out with different projects in and around Gwangju, so while I cannot think of a specific time I made a huge difference, I sure hope I have contributed something.
Do you have any more things you would like to accomplish? I would like to start getting a better handle on the Korean language. I am pretty ashamed of where I am, juxtaposed with how long I have lived here. I would also like to be able to remember jokes or stories properly.
Is there anything else you would like to mention? We will begin our gift drive this month. If you would like to buy a present for one of the kids, please visit: www.facebook.com/adoptachildchristmasgwangju or www.adoptachildgwangju.org/.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
What do you find most rewarding in your work? I just like to help. It gives me a sense of purpose. I feel a bit self-involved saying this - but I hate taking the work I do (especially with kids) and turning it into something that is about me, because it is not for me, it is for them.
ing to podcasts and cooking on the weekdays after work.
17
18
Autumn in Korea
The Colors and the Mist
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Words and Photos By John Steele
Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan is a well-known mountain in North Jeolla Province that lies inside one of Korea’s many national parks that goes by the same name. The mountain, waterfalls and temple called Baekyangsa provide one of the most popular backdrops for photographers wanting to capture beautiful fall scenes in Korea. The best time to go is the last week of October into the first week of November. Make sure to get there early and on a weekday, if possible, as there will be massive crowds on weekends.
Gosam Reservoir
The final location suggested might come as a surprise to some, as many
November 2016
Doomoolmeori/Sujongsa
photographers consider summer and winter the best times to visit Doomoolmeori. “The Meori,” located about 45 minutes east of Seoul in Yangsuri, at the fertile location where the northern and southern portions of the Han River meet, is full of lotuses in the summer, which attracts crowds of photographers nationwide. Then in the winter, hordes of people visit to capture the sentimental side of Doomoolmeori with its frozen river and snowcapped trees. Strangely enough, fall and spring, which are typically the most popular seasons to visit any location, are not quite as full of people. Do not get too excited, there will still be photographers there, but just not as many as in the peak season.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
For those more interested in capturing early morning foggy and misty scenes, Gosam Reservoir in Ansung, might just be the spot for you. Gosam, located about an hour and a half southeast of Seoul, gained popularity among photographers after setting the eerie scene for director Kim Kiduk’s movie “The Isle” in 2000. Since then, thousands of photographers have headed to the reservoir yearly in search of the same mysterious mood. Starting in early October (and even as early as late September some years) and continuing into the beginning of November is the best time to visit to capture this atmosphere, as on certain mornings the lake is completely engulfed by mist and fog.
“Because of the vibrant colors of autumn and the early morning atmospheric conditions, photographers really cannot go wrong photographing anywhere in Korea”
FEATURE
a
A
utumn in Korea, is there any better season? The colorful foliage, the early morning fog and mist on the rivers and the cool temperatures are three solid reasons that make photographers want to grab their cameras and head out to capture some beauty. There are so many possible locations around the country to visit this time of year, but today I am going to highlight three that have been special to me for some time. Hopefully you will be inspired to go out and capture some images.
19
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016 20
There are a couple of reasons why fall is my favorite time to visit Yangsuri. First, the sun rises right above the famous pine tree island out in the middle of the river and fog action is at its highest. Additionally, because the Meori is full of trees, the beautiful fall foliage is a pleasure to capture. The final reason is that Sujongsa, one of my favorite temples in Korea, is located just down the road from Doomoolmeori. In addition to being surrounded by lovely trees, the temple has one of the best tea houses around and enjoying a hot cup after an early morning shoot while looking out the window at the colorful view is the perfect way to wind down and relax.
FEATURE
21
Because of the vibrant colors of autumn and the early morning atmospheric conditions, photographers really cannot go wrong photographing anywhere in Korea. The three locations discussed above have had special places in my heart for some time. If you have some free time this season, grab coffee (if needed), your camera and head out to one or more of these spots. Maybe I will see you there!
where he is currently displaying his Best of Autumn series.
November 2016
instagram.com/johnsteelephoto
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
John Steele is an American photographer living in Seoul. See more of his work at www.johnsteelephoto. com and follow him on Instagram at
22
The Damyang House: A Countryside Retreat Words by Ben Robins Photos by Sean Walker
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Photos by Erin Heath Kim
23
G
Speaking as an international resident, however, it is imperative that one travels further afield than the daily commute and your bi-weekly Pizza Hut run. Gwangju is surrounded by dominating, lush, red or white (depending on the season) mountains, stretching farmlands and noisome marshes on all sides, which presents more-than-enough weekend material for the average photo-blogger. Looming over downtown is the great hump of Mudeungsan; head northwards and you will hit the bamboo wilderness of Damyang. Quietly nestled between the two is an innocuous village, proud of its makgeoli and haemul pajeon, and fond of the occasional evening fishing in the local lake. Here, squirreled secretly away in the shade of 6-meter-high bamboo, is The Damyang House.
house events. Many local residents (this writer included) can thank the House for their first Gwangju meetand-greet event, and friendships are forged by the fire pit or over a kettle of makgeoli on the patio. Sean himself is an avid cyclist, and regularly organizes adventurous “bike’n’hikes” for the more self-punishing among you. Dogs are more than welcome as well and will indeed be present and trying to steal your sausages at the next barbecue. For those looking to escape the nearconstant aural chaos of Korea, however, please do not be fooled by the aforementioned mass gatherings. The Damyang House is also very much available for personal usage via AirBnB. Previously an abandoned structure being swallowed up by the bamboo forest, the owners spent a year lovingly and extensively remodeling the house into a cozy, modern den in the countryside. Furnished
with a modern kitchen, flat-screen cinema set-up and an actual bath, along with surrounding countryside ready to explore, The Damyang House is the perfect escape from Korea’s neon lights. Take a book, camera or drink up to the rooftop and appreciate the fact that, for the first time in conscious memory, the world is actually quiet. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet, or making noise with friends and friends-to-be, The Damyang House is the place you are looking for. Readily equipped for outdoor dining in the summer heat or indoor hibernating during the winter snow, this hidden home quietly awaits. thedamyanghouse.com facebook.com/thedamyanghouse
November 2016
The Damyang House is more than a party HQ, however. The owners make it their personal mission to welcome anyone and everyone to open-
“Regular BBQ parties are hosted by the owners Sean and Jojo, with outings including spontaneous mountaineering”
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Veterans of Gwangju – or, indeed, anybody who knows anybody who has ever lived in Gwangju – may have heard the legends. So institutional among the local residents that all three words must be capitalized, The Damyang House is the very definition of a summer getaway. Regular BBQ parties are hosted by the owners Sean and Jojo, with outings including spontaneous mountaineering (or mountain driving if it is too hot/too much effort), fishing, swimming in glassy, natural streams and the occasional cornhole tournament. If you do not know what a cornhole is, you should come and find out. It is great.
FEATURE
wangju is, as everybody knows, one of the best cities in Korea. Small enough that you may never actually use the one-line subway, and yet big enough that you do not have to emigrate for a decent shopping trip, this city has a vibrant social scene and enough culture to fill a multitude of ACCs.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
24
Everyday a Rainbow
Annie Wan Pushes the Boundaries of Ceramics Words by Anasasia Traynin and Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Arts Development
25
A
FEATURE
fter a long run from September 3, the 11th Gwangju Art Biennale wrapped up on November 6. While most of the art was exhibited inside the gallery, there was a special art piece set up as a kiosk on the Biennale plaza. Annie Wan LaiKuen, international award-winning Hong Kong-based ceramics artist and assistant professor at Hong Kong Baptist University’s Academy of Visual Arts, created a colorful piece called Everyday a Rainbow, incorporating everyday objects found in local shops and replacing those objects in the shops with celadon. Shortly before the closing of the exhibit, Gwangju News was able to catch up with Wan over email and recorded interview, discussing the possible future of ceramics and its place within contemporary art. How did you first get involved with the Gwangju Biennale 2016?
Wan: For your question about the university’s role, I think this is more
How does your conceptual approach to ceramics reflect the changes in contemporary art? Wan: When I make an art creation, I am mostly concerned about the gap
between ceramics and contemporary art because it is quite different. The nature of ceramics is as a kind of craft and also, the material base and objects play a very important role. For contemporary art, it is not concerned as much about media and material. The concept is more important. Always, we think [about] how ceramics can be pushed more to the boundaries and at the same time retain its significance because when it is spreading too much, maybe its identity will become weakened. The raw material is not that important and that goes to the conceptual development of the whole piece. So rethinking the media in my work is also a very important factor. The process of ceramics actually carries its identity. Even though its boundary is extended, because ceramics is put at center stage, as an element to be investigated, it will not lose its identity in this way.
November 2016
Speaking of the Forum that you participated in, ‘What does art do? Mediating the Gwangju Biennale 2016,’ was held at the University of Hong Kong on March 23, 2016. In regards to such a seminar, what do you believe is the role that the university setting plays in mediating art?
important for young people studying art. What I hesitate about – maybe it would be better to have the forum at another university like the Chinese University or our Academy of Visual Arts. These two universities have practical art courses, but the art courses at the University of Hong Kong are mainly history and theory. If the young artists or the young artists-to-be who are in those practical art courses are [at the forum], they will get more in to the discussion of how a practical artist thinks about doing artwork and how it relates to society. Putting it in a school setting plays a positive role in mediating arts, if the publicity can be spread more widely.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Wan: I got an email last year, asking if I was interested in a residency and making a new piece for an exhibition. This year, Maria the director and Michelle [an assistant curator] stopped in Hong Kong and I showed [them] my portfolio. They asked me to do a research trip in April, so at that time I realized that I was a participating artist in the Gwangju Biennale. I did the Forum at the university [in March 2016] before the research trip and when the idea became concrete, from July to August, I started to do the residency, the making of ceramics and the production of the whole piece.
26
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
What was your inspiration behind the work Everyday a Rainbow, collecting objects from local shops and replacing them with celadon? Wan: I think shopping is a very main thing in my work because I started the work with shopping for the kiosk, the window blinds for furnishing the kiosk and buying the commodities to put inside the kiosk. So I think in this work, I also wanted to push the boundaries of art, making art and also how to display an artwork, like in a normal museum. Putting objects in local shops but at the same time, switch those objects to make the materials from artwork. These two oppositions ask the question ‘what is art?’ I just do the artwork with the material, and [if] the material is daily-life objects, then that is the whole display place, like a shoemaker’s booth, but
in the shops, I replace it with celadon. Also the rainbow color, it is creative. I put the kiosk in the plaza, so the audience would not just be those who buy the tickets and get into the gallery. It is also the students who play in the plaza, and the neighbors when they pass the plaza, so they can see my work as well. I do not turn off the lights, even though it is midnight, so it glows very colorfully in the darkness. I quite like that part. And also how I extended space from the kiosk to the wooden chair we made outside to reflect another chair from a coffee shop. So everything is put together to make a kind of new experience for the people who pass by the plaza.
FEATURE
27
What are some trends that you see happening in the present and future of ceramic arts?
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Wan: I think ceramics in contemporary art does face an identity crisis, because it is a traditional art form and it carries some raw material, techniques and craftsmanship. This is not a concern in contemporary art, so some of the ceramics artists will go back to their cultures and try to see if there are any new possibilities in the [traditional ways]. But some ceramics artists will ignore all these traditions and start a very new approach to ceramics. In this approach, the identity of ceramics may be weakened as I said before. There is still quite a lot of room and space for ceramics artists to explore. Because ceramics is a multimedia, you may take up your own position in this wide
space. With traditional techniques or cultures, you can enjoy working in the crafts area. Some artists will like to break the mold, so there is quite a lot of possibility Contemporary art [is showing a] trend of going back to craftsmanship. If so, ceramics can have some visibility in contemporary art.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
COMMUNITY
28
With All Their Hearts
GROUND PLAN Words by Namhee Cho Photos by Hee-seung Kim and GROUND PLAN
W
hen you meet someone special, you intuitively know that something is unique and extraordinary just by sharing a few words with that person. Son Seok-ho and Kim Yung-yeong, a young married couple whom I met at their cafĂŠ, CafĂŠ Barie, which is located in downtown Gwangju, gave me the strong impression that they are somewhat different. They are currently based in Seoul, but they were once citizens of Gwangju and still have family in the city. Their humbleness made it difficult to recognize that they were the CEOs of the group BARI & U, a group that op-
LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
“I am not all that different from our customers, just a mother and a wife. Thus, I tend to think about and look for the basic necessities of our daily lives and the products that we can trust,” said Kim with confidence. She claims that although she does not have a philosophy of her own, all her nerves were focused on one thing, “trustworthiness.” Kim and Son have experienced numerous requests and offers from
other competitive cosmetics brands in their brand’s heyday, to either add their cosmetics items into the fashion business or to expand, especially in make-up. In 2015, they had finally found themselves confident in being able to satisfy the needs of their customers and thus established GROUND PLAN, focusing on skin care cosmetics. The idea of Kim’s “Fundamentals” was the brand’s key idea and where its name GROUND PLAN originates. Its products are ideally sourced from the soil, to help maintain healthy skin for all women, 24 hours a day. At the primary stage of its product development, Kim aimed to create the best
November 2016
As in all other success stories, there was a myriad of ups and downs on their road to success. Regardless of those mishaps and failures, they became more resilient and focused. Active attempts towards finding solutions and initiating these solutions
were the reasons behind their breakthrough. Consequently, they have expanded their fashion business into food and beverages, cosmetics and ultimately, culture and lifestyle.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
erates in a diverse range of industries from fashion and beauty, to food and beverages. Putting the hit sensation of their online clothing market “BARI EDITION” (formerly known as bagazimuri) and renowned local café and restaurant Café Barie aside, I interviewed them to discuss their recently launched cosmetics brand “GROUND PLAN”, in which Kim has devoted more of her effort.
29
30
skin care products, regardless of cost. As a result, they introduced a face mist – 24H Secret Mist, made out of 100 percent extract from natural ingredients.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
“I did not expect such high sales of the product at first, because I thought I was going to be the only one using it. But the sales skyrocketed after a few reviews were shared online,” said Kim with joy. The review from a mother was the focal point for the brand’s sudden rise to popularity in the overloaded, competitive cosmetics market in Korea. It was all about the effectiveness of the face mist on atopy or atopic syndrome, a state of hypersensitivity to environmental allergens, which is a big issue among Koreans. The woman who wrote the review first inquired as to whether the face mist was safe for her to share with her child. There were no concerns at all since the spray was made entirely from natural resources. After a few uses, the face mist works as a moisturizer keeping users’ skin
hydrated. More grateful reviews surfaced, expressing the effectiveness of the products in relieving medical symptoms, such as acne, eczema, rashes and other congenital skin troubles. Furthermore, all feedback and reviews were directly communicated to Kim through her social network service accounts, especially through her NAVER blog and Instagram. Her unique style of communication and long-experience from the past communicating with customers made her competent and helped her stand out. With her efforts being vigorous online, GROUND PLAN went viral even in China, Japan and the U.S. She did not anticipate high demands in other countries. However, due to the Hallyu, The Korean Wave, visitors at their flagship store in the fashion district, Shinsa-dong, Seoul, bought luggage loads of the products and resold them back in their home countries. At some point they will officially export but they are waiting for “the Right Moment” now, as Son and Kim state. Until then, they will build a substantial domestic brand as they did with their other businesses.
Kim is diligent and consistently passionate. Every month, she still travels around the country to all the pop-up stores opening at various venues. Not all leaders put such effort in being at the forefront of communicating with customers, with hearing their needs and satisfying their demands. The couple’s warm-heartedness and passion towards their business and young people are the driving forces of their future businesses’ transactions and success. GROUND PLAN – www.grplan.com 21-9, Bullo-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju 광주광역시 동구 불로동 21-9 062.225.8241 Opening Hours: 12:00-21:00 CAFÉ BARIE Chungjang – www.cafebarie.com 21-9, Bullo-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju 광주광역시 동구 불로동 21-9 062.224.8241 Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:00) BARI EDITION – www.bariedition.com 38, Dosan-daero 11-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 강남구 도산대로11길 38 (신사동) 02.1577.8241
KOREAN FOOD 31
Dare to Ask What is Inside
Chueotang Words by Namhee Cho Photo courtesy of GIC
This autumn, this delicacy can be served in two ways, with the mudfish being either “visible” or “invisible.” Due to its appearance, people prefer it to be ground before being cooked these days. However, Koreans regard the recipe to be traditional only if it has the whole mudfish in it. It is often cooked with tofu and finished with flour juice to reduce its unpleasantness. Other than the main ingredient, both recipes share red-chili paste, soy bean paste, dried radish leaves and perilla seed powder. Often it is served with suyuk (boiled pork slices) and geotjeori (freshly-made kimchi). This combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend and a different set of flavorful fireworks.
though canine on the menu is not so dominant a dish these days.
Do not be afraid. Chueotang could be a starter for you to relieve your ichthyophobia this autumn, and expand your knowledge and competence level of Korean dishes!
November 2016
This month’s special is something which expats might hesitate and agonize over attempting a sip or not. Chueotang shares a similar appearance and savory taste as all other tang (soups), but that impression only lasts until you know the main ingredient of the dish, which is mudfish, or loach. Mudfish is very wellknown as a seasonal health food high
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
A
steamy bowl of soup is necessary to maintain warmth during both the fall and winter, especially in Korea where soup cannot be missed on any Korean table. Koreans in the past have believed that any herbs and vegetables, and even animals, could be turned into food ingredients if they have nature qualities that seem beneficial to human health. Literally, anything could be turned into a meal; for instance, black goat and notoriously, dog,
Its taste may be difficult to distinguish between other soups like Gamjatang (pork spine soup) and other Haejangguk (any kind of hang-over soup). However, it is worth a try for the fact that it challenges us with its unusual appearance. Even if you are not interested in any Korean fish recipes, Chueotang does not even deliver a tiny glimpse of fish nor even the accompanying odor. In fact, you will not even recognize what is inside!
FOOD & DRINKS
in protein and vitamin A. It is not only cooked in soup but also fried and consumed between July and November, when the nutritious mudfish reaches its peak growth period.
32 WHERE TO EAT
Cucina Vera – Piazza Pizzeria
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Words and Photos By Sean D’Angelo
A
s Westerly typhoons flood our houses (I really should have closed that window) and winter chills move in, comfort food is hot on our minds. For many, that means familiar foods from childhood. In my case of growing up in a big Italian household, comfort food was good pasta served with rich sauce.
Until recently, simple-but-hearty Italian cuisine has been hard to find in Gwangju, despite the plentitude of Italian restaurants. So when I went out recently and braved the terrifying storms to taste-test Piazza Pizzeria, a brick oven Italian restaurant founded in the Roman tradition, I must admit I was not expecting to be swept off my feet by anything other than the winds. I was in for a treat!
By the end of the meal, I was tapping my heels in satisfaction like a delighted Dorothy saying, “There is no food like Rome.” It is that good. Piazza Pizzeria was founded by a husband and wife duo trained in the kitchens of Rome. Their menu, available in Italian, English and Korean, focuses heavily on dishes prepared in the Roman style and offers a large
33
For those who are not familiar, Italian food in Rome shies away from red sauces to feature cheeses, oil and herb flavors. Roman chefs believe that each ingredient on the plate, no matter how insignificant, should shine on its own. That is no easy task for an Italian chef in Gwangju where many of the essential ingredients are not available in our supermarkets. Fortunately Piazza imports almost everything they serve straight from Italy, with the exception of their locally-sourced vegetables and meats. Many of their greens they actually grow in their own garden. Authenticity is everything to this pair. To prove their dedication to quality, the first floor boasts an open kitchen where prospective customers can watch the chefs hard at work. If you go during the day, you may see these chefs preparing the slowcooked ratatouille pasta base that has become their number-one signature dish and led their recent rise to fame among the international community. Thick and overwhelmingly flavorful, it is the chef ’s one break from his
otherwise classical repertoire and it is where his expertise really shines through. I know, French food in an Italian restaurant seems different, but trust me, this is the kind of ratatouille they make movies about. In every sense, a Tour de “Force.” Another must-try on the menu is the rucola e prosciutto pizza: crispy crust topped with real Italian prosciutto and a pile of fresh-picked arugula salad. Zesty, spicy arugula mixed with salty, creamy prosciutto is the very definition of La Bella Vita. If eggplant and arugula are not to your fancy, there are plenty of other choices on the menu, ranging from elegant seafood dishes, luxurious vegetarian options, local steak and even saltimbocca (a veal dish topped with various spices). Everything is prepared with the love and attention you would expect from “la cucina di nonna” (“Grandmother’s Kitchen” in Italian). In other words, everything from the pizza dough appertivo to their fettuccine di manzo is perfectly divine. There is even a decent selection of imported bottled beers, thankfully none of which are named “Peroni.” On tap, they have a popular hefeweiss and a surprising little pale ale from Vietnam’s small
brewery scene. About the only caveat is that Piazza does not offer any wine selection … yet. True to Italian style, Sunday is a rest day for this couple, so plan accordingly not to visit on a Sunday. The central location, quiet atmosphere, pleasant view of the Asian Culture Complex and eclectic decoration make Piazza Pizzeria a great place for a leisurely lunch or a fun date. Take out is also an option, but with food this fresh it would be a crying shame to reheat it at home. Seating is plentiful so reservations are usually unnecessary. Just stop by, loosen your belt and prepare for an evening of eminent, yet affordable fine dining.
Piazza Pizzeria 114, Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju 광주광역시 동구 제봉로 114 Open 12 to 3 p.m. for Lunch, 5:30 to 10 p.m. for Dinner Last orders must be made at 9 p.m. Open Mondays to Saturdays, Closed Sundays 062.227.6100 for reservations or take-out www.pizzeria-piazza.com
FOOD & DRINKS
selection of modestly-priced pasta dishes along with over a dozen pizzas.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com 광주시 동구 지호로 155 지산동 67-7 Open daily, 11:30-Midnight 062-223-3392 for reservations
November 2016
Blackburn Grill 블랙번그릴
34
Photo Essay
Campsite Mongolia A Dream Comes True after 19 Years
Words and photos by Dong-il Shin
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
“The breathtakingly beautiful night sky, the reason Mongolia is home to many world-class observatories… “
35
S
November 2016
If you are tired of living in a city and fed up with modern civilization, forget visiting the capital of Ulaanbaatar despite its interesting mixture of Stalinist architecture and traditional gers (tents). Go out to the countryside and be surrounded by the same nature that the great Genghis Khan traveled through some 800 years ago.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
tars, blue skies, ice-cold lakes, green valleys, horses, goats, sheep, camels and yaks. Mongolia is simply the nature itself. She is also the country with the smallest population density in the world. With an average of 1.92 persons per km.2, it is no joke that you are more likely to be attacked by a pack of wolves than to be robbed by a thug when you are traveling across this countryside.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016 36
37
The land is almost untouched and remains the same now as it was then.
November 2016
My first encounter with Mongolia was in 1997 when I visited there as
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The breathtakingly beautiful night sky, the reason Mongolia is home to many world-class observatories, is certainly one of a kind and will make you fall in love with someone next to you, simply by looking at the stars together. Thanks to almost nonexistent artificial light in the countryside and an average elevation of 1,580 meters, you do not need to count dates for the next meteor shower. Just point your camera to the sky and set an exposure time of 30 seconds. With some luck, you should be able to get three to four meteor tracks in a single frame.
part of a volunteer team. Upon landing at the airport, I became obsessed by its beauty and knew that I would return. However, upon my return to Korea, three years of military service followed by ten-plus years of a government job with crazy working hours kept me from pursuing my dream. So it was not until August 2015 that I finally managed to get back to the country, this time fully prepared for a week-long camping trip with my son. The weather was perfect, and the trip was fun.
38
Photos of The Month
Words by Alla Ponomareva
D
aejeon’s Jangtae Mountain is famous not for the scene you see captured, but mostly for the tall and magnificent metasequoia trees which were imported from the United States. They were the reason why I ventured out on a solo photography trip to capture the fall colors in this beautiful recreational forest.
1
Walking around, I found myself on a steady path up the mountain. Not knowing the exact way up or how long it would take, I persevered. The path was steady, and at almost every turn, I was greeted with more beautiful fall vistas. At the end of my climb, I came onto a flat spot, where a stone sculpture led the way to a balconylike opening in the trees. I had been curiously photographing left and right and could not pass by this last opportunity to see Jangtaesan from up above. I looked out from the balcony onto the vista that you see captured here.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Moral of the story: venture out into the unknown, whether alone or with a group, and do not forget to bring your camera!
3
The Gwangju News is now going to feature a few photos of the month instead of only one on a regular basis. By making this change, we hope to create more opportunities to promote more photographers based in the Jeollanam-doregion and to show off our beautiful province from different areas and angles. Submissions can be posted in the “Photography in the South” Facebook group throughout the preceding month.
39 1. Photo by Alla Ponomareva 2. Photo by Sean D’Angelo 3. Photo by Anuj Madan 4. Photo by Sean Walker 5. Photo by Erin Stewart
2
November 2016
4
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
5
40
Synergy: International Art and Performance
ARTS & CULTURE
Words by Anastasia Traynin Photos courtesy of Jordan Mathis
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
1
B
y 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 8 the First Floor Global Lounge of the Gwangju International Center transforms from an office and lounge setting to a live performance venue. Young local and international residents intermingle, buy drinks and snacks and look at the art hanging on the walls of the gallery next to the main hall. Soon, the lights dim and the MC announces that the show is about to start. This third installment of Synergy, a new Gwangju-based creative project, brings together residents’ musical, visual, written and spoken talents. Early this year, spoken-word poet, writer and teacher Gabrielle Zilla,
who hails from New Jersey, joined forces with visual artists and elementary school teachers Annie Bratko and Lauren Giuliani to build a performance and visual art collaborative event. “I started planting creative shows in New Jersey,” Zilla said. “I run a show for one-and-a-half years before I move to another city. I originally intended to keep doing that, but then I met Annie and Lauren and they had a gallery motif. We find new ways to incorporate the two styles.” The first Synergy event took place at the GIC in May 2016 and the second one moved to Chonnam Backgate’s
Loft 28 bar, with each installment showcasing a diverse range of artists. While giving a Synergy audience member a henna tattoo, co-founder Bratko explained that the GIC approached her and Giuliani to create an art gallery in the First Floor space. She said that after the April closing of the former SALT Art Gallery in Gyerim-dong, there was a void to fill for showing and viewing art in Gwangju. The Synergy team has since expanded to include teachers Boipelo Seswane, Jordan Mathis, Joshua Alexander Wright and local resident Ziyong Lee. The project’s loose form allows for this creative concept to be taken up by any interested members of the community.
41
4 2
1. Synergy Artists and curators; left to right: Jeon Minju, Cathy Medvigy, Laureline Claeys, Jordan L. Mathis, Kim Dohwi, Annie Bratko, Maia Gillet, Philippa Hodge, Aine Byrne. 2. Jessica Enrique and Ryne Santos 3. Emily Johnson selling her handcrafted prints on postcards, bags and accessories. 4. People viewing artwork 5 and 6. Person drawing on tattoo board
3
5 songs are very famous in Korea, so in that case, it is familiar.” Kim’s friend Son Jae-hyun suggested a challenge for a future Synergy show: singing Korean songs together with foreigners.
For international audience members, Synergy can function as a way to find something familiar in a foreign environment. “It is a sense of home,” said Josh Garcia, a hagwon teacher and new Gwangju resident. “I am a musician. It is nice to find a place with art from around the world, something to connect with.”
Bratko is hoping that community members will replace the current international Synergy team after they move on to other places. Most importantly, she said: “Give us your art!” The final event of 2016, a release party for “Be Still,” Zilla’s book of collected prose and poetry which had a July 2016 release in the U.S., will take place sometime in December at the GIC, with a more visual art focus. For more information on Synergy and how to get involved, visit the Synergy: International Art Space Facebook page or Zilla’s website at: zilla101.com. 6
November 2016
Some Korean audience members find it a novel experience to interact with many international residents in one space. Elementary school teacher Kim Do-hwi, who had a painting included in the third installment, was introduced to Synergy through a foreign co-worker. “It is good because it is a special experience,” Kim said. “Korean friends feel shy because there are many foreigners. They cannot speak English. Some [performed]
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
“This show will probably function after I am gone,” Zilla said. “It is a very build-able show. It can adapt. Someone who has a different style is more than welcome. I want to see it go for a long time.”
42
Suncheon
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
TRAVEL
Words and Photos By Ryan and Stephanie Hedger
T
here are few better times to visit and tour South Korea than in autumn. With leaves changing colors and the temperature reaching that perfect balance between summer and winter, the fall season is the perfect time to enjoy nature one last time before the frosts of winter take hold. While Bukhansan, Naejangsan and Seoraksan might see some of the highest volumes of traffic during the autumn months and are well known for their impressive color palates, Suncheon, a frequently underestimated city in the South Jeolla Province, provides the perfect escape for people wanting to enjoy the warm tones of fall without the kind of crowds guaranteed in national parks.
Being on the southern coast of Korea, Suncheon offers a unique advantage over the northern fall foliage hotspots in that the leaves down south are the last to change. Suncheon’s trees are not scheduled to change until weeks after Seoraksan and Bukhansan start showing their yellows and reds. For photographers and nature lovers alike, Suncheon offers several prime locations for experiencing fall’s changing colors long after many other locations have already begun their slow descent into the depths of winter.
Philosophers’ Hike
Easily the best place to get into nature and see the changing colors of fall is on the Philosopher’s Hike in Jogyesan Provincial Park. Starting at
Songgwang Temple, visitors can take a leisurely hike up the mountain to Seonam Temple on the other side of Jogye Mountain (named for the Jogye Buddhist Order). Not only does this hiking course provide elevated and dramatic views of the countryside and the autumn colors blanketing the nearby hills, but also the Philosophers’ Hike treats visitors to the beauty of Korean temples in this spectacular season. From beginning to end, this hike is an endless landscape of beautiful buildings at both temples, and provides the opportunity to enjoy serene seclusion on the valley walk back to the trail’s starting point.
Suncheon Garden and Bay
Less “off the beaten path” than the
AROUND KOREA
43
r
About the authors: Two wanderlusts from Oklahoma, Ryan and Stephanie sold all of their belongings and moved to South Korea in 2013. They are the duo behind Hedgers Abroad and have fallen in love with travel, photography and South Korea. Be sure to head over to their blog for more of their travels. Blog www.hedgersabroad.com Facebook: /hedgersabroad Instagram: /hedgersabroad
is sure to have beautiful coloration this time of year. Once you arrive at the Wetlands, the nature tour can resume. The reeds will be a uniform, waving sea of golden yellow and are sure to be an interesting departure from the typical foliage.
Naganeupseong Folk Village
Hurry to Suncheon
As winter’s cold clutches start to emerge and the fall’s brilliant colors slowly fade, remember that there are still places in the Southern provinces that may be holding out for a few more weeks. While most of Korea will have finished changing colors and losing leaves, remember that places like Suncheon might offer one last weekend of spectacular autumn beauty before winter arrives. But you will need to hurry if you hope to catch Suncheon’s autumn beauty!
November 2016
Nestled in the hills west of Suncheon, Naganeupseong Folk Village is a perfect metaphor for the season as a spectacular display of fading color surrounds and amplifies a remnant of Korea’s past. This folk village has been the site of Korean dramas and is very well maintained. Like with temples, traditional houses fit perfectly with the backdrop of fall. Although film crews are likely not to be present, it is hard not to imagine oneself being on
the set of a television series or having been transported through time to an ancient village. www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Philosophers’ Hike, Suncheon offers more in both historical sites and attractions focusing on nature. For people looking to witness dramatic color spectrums and natural vistas, the Suncheon Garden and Wetlands are perfect destinations. Known for its flowers and landscaping, the Garden Expo is most famous for its spring and summer flowers and plants. In fall, however, the gardens are still quite beautiful and the crowds are significantly reduced. The real unique quality of this area of Suncheon, though, is the connectedness. After touring the gardens, we recommend riding the Sky Cube rail system out to the Wetlands and Suncheon Bay. The Sky Cube is a private elevated rail system that allows for an aerial tour of the city, which
44 lOST IN THE SOUTH
Fall Colors and Temple Hikes:
Mudeung Mountain
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
TRAVEL
Words and Photos By Abhishek Sahu
M
udeungsan, simply put, is the outdoor location to see if you are visiting Gwangju and want some natural exposure. There are incredible volcanic colonnades, sweeping views, vertigoinducing cliffs and peaceful temples. Mudeungsan is the prominent landmark looming over the East side of Gwangju. Our city’s outdoor pride received National Park status in the spring of 2013, and welcomes droves of local and nation-wide hikers every weekend. There are two entrances to Mudeungsan, the front and the back entrance. We will focus on the front entrance, and deal with two areas of interest. The first area of interest is Mudeung Village, with restaurants and easywalking paths for those not interested in hiking but wishing to enjoy the peaceful mountain. The second area is the hiking trails. We have included our favorite hike to enjoy the fall colors of Mudeung-san, with a beautiful temple stop as well.
The Mudeung Park Village
The Mudeung Park village, which
sprang to life when the park’s status was changed from Provincial Park to National Park in 2013, is easy to get to, accessible by eight different buses, or is just an affordable cab ride away. It is full of hiking shops and restaurants. Wander around and enjoy the varied and sometimes eye-twisting shades of jackets and hats on display. The grounds around the Mudeung Village are idyllic, with wide lawns, rows of shade trees and a street of traditional Korean restaurants. All the food is delicious, but look for ones that have a patio or dining area overlooking the stream. You can sit, look at the trees and listen to the water as you eat. Even if hiking is not your thing, you should still check out the Mudeung Park Entrance. Go with friends for dinner, take a date for a stroll or go alone for stress relief. Whatever the reason, you will not regret it, just go! Explore!
Jeungsimsa Temple
For a longer walk beyond the Mudeung Park Village, head up the paved
road to look at the lovely and secluded Jeungsimsa, a Buddhist Temple. Although the driveway leading up to the Jeungsimsa is steep, it is worth the visit. The temple is small, quaint and beautiful. Stacked on several rows of retaining walls, huge trees line the grounds and although only 15 minutes from a bus stop, the site carries an air of seclusion difficult to find so close to the city.
45 Compass Korea provides English speaking tourists with not only logistical information so they can travel confidently, but also HD video guides so they can get an accurate sneak peak of where they will be going. Visit the Compass Korea website at: http://compasskorea.com
The SaeInBong Cliffs Hike
November 2016
If you are around in the spring time usually in early May, make sure to visit during the Buddha’s Birthday celebration. The temple is decked out in paper lanterns and the holiday festivities last the entire week. Afterwards, enjoy some delicious traditional tea as you listen to a bubbling Korean brook tumble over the rocks at your feet.
For such a short hike, you are rewarded with stunning hundred foot cliffs and a great view of the city. The cliffs are so situated that you sort of stumble onto them. Honestly, you are on a trail one second, and a cliff face the next. That stunning effect never goes away. This hike is perhaps one of the best “bang-for-your-buck” hikes, especially in the spring or fall when you can revel in the gorgeous cherry blossoms or fall foliage that bedecks the landscape.
If it is a beautiful day, bring a snack and a drink because you are going to want to stay for a while and take it all in. Enjoy your time on the mountain! www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The cliffs are located behind the ridge that looks down on the Mudeung Village. It takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to ascend, depending on your pace and if you stop and see the temples (such as Jeungsimsa) on the way up.
46
The Dance Chronicles Words by Thando Mlambo Photos by Heeseung Kim
M
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
y relationship with dance has always felt like a game of hide and seek. My body, my mind and my soul never seemed to agree on what to do, but my body always succeeded on moving to prove my mind wrong and my soul always pulsated louder than the two. It all began in 1997. I was in the second grade and loved watching music videos, mostly RnB and Hip-hop videos with the dance breaks in them. I would memorize the choreographies and teach my friends. By fifth grade I was teaching even the older kids under the big oak tree on the playground, where my voice would be the soundtrack to whatever song I taught. At that time, Britney Spears and the likes of N’sync were the queen and kings of dance videos and made what I loved even more exciting, because everyone wanted to learn whatever new music video they released.
By high school, I got involved with dance crews during what was the “You Got Served” dance era where battling was the name of the game. We won battles and performed all over the city. I could never bring myself to learn choreographies. When someone else was teaching me, my mind would go blank and I was always the last to learn what we were doing for a performance, but somehow, when it came down to it, I would go and “smash the choreo” like it was my own on the day. They called me SK and DQ (Silent Killer and Dance Queen). Over the years, I have watched what dance does to people. I have never been good with words, but the thing about the arts is that it creates other ways for us to communicate and live out life and of course is just a good way to keep fit as well.
It is honestly been an emotional journey because dance gives me life, and doing it makes my soul leap. Korea has been exactly the same. It all catches up with you. If you ever want to dance with me, we have classes three times a month atMovin’ Up Dance Studio, downtown (across from the ACC Bus Stop). Due to rehearsals and shows, November will be a break from weekend classes. You can catch my choreography in the upcoming “Little Shop of Horrors” musical in December.
Moving Meditation
SPORTS
47
Words by joshua Wright
F
or the last 13 years that I have been dancing and performing, I have been able to come closer to a more in-depth “knowledge of self.” Dance is a powerful form of meditation. When dancing, not performing, we are able to look inside ourselves to realize what we are able to do and what we want to do. We are able to find our limits and find the perfect way to push them. We are physically able to project our thoughts, emotions and intentions without having to suffer through verbal obstacles. Through performance we are able to be the moving mirrors and reflective surfaces for our audience’s intentions and emotions so that they too can be brought into thought. Dance and a dancer’s intention and presence can provoke thought and at times are able to encourage dialogue about current world happenings. I believe dancers are a physical,
dynamic and moving representation of what artists, musicians, poets and painters want to project into the world. Above all, I believe all people have the capability to dance and express themselves. Dance is an activity that allows you to learn and develop skills not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. In the process of learning how to dance, we are able to learn about ourselves. When learning couple dances, such as salsa, merengue, kizomba, bachata, modern duet pieces and other dance forms, we are able to learn how to “listen and respond with respect” to others around us. When dancing with a partner, the encompassing goal is to become a fluid and expressive unit. The beauty of becoming this unit is that not only are those around you enthralled, but you and your partner have subconsciously and non-verbally created a
way to communicate to one another, and also together “speak” to those around you. We as humans are full of amazing stories to tell and deeds to perform. I believe that forms of dance, music, visual art, spoken word and written word flow through every being’s veins for the sole purpose of expressing one’s self to the fullest. Our only task is that we have to explore and discover those gems of expression for ourselves. As I always say, “Ultimately, we are fully capable of being the captains of our own ‘ships.’” Joshua Wright teaches classes every Thursday 9:30-11 p.m., at Loft 28 in Chonnam University’s Back Gate. He teaches Latin and Afro-Latin styles of dance, such as salsa, merengue, bachata, kizomba and others. The cost is 10,000 won per class.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
48
Quality Teacher Talk for Quality Language Learning Words and Photos Courtesy of Dr. David Shaffer
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
EDUCATION
sonal story or words of wisdom, as Korean teachers are so eager to give.
Teach Frequently-Used Expressions
I
t was more than 30 years ago that Stephen Krashen told us that students need a lot of “comprehensible input” to learn a second language. That is especially true in an EFL environment like Korea, where learners may have little to no English to interact with outside of the classroom. In such an environment, it is imperative that the teacher provide that English that “teacher talk” - in class. This talk, however, needs to be more than just small-talk. It needs to be planned. It needs to be principled. It needs to be quality teacher talk.
Quantity and Quality While learners need a lot of input in the form of teacher talk, one must not think that any kind of talk will do. The quantity must be accompa-
nied by quality. Teacher talk is better than recorded speech, because it can be a method used for providing interactive success with the class and on topics of interest to them. The talk should be at the level of the class or just a little above. Learning is most efficient when the learner is presented with challenges that they can be successful at without too much difficulty. Having students speak to each other is useful for speaking practice, but they also need teacher talk, because they need to listen to language that is more difficult and more fluent than what they or their classmates can presently produce. Teacher talk comes in many packages. It may be instructions to activities, explanations of grammar structures and word meanings, feedback in the form of corrections or praise or even a per-
To facilitate the understanding of the teacher-talk expressions that are most commonly used in the classroom, some class time should be spent in teaching these expressions, in making sure that the students have a clear understanding of what they mean. These expressions should be used often in the classroom. Use expressions that bring the class to order (I often say, “Okay, class, settle down,” when I am ready to begin). They would include grouping expressions for activities (“Okay, let’s make groups of three,” “Count off from one to six.”), corrective feedback (“Okay, let’s try that again,” “How would I pronounce it?”) and praise (“There you go!). It is not a good idea to try to teach them all of these phrases in the same lesson. Just a couple of them each lesson should be used, preferably after using them in an authentic situation.
Encourage Interaction Although the term “teacher talk” suggests that it is the teacher, and solely the teacher, that does the talking, quality teacher talk builds layers of interaction on the part of the student. This student interaction may be silent or spoken. The technique of Total Physical Response (TPR) is one such method, where the teacher
KOTESOL 49 simply asks the class to execute actions (“Pick up your pencil ‌ Okay, write your name on your paper ‌ Now, circle your family name ‌â€?). Another activity that checks student understanding is to have the class say “No!â€? when they hear impossible actions that the teacher has intentionally interspersed into the teacher talk (“And then the boy flew to the top of the hill.â€? — “No!â€?). The teacher may also intersperse their teacher talk with yes-no questions directed at the whole class or at individual students (“He went with his family to Myeongsa-shimri for a vacation at the beach. Have you ever gone to Myeongsa-shimri?â€?). Or, you may elicit short responses that require the student to provide information (“Where did you go during your summer vacation?â€?).
ZZZ VHRVHRN RU NU %DHOVHS UR 'RQJ JX *ZDQJMX &RQWDFW 6XQJ KR .,0
We are happy to welcome you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and to have you comfortable in our church.
6LPXOWDQHRXV DQG &RQVHFXWLYH ,QWHUSUHWDWLRQ .RUHDQ Ň (QJOLVK IRU 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DW D P DQG S P *XLGDQFH RI WKH ,Q &KXUFK /LIH )DLWK &RXQVHOOLQJ
Tell Them a Story
6HRVHRN (OHPHQWDU\ 6FKRRO &KRQQDP 8QLYHUVLW\ +RVSLWDO
1DP *ZDQJMX 2YHUSDVV
'RQJP\XQJ &KXUFK
6HRVHRN &KXUFK
6DOHVLR *LUOVÄ? +LJK 6FKRRO
&KRVXQ 8QLYHUVLW\
6DQVX ZD\ ,QWHUVHFWLRQ -LVDQ 3RVW 2IILFH
3OHDVH DVN IRU D UHFHLYHU DW WKH IURQW GHVN RQ HQWHULQJ WKH FKXUFK
Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Monthly Meeting Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Monthly Meeting Date: Saturday, November 12 Place: Gwangju National University of Education
The Author David E. Shaffer is President of the GwangjuJeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings (2nd Saturday of the month). For many years, Dr. Shaffer has been a professor of English Language at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate and undergraduate courses. He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and a holder of various KOTESOL positions, including First Vice-President and Publications Committee Chair. He credits KOTESOL for much of his professional development in English language teaching.
November 2016
• Morning Reflective Practice Session (Kenya CafÊ) • Two Main Session Presentations of EFL Topics • SwapShop – Share with the group an activity or teaching idea that you have. For full conference details: • Website: koreatesol.org/gwangju • Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL
&KXQJDQJ /LEUDU\
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Over the years, I have often heard students say that the teacher who they liked best was the one who related stories – life-lessons, actually – from their own lives or others. Such a technique can be incorporated into teacher talk. You may wish to incorporate hand-held pictures or images projected onto a screen. For lower-level learners, heavy reliance on images can be very helpful as an aid for their comprehension. It is also a good idea to retell the story later, and on each telling, rely on fewer images. With young learners, you may wish to tell well-known folktales, such as the Chilseok story of Gyeon-u and Jik-nyeo. These stories could be supplemented with pictures or even with short online video clips of the folktale with the audio turned off. Short videos on any topic with the audio off can be used with students at any level for story-telling. You can use the same video with different proficiency levels, adjusting your teacher talk to the level of your class. And you can tell different stories using the same video. Your story-telling options are virtually limitless.
50 FROM ABROAD
Sweater Weather, American Memories
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
COMMUNITY
Words by Maddy Miller Photo courtesy of Maddy Miller and GIC
C
old mornings, sweater weather and the return of tea time all signify the presence of fall and the soon arrival of my favorite childhood holiday: Thanksgiving. I grew up in Southern California, so my family did not always have the autumn weather to add to the experience of the season, but we still cel-
ebrated fall in many of the traditional ways others do. I can remember one particular year when cousins, siblings and I were thrown by the dads/uncles into piles of leaves in my grandparents’ backyard. That was the year that I decided I was too big for the game – not only
did my dad throw out his back from the effort, but I hit the bottom of the pile for the first time. No soft landing that year, but I could still appreciate the smell of the leaves and the laughter of younger cousins. My grandpa was infamous for struggling with the turkey knife, a mon-
51
“
Most American schoolchildren learn about the brave Pilgrims facing the dangers of the New World and battling it out with weather and disease, all the while interacting with Indians – sometimes friend and sometimes foe. Recently, though, Thanksgiving has been brought to light differently.
“
strous beast of a blade that never failed to scare me out of my wits the instant it revved to life. He would mutter the kind, old-man versions of cussing under his breath. Things such as: “The darned thing just won’t give up,” the notorious, “What the …?” and my favorite, “Curse the rum out of the inventor of this glory-forsaken machinery.” My family is often hard to deal with, but my grandpa’s pseudo-swearing gave all within earshot a chuckle.
Personally, I agree with the call for awareness. As a white American, I did not receive enough education regarding the “others” in our country, despite the fact that there are more “others” than “whites.” I think there should be more focus on the tragedy that occurred – even if it means explaining these harsh facts to the young in elementary schools. But, I would like to keep the holiday (whether we call it Columbus Day,
Even living in a foreign country, I can still practice gratitude. For us Americans here in Korea, November 24th will feel too much like a normal Thursday. I miss mashed potatoes and stuffing (but never was a huge fan of the turkey). It is hard to work and be away from family on a day that should be dedicated to just the opposite. In any case, I challenge Americans to think about the sacrifices that were made nearly 400 years ago and be grateful for what those difficulties have allowed.
November 2016
While the original Thanksgiving holiday was essentially what we imagine – warm-fuzzies of the colonists and Native Americans in the year 1620 sharing a gut-busting potluck of epic proportions – what succeeded that event was massive devastation of thousands of displaced people
Because of the miseducation (or misunderstanding) of what really happened during those days, many modern Americans of both native and immigrant heritages have been raising the cries that Columbus Day and Thanksgiving cloud what today’s Americans know of our history. Many people have been clamoring for the move to change what is known as Columbus Day into “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”
Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Thanksgiving Day) as just that – a time off from work and school, for the sake of resting, being with family and being thankful. I think it is meaningful to have a time set aside from “normal” just to reflect on those concepts.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Most American schoolchildren learn about the brave Pilgrims facing the dangers of the New World and battling it out with weather and disease, all the while interacting with Indians – sometimes friend and sometimes foe. Recently, though, Thanksgiving has been brought to light differently. As an Anglo-American, I never really experienced these new types of views about the holiday in my home, but I have now come to understand that the holiday may not be all it is cracked up to be.
across the early American territories. Realistically speaking, the British colonists wanted to come conquer the land but were killed off in droves due to harsh climates. Two local Native Americans living in the area did these men a favor and helped them develop skills that allowed them to survive their second winter in the new land.
52
Op-ed
Leadership in Organizations OPINION
Words by David and Di Foster Photo courtesy of GIC
do. So, are there any universal characteristics that are equivalent with good leadership? Leaders seek to achieve organizational goals through the willing cooperation of their staff. The essential point is “willing,” as demanding compliance, in our modern knowledge economy, is no longer realistic for the long term. Even where appointed leaders get away with a command and control approach, those who obey may not be doing so willingly and therefore may not give their all.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
M
any people suggest that the ideas developed around leadership in Western organizations are not really applicable in more Confucian societies, even within societies as economically developed as Korea. Some people suggest that being an effective leader depends upon one’s style, and of course, a so-called democratic style displayed by some Western executives may not work as well in Korea. Others believe that given the hierarchical nature of many Korean organizations, leadership is seen as something that can only be exercised by those in the upper ranks. Still others suggest that the high-power distance of these Eastern societies, which instils respect for authority, means that managers have to be obeyed, no matter what they say or
Today, leadership is recognized as being about relationships where inspiration, influence, a positive attitude and effective communication are essential features. Leaders inspire their staff to achieve organizational goals, ensure an alignment of values, empower them to become more self-directed and link efforts to reward. What sort of person can inspire others to achieve certain goals or undertake particular tasks and deliver maximum effort day in and day out? Research in many countries has found that employees tend to be willing to follow people whom they can trust, are forward-looking, confident, passionate and most of all, credible. These personal qualities are not particular styles or behaviors, but they generally transcend as important qualities to have in different cultures and work environments. Importantly, research has also shown that these qualities are not something
that one has to copy from someone else. Likewise, they are not something we are born with and they are not fixed for life, nor do they reflect one’s position in the hierarchy. They are a reflection of our personality and values and can be developed over time. This development begins with selfawareness, understanding oneself and how one is perceived by others. Most importantly in this journey of self-awareness is one’s ability to identify and understand one’s emotional reaction to certain circumstances, how to manage those reactions and the ability to recognize others’ emotional reactions. This is often labelled as “Emotional Intelligence,” and it is certainly something that can be developed. If relationships are the essence of leadership activity, then the role of emotions in those relationships is crucial. Learning how to identify and manage one’s emotions and knowing how these affect one’s relationships with others (including staff members) becomes the essence of effective leadership. While the conceptualization of relationships may differ in different cultures, the role that emotions play is part of the human condition that binds us all. We may express ourselves differently, but the need to understand others and manage them as a leader is common and important to all.
KOREAN CULTURE
53
The Korean Bottle of Joy and Sorrow
Soju
Words by Namhee Cho
This unique method of producing alcohol is part of the heritage passed down by wise Korean ancestors.
W
There are signature types of soju for all eight provinces in the Korean peninsula. 참이슬 (Chamisul) for Seoul, 좋은데이 (Joen Day) and C1
The high alcohol content of soju attracted only men before the millennium. Hence the most popular female celebrity of the time would always appear on soju advertisements and posters to target men. However, after the IMF Crisis in the late 1990s, soju manufacturers reduced the amount of ethanol in soju to attract more women and increase sales. Soju became a drink for all Koreans and it led to research and development introducing more varieties of low alcohol content soju, including fruit flavors, both mild and intense. Ever since soju was introduced to the public, glasses of soju have always been on the table, whether for sadness or happiness. Serving as a stimulus for bringing up stories at the table, a bottle of soju will continue to contain bittersweet stories of joy and sorrow of the Koreans, and represent Korea.
November 2016
The soju that some Koreans and international residents drink today is different from what people had in the past. Up until the Joseon dynasty, the king and aristocrats of the era enjoyed this traditional drink. It was made by means of traditional rice distillation and of other crops, thus, it was regarded as a valuable drink, and was sometimes used for medical treatment due to its high alcohol content.
Machine-based soju manufacturing companies introduced new ways of producing soju. Instead of distillation, the alcohol extracted from various ingredients was diluted. The extracted alcohol has a concentration of around 85 to 95 percent ethanol, and it was then diluted with water to reduce it to 20 to 35 percent. In order to eliminate bitterness and the distinct smell of the ethanol content, a few additives such as sugar and spices were, and still are, added to the volume. Today’s diluted soju does not have noticeable characteristics itself, therefore the taste and the mildness are mostly dependent on the extra ingredients added to the mixture.
for Busan, and 잎새주 (Ipsaeju) for Gwangju and Jeonnam region, represent their respective regions. Once there were 254 soju manufacturers, but in 1977, they were merged into 10 major manufacturing factories in each province. The government only allowed one manufacturing company per province, which caused more than half of people’s soju consumption to consist entirely of soju made from within these residents’ region, to promote the development of each region’s soju. However in 1996, the law was abolished, and it opened up competition among the 10 manufacturers nationwide.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
hat do you tend to rely on when you feel down? Often you will hear many Koreans say, “Let’s go for a shot of soju together,” whenever they feel blue. Soju has been part of Korean society since being introduced by the Mongolians in the 13th century. Today, along with Hallyu, The Korean Wave, soju has gained attention from outside the country as one aspect of Korean culture that Koreans take for granted.
The period in the 1960s and 1970s in Korea can be regarded as “The era of soju reformation.” By the year 1965, soju experienced a major overturn of its history. During the Park Junghee regime, the enforcement of the “Grain Management Act” empowered the government and gave it the right to control soju’s production. Hence rice could no longer be used as an ingredient of soju and it was replaced by cheaper imported ingredients, such as sweet potato, golden syrup and tapioca, which reduced the price at the same time.
Photo by Joe Wabe
54
EXPAT LIVING
How to: COMMUNITY
Start Your Own Business in Korea
Words by Daniel Choi
B
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
eing an international entrepreneur in Korea is not easy. Neither is the process of obtaining the proper business license required for such endeavors as starting one’s own business in Korea. There are few steps that one must take in order to secure a business license. First off, there are only two types of visas that can be used to apply for a business license: one is the F-6, which is a marriage visa, and the other is the D-8, which is an investment visa or start-up visa. I will not cover the D-8 in this article. Instead, I will focus on the F-6 process. For those holding an F-6 visa, it is a relatively straight-forward process to get a personal business license. Just follow these few steps. 1. Choose what type of business you want to run. 2. Find the desired location for your business.
3. Call to the district office where you want to open your business. 4. Gather the required paperwork as specified by the district office. 5. Arrange for an inspection of the prospective building for your business by the district office. 6. Sign the building contract. 7. Submit additional required documents. 8. Obtain a registration certificate. 9. Visit the district tax office where your shop is located, bringing with you your ARC (Alien Registration Card), Registration certificate and building contract. 10. Complete the tax form and submit it along with other required documents. 11. Receive your business license! Remember that when you apply for your business license, the documents needed and the procedures you go through will be based on what type of business you want to open. Some pitfalls may await you, depending on
the kind of business. For example, some businesses may require that your building space be of certain sizes and dimensions. Many business licenses may require that you have a dedicated space. Utilizing a residential building, such as your apartment, may not be permitted. I do not recommend starting a restaurant out of your house, but even technology-driven businesses are held to this requirement, so, no computer companies in your garage. Other business licenses might require some evidence of expertise, such as a degree or certification in a particular field. That is not to mention the obvious considerations. A restaurant will be open to inspection and be required to follow health codes, for example. More information will be available in the next article.
55 Survival Korean includes the most essential Korean phrases you need to know while traveling or living in Korea. The expressions come with detailed explanations as well as fun and useful information about the situation where they are used.
Talk to Me In Korean Talk To Me In Korean and Seoulistic are proud to present to you
Survival Korean! Make your stay in Korea much easier and enjoy it to the fullest with Survival Korean!
Whether you are just traveling or living in Korea, this book, the perfect size that can fit right in your purse, will come in handy whenever you want something.
Common Phrases (place+에) 어떻게 가요? [(place+에) eo-tteo-ke ga-yo?] : How do I get to (place)? Adjust this phrase by placing the name of the place you are looking for at the beginning of the sentence. If you attach -에 [-e] (location particle) at the end of the name of the place, it will be easier for people to understand, but if you forget, it is no big deal. This phrase can be used for both walking directions, as well as public transportation.
Sample Sentences 경복궁(에) 어떻게 가요? [gyeong-bok-kkung(-e) eo-tteo-ke ga-yo?] = How do I get to Gyeongbok Palace? 서울역(에) 어떻게 가요? [seo-ul-lyeok(-e) eo-tteo-ke ga-yo?] = How do I get to Seoul Station? 여기 (식당/병원/카페/etc.) + 있어요? [yeo-gi (restaurant/hospital/cafe/etc.) + i-sseo-yo?] : Are there any (restaurants/ hospitals/cafes) around here? When you are just looking for a specific type of service or place rather than a specific location, you can use this phrase. If you are looking for an inexpensive place to stay for the night, this phrase may be useful when looking for a 찜질방 [jjimjil-bang] (dry sauna with sleeping areas), which is the most affordable option when looking for a place to sleep.
Sample Sentences 여기 우체국 있어요? [yeo-gi u-che-guk i-sseo-yo?] = Is there a post office around here? 여기 편의점 있어요? [yeo-gi pyeo-nui-jeom i-sseo-yo?] = Is there a convenience store near here? (name of a station) + 역에서 (지하철을) 타서 + (name of a station) + 역에서 내리세요. [(name of a station) + yeo-ge-seo (ji-ha-cheo-reul) ta-seo (name of a station) + yeo-ge-seo nae-ri-se-yo.] = Take the subway at (name of a station) + station and get off at (name of a station) + station. If you know which subway station from which you need to leave and at which one you will be arriving, you can use one of the numerous Seoul subway applications on your cell phone (with an English menu), which will calculate the best routes from one station to another. Sample Sentences 압구정 역에서 타서 을지로3가 역에서 내리세요. [ap-kku-jeong yeo-ge-seo ta-seo eul-jji-ro-sam-ga yeo-ge-seo nae-rise-yo.] = Take the subway at Apgujeong Station and get off at Euljiro-3-ga Station.
Sample Sentences (Looking at a map) 여기로 가면 은행이 보일 거예요. [yeo-gi-ro ga-myeon eu-naeng-i bo-il kkeo-ye-yo.] = If you go here/ this way, you will see a bank (pointing in a direction). This is an extract from the book, Survival Korean, available at MyKoreanStore.com
November 2016
여기로/저기로 [yeo-gi-ro/jeo-gi-ro] = (to) here, this way/(to) there, that way This phrase can be used when guiding someone by pointing in a specific direction or even when pointing to a place on a map.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
길을 잃었어요. [gi-reul i-reo-sseo-yo.] = I am lost. Literally this phrase means “I have lost the road” but is understood as “I am lost.”
56
Community Board
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
November 2016
Have something you want to share with the community? Gwangju News community board provides a space for the community to announce clubs’ activities and special events. Please contact gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for more information. Advertise with us by contacting gwangjunews@gic.or.kr UNESCO KONA VOLUNTEERS KONA Storybook Center (KSC) is a registered public small library supported by UNESCO KONA Volunteers (UKV). UKV is a registered organization that helps disadvantaged children to learn English independently through storybooks and story-maps. We guide family and children to develop the love of reading storybooks in English. We also guide them how to volunteer using storybooks. We are looking for long-term volunteers who desire to enrich their lives. We are asking volunteers to commit to helping at least once a month. The days of KONA volunteering and the facilities are as follows: 1. KONA Storybook Center every Saturday afternoons / 3- 5 p.m. 2. Gwangju Children’s Home 1st, 2nd and 4th Saturday, 3 – 5 p.m. 3rd Sunday, 3 – 5 p.m. 3. Grandmother’s Community Children’s Center 4th Friday 4 – 6 p.m. For more information, please visit http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers or our Facebook page of KONA Storybook Center and UNESCO KONA Volunteers or contact Kim Young-Im 062-434-9887 or email konacenter@gmail.com
COMMNUNITY CLASSES AT THE GIC Tuesday Night Yoga – GIC Hall, 1F 7:00 ~ 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays Donation 5,000 ~ 10,000 won encouraged FB: Gwangju Yoga with Emily Gwangju Art Class – Room 3, 2F 12:30 ~ 3:00 p.m. Saturdays Price (vary) 5,000 ~ 10,000 won FB: Gwangju Art Class Gwangju Language Exchange – Global Lounge, 1F 1:30 ~ 3:00 p.m. Saturdays FB: Gwangju Language Exchange COMMUNITY EVENT AT THE GIC PechaKucha Night 7:00 ~ 9:00 p.m. Sat. Nov 12 – GIC Hall, 1F FB: PechaKucha Gwangju COMMUNITY EVENT IN GWANGJU Make it Great in 48 Film Screening 8:00 ~ 11:00 p.m. Sat. Nov 19 - Korea MacPC guys’ FB: Make it Great in 48 Film Screening COMMUNITY GROUPS IN GWANGJU
Gwangju – 광주 Gwangju Flea Market Gwangju Pets Gwangju Freecycle Gwangju Performance Project Global Families of Gwangju Gwangju EPIK Teachers Gwangju-Jeolla Job Bank Ladies of Gwangju and Vicinity Gwangju Yoga Gwangju Veggies Gwangju Filipino English Teachers (GFET)
2016 GWANGJU INTERNATIONAL CENTER KOREAN CLASS The Gwangju International Center (GIC) provides Korean classes to international residents in Gwanjgu and Jeolla provinces. which help them learn Korean and understand Korean culture. Please join our Korean classes to improve your Korean skills with our awesome Korean teachers! Tuition Fee: Weekdays classes 120,000 won (100,000 won for GIC Members) Saturdays classes 90,000 won (70,000 won for GIC Members) - How to register: Try online registration through the GIC website www. gic.or.kr or drop by the GIC - More information:Yangim Park, the GIC coordinatior (email: language@ gic.or.kr / phone: 062-226-2733) GWANGJU INTER FC The Gwangju International Soccer Team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly every weekend. If you are interested in playing, email: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com or search “Gwangju Inter FC” on Facebook.