(EN) Gwangju News October 2013 #140

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www.gwangjunewsgic.com

October 2013 Issue No. 140

On The Cover:

Lloyd Choi

British-Korean Exhibitor shares

AMURT Offering immediate aid to India's natives

Hong Kong Insights from visiting the “Fragrant Harbor”

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Please contact us for more details: 062-226-2732~34 karina@gic.or.kr or minsu@gic.or.kr

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Gwangju News October 2013

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October 2013

ON THE COVER

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

Gwangju News also welcomes letters to the editor regarding articles and issues. Articles and submissions may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.

THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher: Dr. Shin Gyonggu

GWANGJU NEWS PRINT Editor-in-Chief: Kathleen Villadiego Editor: Joey Nunez Sub-Editor: Shay Meinecke Layout Editors: Karina Prananto, Kim Minsu Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Kim Minsu Photo Editors: Karina Prananto, Simon Bond Chief Proofreader: Bradley Weiss Copy Editors: Heinrich Hattingh, Kaley LaQuea, Joey Nunez, Jon Ozelton, Jenn Tinoco, Bradley Weiss Proofreaders: Timm Berg, Somin Cha, Christie Fargher, Brian Fitzroy, Paul Foskey, Don Gariepy, Jessica Keralis, Dhyana Kim, Jannies Le, Jennifer Peedin, Samantha Richter, Pete Schandall, Kelly Shepherd, Nancy Valley Creative Consultant: Warren Parsons Researchers: Choi Junyong, Cheon Soyeon, Cho Haeri, Lee Jungmi, Park Kyungjin Illustrator: Faiz Alban

Cover Photo: Lloyd Choi, Gwangju Design Biennale 2013 Photograph: Joe Wabe

Hong Kong

By Catherine Stark

GWANGJU NEWS ONLINE Editor: C. Adam Volle Online Administrator: Carl Hedinger Online Editorial Assistant: Brittany Baker Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center Address: Jeon-il Building 5F, Geumnam-no 1-1, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, South Korea

Phone: +82-62-226-2733~4 Fax: +82-62-226-2731 Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com E-mail: gwangjunews@gmail.com Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Logos (Phone +82-62-444-8800) Publication Date: September 25, 2013 Copyright by the Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the written consent of the publishers.

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

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news 7 8

contents

This Month in Gwangju Upcoming Events

community 16 18 20 28 32

A Compassionate Connection to India Fall Theater Production Takes Stage in Gwangju A Chat with Bertha Bay-sa Pan Cooperation and Competition Birds Korea: A Global Home

photography 24 25 26

Photo of the Month Water Drops Japan: More Than Bridges

12 Gwangju Design Biennale

culture 34 36 37 53

KOREA: In the World — Uzbekistan Korean Myths: Yi Sun-shin Korean Sayings: Can’t Say a Word to One’s Liver Dear Korea

travel 22 30 45

Your Next Getaway: Hong Kong GIC Culture Tour to Damyang My Korea: Fireworks

health 38

16 A Compassionate Connection to India

Gaming Addiction, Myth or Reality

fashion 40

WILD : 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁

language & poetry 42 44 46 48

Selected Poems by Song Su-kwon and Shin Dal-ja Korean Postcard What's Wrong with Long-Used Teaching Practices At a Real Estate Agent

food 50 51

Corona: A Mexican Fusion Laver Jangajji 김 장아찌

52 54

Crossword Community Board

18 Fall Theater Production Takes Stage in Gwangju!

[Correction] From Gwangju News' September Cover Story, we would like to add the following sentences for further context and as corrections. Seosan Daesa's best disciple, Soyotaeryeong Daesa, fought in the battle against the Japanese army with General Kim Dukryeung at the Gamagol Yongchu temple near the Geumsaeongsanseong Fort. At this time, the Yongchu temple was burned. We apologize for what was previously printed as incorrect information and we thank you for your continued support of GN.

Gwangju News October 2013

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Meet a GN Contributor Heinrich Hattingh (Copy Editor, Canada) Being an avid traveler and having lived in Australia and Great Britain previously, in early 2008 I decided that I would like to experience East Asia.

As I had recently graduated as an English teacher, Japan and Korea came up as the most suited destinations where I would want to root myself for the next few years. South Korea came up trumps, and shortly after deciding that I was going to pursue this fairly unknown destination, I left my home in Canada for South Korea, which I would call home for the next five or so years.

As with many foreigners who come to Korea, I did not know what to expect or how long I would stay for. Needless to say, I was taken by Korea and its people. During the five years living on the Peninsula, I made an effort to see as much of the country and experience an equal amount of the rich culture which Korea offers. I loved it! Being an outdoors person, I really enjoyed spending time in the mountains and forests, which offers breathtaking natural beauty. I was also fortunate enough to have met some wonderful people with whom I had great times and who I am happy to call my friends.

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Gwangju News (GN) has given me the opportunity to be involved and to give back somewhat to the community. Since joining the team in 2012, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone and have been continuously impressed by the professionalism and hard work which everyone at GN puts into getting this magazine published monthly. I only have one regret — “Why did I not start working with Gwangju News earlier?”

Currently on the copy editing team, I hope that I can continue to contribute in a positive manner to make this, the oldest foreign monthly magazine in South Korea, become even more sought after to have and to read.

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

By Carl Hedinger Photos courtesy of the Gwangju Metropolitan City and Gwangju Design Biennale Home Appliances Pick-up

Photo courtesy of Gwangju Design Biennale

As of September 2, Gwangju started a pickup business that will aid in the disposal of large and unwanted home appliances. After registering, citizens can utilize this service on a specified date.

Those interested in participating can register via telephone (1599-0903), the web (www.edtd.co.kr) or Kakao Talk (id: weec). The Korean Electronic Industry Environmental Institution will pick up, transport and dispose of the appliances. Items accepted include TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, air and water purifiers and ovens.

However, some fee will be required for items such as electronic pianos, massage chairs or appliances in need of repair.

Gwangju Biennale is Back!

2013 Gwangju Design Biennale will show 600 pieces of artwork created by 358 foreign and domestic designers. A Biennale representative (Lee Yong-woo) and the director (Lee Young-hye) told news sources they are confident that this biennale will be more popular and interesting than before as it focuses on the industrialization of design and the idea of products instead of aesthetic concepts. This exhibition will feature five sections composed of a theme exhibition, main exhibition and a special exhibition on the industrialization of design. Another special exhibition on regional service design and a workshop comprise the remainder of the show. The theme exhibition focuses on displaying the excellence of Korean design and introduces creative design in foreign exhibitions. Finally, domestic and foreign designers will create a single flag for South and North Korea that aims to spark public interest. Main director Lee Young-hye hopes that a productive, effective and efficient 2013 Biennale will reach new highs and will also help stimulate the regional economy through increasing attendance figures.

Check out more on page 12

Gwangju River is a No Fishing Zone In accordance with the River Act, fishing is forbidden around the proclaimed “no-fishing zone” in the Gwangju River. This is thanks in part to a project geared toward changing the Gwangju River into a more environmentally-friendly waterway. City officials aim to prevent water pollution via fishing trash, but this can also be considered a response to multiple complaints about trash found along the river. No specific details were provided but crackdowns are planned in locations throughout the city to ensure cooperation and to establish the zone as a permanent feature of the Gwangju River.

Law Education Provided by Gwangju District Court Gwangju's District Court announced that from August 27 to October 1, five “Law Education for Citizens” lectures will take place. This program will be taught by an actual judge of the court, a judicial clerk and lawyer who will explain common legal questions related to auctions, rentals and car accidents. Afterward, a court “field trip” will be provided so participants can get more familiar with the court, trial procedures and laws which may be foreign concepts to them. Judge Han Ji-hyeong will speak on how to become a judicial officer. Citizens who complete this program will receive a certificate. There are also plans to appoint a participant member to the District Court.

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Upcoming Events: October 2013 Contributors: Choi Junyong, Cheon Soyeon, Cho Haeri, Lee Jungmi, Park Kyungjin (GIC Gwangju News Team)

Movie @ the Gwangju Theater Address: Chungjang-no 5-ga (two blocks back behind NC WAVE) Phone: 062-224-5858 Films change weekly to bi-weekly Fee: 8,000 won per person per film Check online for calendar and prices: http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju (in Korean)

Benda Bilili 벤다 빌리리

Genre: Documentary Directors: Renaud Barret, Florent de La Tullaye Starring: Leon Likabu, Roger Landu, Coco Ngambali Language: French Synopsis: This story features a group of handicapped street musicians from the Congo called Staff Benda Bilili. They dream of performing throughout Europe and becoming famous. The director shot the film for five years until the group finally became famous in Europe.

After Lucia 에프터 루시아

Genre: Drama Director: Michel Franco Starring: Tessa Ia, Hernan Mendoza, Gonzalo Vega Jr. Language: Spanish Synopsis: The story shows the relationship between Roberto and Alejandra, his 17-year-old daughter. After her mother's death, Roberto and Alejandra move to Mexico City where Lucia becomes the victim of school bullying. However she does not tell her father, so as not to make him feel more depressed.

Wunderkinder 한나를 위한 소나타

Genre: Drama Director: Markus Rossenmuller Starring: Natalia Avelon, Gedeon Burkhard, Rolf Kanies Language: German Synopsis: The movie is set in Ukraine during World War II and tells a story about three young girls who were friends and loved music, two of them Jewish and the other German. Their friendship continued despite the German invasion and the consequent war.

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Gwangju News October 2013

Behind the Candelabra 쇼를 사랑하는 남자

Genre: Drama Director: Steven Soderbergh Starring: Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Rob Lowe, Dan Aykroyd Language: English Synopsis: This biopic is a portrayal of pianist Liberace who had a secret affair with Scott Thorson, his young lover, whom he met after being introduced by a producer and then invited him to move in with him so that they could live together. Liberace tried to change Scott to be like him, in style as well as appearance. It eventually leads to several conflicts in their relationship and in Liberace himself.

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Match Team

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KIA Tigers Baseball Team October Match Schedule Date

Match Team

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Dinner in Hourglass also has a special offer of a glass of wine complimentary for each person paying our normal price of KRW41,500 inclusive.

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Venue: Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium (무등경기장) Directions: Buses 16, 38, 51, 53, 58, 89, 95, 98, or 151 get off at the Mudeung Stadium bus stop Admission: Adults 9,000 - 13,000 won Website: www.tigers.co.kr

Lobby Lounge 2013 Formula One Korea Grand Prix 2013 코리아그랑프리 Venue: Korea International Circuit, Yeongam, Jeollanam-do Dates: October 4 - 6 (racing date) Times: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Directions: From Gwangju, take a bus going to Mokpo Station, Mokpo Bus Terminal, Samho Bus Terminal (Yeongam) or Muan Airport. There are free Shuttle Buses at all locations (Interval: 5-10 minutes) Admission Fee: Seat B (5,000 won - 120,000 won), Seat A (10,000 won - 200,000 won), Seat S(15,000 - 600,000 won), Seat R (20,000 won - 890,000 won) Website: www.koreangp.kr

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Festivals Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival 2013 광주세계김치문화축제

Venue: Joongwae Park, Gwangju Dates: October 5 - 9 Program: The 20th commemoration, experience center of Kimchi, culture experience, public relation hall of world Kimchi lab, the street of Namdo specialty, Kimchi culture experience for foreigners Directions: Take bus 16 or 12 from U-Square and get off at Woonam 3 subdivision bus stop and walk to the right just over 12 minutes.

Phone: 062-613-3641~3 (Call for event times) Website: http://kimchi.gwangju.go.kr

Gokseong Simcheong Filial Duty Festival 곡성심청 효문화대축제

Venue: Seomjingang train village, Gokseong Dates: October 2 - 6 Program: Culture performances, accumulating rice offering 300 seok, etc.

Directions: Take the bus to Gokseong from the U-Square Bus Terminal (Interval Time: 15 minutes). From the Gokseong Bus Terminal, take the bus 220 and get off at the Yeongwoon Park bus stop and walk to the right for about 12 minutes.

Phone: 061-363-2011

Namdo Food Festival 남도음식문화큰잔치

Venue: Suncheon Naganeupseong, Jeollanam-do Dates: October 11 - 13 Times: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Admission Fee: Adults 2,000 won/ Youth 1,500 won/ Children 1,000 won Program: Jeollanamdo food exhibition, performance, culture experience Directions: Take a direct bus From U-square to Suncheon (takes 1 hour 30 minutes). From Suncheon Bus Terminal, take Suncheon Local Bus No. 61, 63, 68 and get off at Naganeupseong bus stop.

Phone: 061-749-4456 Website: www.namdofood.or.kr

2013 Rodeo Street Festival 2013 로데오거리 페스티벌

Venue: Rodeo square, Mokpo Date: October 5 Time: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Program: Flash mob for celebrating the festival, brand fashion show, culture market, Rodeo jazz party, charity auction, talent show Directions: Take the bus to Mokpo from U-Square (Interval Time: 20 - 30 minutes). From Mokpo bus terminal, take a taxi to Rodeo Square for about 3 minutes.

Phone: 061-270-8430

Chungjang Festival 2013 추억의 7080 충장축제

Venue: along Geumnam-ro Street, Dong-gu, Gwangju Dates: October 9 - 13 Times: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Programs: Experience program, photo exhibition, music performance, food festival Admission Fee: Free Phone: 062-608-2247~8 Website: www.cjr7080.com

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Gwangju News October 2013

Suncheon Bay Reeds Festival 순천만 갈대축제

Venue: Suncheon Bay, Suncheon, Jeollanam-do Dates: October 25 - 27 Admission Fee: Adults 2,000 won/ Youth 1,500 won/ Children 1,000 won Program: Suncheon Bay healing tour, reed song festival, hooded cranes garden Directions: Take the bus to Suncheon from U-square. Take the 67 bus going to Inwol-dong at the terminal. Get off at Suncheon Bay bus stop.

Phone: 061-749-4221 Website: reeds.sc.go.kr

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Exhibitions The 19th Gwangju International Community Day 제19회 광주국제교류의 날 Venue: Gwangju World Cup Stadium (parking lot of the Lotte Mart/ Outlet) Date: October 26 Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Programs: - Country Pavilion (Culture Exhibition and Traditional Food Sales) - Culture Experience Zone (Play and experience activities in other countries) - Information Center (Foreign Consultation and Information Services) - Global Stage (Music and Talent Performances) - Flea Market Phone: 062-226-2733/34 Website: www.gic.or.kr *We are also looking for volunteers for that day.

Please contact us for more info!

Performances Maksim Mrvica Korea Tour 2013 막심 므라비차 내한공연

Venue: Grand Theater, Gwangju Cultural and Art Center Date: October 8 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Admission Fee: Seat VIP 110,000 won / Seat R 90,000 won / Seat S 70,000 won Phone: 1600-6689

Cho Young Pil Tour Concert 2013 조용필 투어 콘서트 2013

Venue: Gwangju World Cup Stadium Date: October 12 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Admission Fee: Seat VIP 132,000 won / Seat R 110,000 won / Seat S 99,000 won / Seat A 88,000 won / Seat B 66,000 won Phone: 062-604-2002

Gwangju Design Biennale 2013 광주 디자인 비엔날레 2013

This year, Gwangju Design Biennale explores cultural habits, shared knowledge, and coded contexts of many unspoken ways we communicate with one another.

Venue: Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall Dates: September 6 - November 3 Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Admission Fee: Adults 10,000 won (*purchase at the GIC for 7,000 won)/ Youth 6,000 won/ Children 4,000 won Phone: 062-608-4114 Website: www.gwangjubiennale.org

'Gwangju and Jeonnam' old photo exhibition “A Record of Pure White” 순백의 기록

Venue: Gwangju Museum of Art (5, 6 exhibition hall) Dates: August 1 - November 3 Times: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. / Closed on Mondays Directions: Buses no. 64, 83 get off at Gwangju Biennale Or Buses no. 29, 48, 63 get off at Gu-Jeonnamdo office of education Admission Fee: Adult 500 won / Youth 300 won / Children 200 won Phone: 062-613-7100 Website: www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

A grayish-blue-powdered celadon at Mt. Mudeung 무등산 분청사기

Venue: Gwangju National Museum Date: July 23 - October 13 Times: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. / Closed on Mondays Directions: Buses no. 29, 48, 63, 84, 95 get off at Gwangju National Museum or Entrance of the Museum Admission Fee: Free Phone: 062-570-7000 Website: http://gwangju.museum.go.kr

Gwangju News October 2013 11

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feature

The Fifth Gwangju Design Biennale:

Past + Future = a Better Now

By Doug Stuber Photos taken and provided by Doug Stuber, Joe Wabe, Suji Cook and Kim Paik Sun

“A

nything Something,” (Geusigi, Meusigi) Artistic Director Lee Young Hye's concept for the fifth Gwangju Design Biennale has taken shape in a unified, yet multifaceted exhibit that, in an eco-friendly way, collects everything from chairs to sports equipment, to an organic farm and bakery and even to a collection of “Union Jack” products designed to let people show their national pride in many different ways.

The Design Biennale is both a coming-out party and homecoming for a woman named Lloyd Choi.

Lloyd, a fashion designer, design curator and consultant, who is working to bridge the business of new concepts between the United Kingdom and Korea, sat at a table set for high tea to talk

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about “Union Jack,” her display for this year's Biennale.

Gwangju News: Lloyd doesn't seem to be a common name for children in Korea, how did you come up with it?

Lloyd Choi: I did not want to be dismissed or forgotten in England, so I came up with Lloyd so people would remember me. If they get a good impression, they don't forget the name.

GN: Where did you grow up and how did you end up in London?

LC: I grew up in Kumsan, between Daecheon and Jeonju. I left Korea when I was 18, and I did not even stay long enough to see my high school graduation. I attended Middlesex University, but

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had to fib about my major. My parents thought it would be great if I learned more English, so I did not tell them I was a fashion design major at first. They expected me to teach English before getting married.

When they found out about my fashion design degree, at first I came back to Korea and worked for a designer here. I had a large dose of culture shock here in Korea because I had adapted to British customs. I was confused about whether my adult identity could fit into Korean culture, so when my sister Jackie got a break in England, I followed her back and have been in London at Jackie Choi Studio since 2005.

I switched from fashion design to curating design exhibits when the Design Promotion Institute of Korea assisted my coordination of a Korean space at the London design fair “100% Design.� My focus since then has been to bring British design to Korea, and to find contemporary Korean designers who incorporate traditional forms [to] introduce them to the United Kingdom. So much modern design occurred in Italy and Germany. The U.K. has twisted these ideas together, adding their own fine craftsmanship and melding concepts to make their own design statements.

About 10 percent of England's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comes from creative efforts.

GN: How would you describe the function of design in 21stCentury life?

LC: Design can improve people's lives by giving them something pretty with a new shape, or by improving productivity with new functions that make products people will want to use every day.

GN: How has it been to move from fashion designer to design curator?

LC: The first three years have mainly kept me focused on bringing British designs to Korea, but in the future, I will be finding contemporary Korean designers who use traditional concepts and crafts to show that high level of craftsmanship to the United Kingdom.

GN: How does it feel to be recognized in your native land?

LC: It feels great to be here, as it is a big step as a curator. I am looking to see what the reaction will be. I never thought of design as a form of entertainment, but entertaining is a great way to do business.

GN: What inspired your Union Jack concept?

LC: England has always been fascinated by incorporating its flag into design. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee and the Olympics found people creating a lot of the more unusual and expensive designs, from Aruba Seth's Swarovski Crystal studded wedge shoes to Lulu Guinness's Snakeskin Lips Clutch. The ubiquitous Union Jack is seen here on the top of a Mini, on a radio and even on a refrigerator, [all] manufactured in Italy.

The Union Jack has long been a symbol of credibility, giving products and personalities more panache. David Bowie had a special overcoat designed with a Union Jack, and Spice Girl Geri Halliwell showed her national pride with a Union Jack Mini dress. In

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1

3

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2 fashion, everyone from Gucci to Doc Marten's Boots have had Union Jack lines.

GN: This must have taken a while to put together.

LC: It took about a year to sort through and find the premium Union Jack products. Victoria Grant's tam with a crown on the top is unique to the Biennale, but my goal was to make a space that is full of concepts that do not need to be explained in ornate language. The goal was to make a street party, as Londoners often do ‌ to bring a tea set to the street and create a great experience, without having to forcibly teach anyone. This is much more Alice in Wonderland than Oxford University.

[As will be seen by visiting Lloyd's display, every

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Gwangju News October 2013

detail of the Union Jack display is powerfully British, from the fine china and provincial tables, to the Hydrangeas arranged in a brass pot.]

GN: It seems that even though you had to sneak behind your parents' back, your dreams are coming to life. Do you have any advice for the dreamers in Gwangju?

LC: Dreams should be difficult to achieve. All parents want an easy life for their children, but if your dreams are easy to achieve, they are not really dreams. You have to have a lot of ambition to make a real dream come true. You have to accept the changes that come with following your own path, and then with enough hard work, your dreams can come true.

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6 1 & 3. Gallery One 2013 GDB by Kim Paik Sun 2. Gallery One Kim Paik Sun 2 4. Gallery Three GDB 5. GDB Oh Kyung-ah and Choi Si-young Farm, Bakery, Seed Collection construction 6. Choi Si-young and Oh Kyung-ah on top of re-used pallets

There are 358 designers and design teams from 20 countries at this year's Biennale, making it one of the most broad-based design exhibits in the world. Alongside Lloyd's space, other highlights include: the designer's garden with a seed-collecting table and a working bakery by Oh Kyung Ah and Choi Si Young; Luis Vuitton's Objets Nomades; taxi driver uniforms by the design team of Chang, Woo, Kan, Ko and Choi; and the superb bamboo-filled Gallery 1 by Kim Paik Sun, inspired by the writing of Lee O Young.

This is merely the interior to stand in, walk slowly through and ponder how the past can be a powerful influence on the present: how bent grasses can fulfill today's needs while inspiring a return to traditional environmentally friendly lifestyles.

The Biennale can be found at the northern routes of bus 64 or 83. Bus 7 connects to 83 for a transfer at Chonnam University Humun and Daeshin Park Apartments, up the hill from Humun. The Biennale is now showing and will remain open until November 3.

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feature

A Compassionate Connection to India

By Shay Meinecke Photos courtesy of AMURT, showing recent efforts in India Special Thanks to Maria Lisak

T

here are problems all over the world that need the attention and help of others. In a perfect world, the local community resolves the situation. In a perfect world, these circumstances are handled and the problems are erased.

However, this is not a perfect world.

Unfortunate situations and conflicts often need the help of international organizations when solutions are not utilized or are overlooked.

AMURT (Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team) understands this need. They understand that putting field directors in disaster-prone areas can provide better relief to those in need. They understand that each area is unique, and each disaster needs special attention. After all, Ananda Marga is a philosophy that “focus[es] on personal development, social service and the spiritual transformation of society.” AMURT attends to the needs of the population through a number of means: social, educational, spiritual, agricultural and environmental. No stone is unturned. No person is without help.

A main component of AMURT is the principal belief that “development is human exchange: people sharing wisdom, knowledge and experience to build a better world.” Their values are shaped by the people they help; every person has the right to basic necessities, development and respect. Each person should be provided the opportunity to determine his or her own future. This is possible through equal respect and understanding, equal opportunity and equal rights. It's all about equality.

It's all about the idea that a person can succeed if he or she is given the chance.

AMURT is able to provide these principles to the international world through aid work, with the help from volunteers and field members with specific and special skills. Managers and field members in certain areas provide education assistance, farming support, health management, computer

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Gwangju News October 2013

training and wellness aid.

AMURT knows that “development is a balanced process that maintains equilibrium between industry and the environment, urban and rural growth, human needs and available resources.

Development should lessen the gap between the rich and poor and provide opportunities for all.”

Development is the keyword. There is no development, opportunity or room for growth if there is no aid or chance given to those who desire and need it. If a person wants water to drink, he/she must be given a cup to drink or have the tools to produce his/her own.

AMURT is able to work on these philosophies through dedicated individuals who provide relief and aid on a full-time basis. These managers and field members are taught specific skills so that they too may be able to provide and pass down these skills to affected communities. Ideally, these social, environmental, agricultural, educational and spiritual skills will then be learned so that the local affected communities can better provide for themselves in the future. Nothing is out of reach.

Everything can be taught.

Dada Yogánanda, field director of AMURT and a contributor to the GIC, understands that “there are no ready-made solutions to problems of poverty.” He understands and lives by the belief that volunteers “are better able to promote a solution that is suitable for each particular set of circumstances,” if they are able to specialize in a particular field.

Putting this philosophy into practice, AMURT has assisted many countries in the world. They have aided in the development after many disasters, man-made or natural. They have contributed to education and health initiatives and provided opportunities to those who may have lost theirs or have none.

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To be more specific, a recent flood in India dramatically affected the populace of the country. In June 2013, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and other northern areas experienced heavy rainfall that produced devastating floods and landslides in the region. An estimated one thousand people have perished. In addition, many more people are missing and children have been orphaned. The affect on the entire population of India has been overwhelming, so India needs the support of other compassionate communities with help in their hearts.

When problems like this arise, it is up to governments, groups, communities and individuals to step in and produce solutions that can work for everyone. AMURT works with each level of society to provide relief.

In particular, Korea and citizens of Gwangju have provided, and are still providing, relief in the form of donations and aid for projects to construct schools and hospitals that will immediately contribute to the relief of India's horrible flooding disaster. In addition, Korea and the other countries around Asia will give contributions that provide AMURT the means to aid in “the upbringing and

education of 200 orphaned children who lost their parents in the floods.�

Situations like these are horrible reminders that we live in an imperfect world. There will always be problems that need solutions. There will always be solutions that need support, and there will always be a need for people, communities like Gwangju and groups like AMURT to make sure the support is provided.

For more information to stay informed and to help out, please visit: http://amurt.net.

AMURT's Upcoming Events in October On October 5 at 3 p.m., AMURT will give a presentation at GIC Talk.

On October 13 at a location TBA, a vegetarian Indian dinner will be hosted. Purchasing tickets for this fundraiser will be available while downtown during the Chungjangno Festival.

Donations are always accepted for the Flood Relief victims. You can donate to AMURT's Korean Organization at NongHyup Bank: 301-0044-0412-11

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community

Fall Theater Production takes Center Stage in Gwangju

By Kaley LaQuea Photos by Amanda Koons

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wangju residents will be able to enjoy a unique piece of American theater this month by seeing Christopher Durang's “Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them.”

On the surface, the play follows Felicity, a young woman who marries a man named Zamir, whom she knows nothing about, during a drunken jaunt.

Felicity is met with hostility and shock from her parents upon bringing Zamir home to meet them.

Her father, an extremely conservative individual, proceeds to interrogate Zamir as the audience watches the situation devolve further.

The plot is straightforward, as are its allegations. The play explores “American nationalistic fervor” and the repercussions of such a mindset. Durang's piece delivers a focused and deliberate criticism about patriotism, in addition to other social constructs and issues.

“It's pretty explicit, it's definitely not a subtle satire.

It's very heavy handed on purpose,” Travis Major, producer and actor explained. “It's about how America has lost their minds over national security and terrorism and how that overlaps with the American family, the 1950s stereotype of the way things should be but not really.”

Despite the heavy dose of dark subject matter, director Gail Elgersma hopes the audience takes away a brighter message.

“The fact that the play was dark made me uncertain about what to do with it and how the audience would take it,” Elgersma explained. “I understand the title much better now. It's not just about torture; it's about loving as well. I hope people aren't just stunned by the darkness but hopefully they'll notice the love too, that's a huge part of the plot. I hope the audience can take away not just being nice to people but that you should look for the good in people too.” “Torture” will be Elgersma's first production as a director.

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Memorizing lines and practicing scenes began in May 2013

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“We took it all one step at time, found scripts and held rehearsals until it all came together. It took a long time, about six to seven months and we didn't have a venue until the last minute. It seemed like it wasn't going to work out until the last minute when we pulled it all together,” Major recalled.

The GPP works closely with the Gwangju International Center and donates much of its proceeds to the GIC. The project aims to provide the Gwangju community with a cultural and extracurricular vent that adds variety.

“For me personally, the more different avenues of groups and organizations within a community, the better,” stage director Amanda Koons said. “It rounds out the community and gives everyone something to do. For everyone who comes out and sees the show, it's a break from going out to bars and stuff. Theater helped me find my place in Gwangju and helped me find a home.” Koons studied stage management in college, taking over Park's role as stage director shortly before the GPP's second production.

Major aims to provide the community with a piece of live theater in English, a rarity in Gwangju, but at the core Major's hopes align with a common goal theater everywhere. “I'm always just concerned about entertainment, being able to make people laugh, to have an escape and have a nice night.

It's nice to be able to provide that,” Major says.

Elgersma also intends to offer a production that expats can relate to in terms of language and culture as a break from living abroad.

Hugs, fights and dancing “Torture’s” cast, crew together

“Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them” is produced by the Gwangju Performance Project (GPP) and will be the nonprofit's fifth production since its inception in 2011. Major, along with Jo Park, founded the GPP in 2011 and the project has since brought a theater outlet to the expat community with plays such as “Ives Just Got to Dance” and “The Real Inspector Hound.” The GPP has grown since its first play, Steve Martin's “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” took the stage in June 2011.

“It's that feeling you get when you watch an English movie in Korea, you forget until the lights come up that you're here. It's that phenomenon. We have the power to give people a sense of belonging, and for Koreans it's the opposite; they have something completely different from another culture brought to them here.”

“Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them” will have three showings: the first on Saturday, October 19, with a second matinee performance and a third evening performance on Sunday, October 20, all at the Geumnaro Park Theater. Directions to the theater are available by visiting the GPP's website: gwangjutheatre.com.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for 10,000 won, or for 8,000 won in advance by contacting Mirna Chicas, the GPP's Ticket Master, at mirnachicas@gmail.com.

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community

A Chat with Bertha Bay-Sa Pan

By Jordan VanHartingsveldt Photos by Oh Dong-hun, Lee Jeong-wan and the GIFF

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anessa is an independent woman working in the non-profit sector. She is the cornerstone for her family, acting as a sounding board for their relationship problems. Her father and mother are in dire straits for marital attention beyond work, her brother has fled a marriage only to crash indefinitely on her couch and her obsessive sister jumps from one non-committal relationship to another. Yet they live in relative peace, as long as Vanessa is able to intercede on their behalf. Then a face from the past shows up, confessing hidden feelings for years.

lives with regular jobs and go through the regular dramas into which most other people — of any heritage — get mixed.

He's the stability Vanessa needs and the excitement she desires. But what's best for Vanessa may not be what's best for the family. With her attention elsewhere, the family falls apart.

But the script is only a piece of the grander puzzle in cinematography. Bay-Sa Pan had to give faces to the characters. While she did not write the characters with real-life counterparts in mind, she knew exactly who would fit each role after seeing them participate in other films. The choices felt natural.

“Only when they take responsibility for their own actions can Vanessa finally relinquish some of her responsibilities and pursue the man of her dreams."

The synopsis for Almost Perfect reads exactly like a movie I would never watch if I were single.

Fortunately, I am a smitten man, and, as such, felt romantically inclined to sit through the film with my significant other.

Director Bertha Bay-Sa Pan and I sat down after a matinee at the Gwangju International Film Festival (GIFF) to discuss the film and her hand in its creation.

It is a love story, to be certain, but a love story unlike many seen on cinema screens. You see, Vanessa and her family members — and a majority of the onscreen characters — are portrayed by Asian actors.

Bay-Sa Pan was inspired to start working on Almost Perfect after seeing countless Asians typecast as doctors, scientists or other “intellectual” roles. While the portrayal is more flattering than, say, drunk Canadians chasing beavers over ice floes, the director wanted the international public to understand that not all Asian people are intellectually gifted. Instead, she hoped to show that most people of Asian ancestry have regular

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The film was a labor of love for Bay-Sa Pan. “It was the story I myself wanted to tell. And though I had worked on various films throughout my career and enjoyed the efforts, they were still projects sponsored by studios. I always returned to the script of Almost Perfect with a renewed vigor, poking and prodding until the story finally matched up to my original vision.”

“If each of the characters already looked good on paper, then the actors themselves really brought the characters to life,” Bay-Sa Pan admitted. “Kelly Hu truly brought her A-game and lent the urbanite Vanessa a homebody vibe with a sensual flair.” But this was somewhat expected from the seasoned Hu; what really surprised Bay-Sa Pan — and the critical audience at large — was the delivery of pop star Edison Chen as love-hurt Andy Lee. “He brought an agonized performance well beyond his years.”

It should not really come as a shock, though, since Bay-Sa Pan encourages riveting portrayals by enveloping the characters in realistic surroundings.

Almost Perfect was filmed in New York to establish the necessary sense of hectic employment and bustling recreation. It is, after all, a city that never sleeps.

“Setting is essential to translating a character into reality, not only for the final audience but for the actor bringing said character to life. It is safe to say the accuracy of a movie set's visuals only goes so far,” Bay-Sa Pan said.

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1. Bertha Bay-sa Pan, posing in front of the official Gwangju International Film Festival poster; 2. Bertha during this story’s interview; 3. The Almost Perfect cast

One of the tricks Bay-Sa Pan uses to inspire her actors is actually not that dissimilar from the method used by legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. “I stocked the sets with the necessities familiar to the space. The drawers in the kitchen were filled with cutlery, even if they never saw camera time,” Bay-San Pan explained.

In this way, Bay-Sa Pan not only created the visual space with which her characters engaged but also a space filled with aromas and flavors. She explained how a set outfitted with details enticing to all the senses rather than just visible ones motivates a more realistic performance.

When asked the typical question about gender and romance, Bay-Sa Pan turned it around as a query for each viewer: did Vanessa live up to what you think a strong female character should look like? “Each person comes into a film with preconceived notions of masculinity/femininity and how those views are always challenged, regardless of the cinematic genre. I have never wrote Vanessa as either a feminist or a housewife. I

never intended any politics in the character.

Vanessa was Vanessa and that's all that matters.”

Bay-Sa Pan left us with an interesting piece of trivia: the photo montage which occurred during the opening credits of Almost Perfect were actual photos from the actors' youthful and adolescent years. The division responsible for it had spent hours editing the different photos and stitching them together to create a realistic family album, all without tipping off the director. When they presented her with the final product, she said she was stunned by the effort.

Almost Perfect should not be glossed over as “just another romance.” Rather, it is an interesting study into the place of Asian culture within Hollywood as understood by Bertha Bay-Sa Pan, recipient of an MA from the Columbia University Graduate Film School and a winner of the Director's Guild Award for Best Asian American Student Filmmaker, as well as the Polo Ralph Lauren Award for Best Screenplay.

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travel

Your Next Getaway: Hong Kong Words and photos by Catherine Stark

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t's gritty, it's grimy, it's absolutely gorgeous: It's Hong Kong, a true metropolis where the East and the West meet. This shopping mecca and foodie haven has been pegged with a high price tag and is often overlooked. Well, it is time to dispel this dark myth. Hong Kong is full of fabulous and affordable opportunities for any type of traveler. Here you will find just what you need to keep money in your wallet and a smile on your face without skimping on any of the action.

Booking flights early and choosing your accommodation's location are key in keeping initial costs low. Do you prefer digs on Hong Kong Island (HK Island)? Or are you up for embracing the lively scene of Kowloon just across the bay at one of the budget-friendly, conveniently-located hostels in Mirador Mansion? Having visited a few times myself, I cut lodging costs by at least half by opting for a Kowloon sort of stay and did not regret it. Currently with the conversion rate, 1,000 Korean won roughly equals 7 Hong Kong dollars (HKD), and from there the U.S. dollar, euro and pound sterling each strike an even better deal respectively.

Regardless of how you get there, where you stay and how you pay, the wisest move you can make is to invest in the Octopus card from the onset of

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your adventure on the island. This card will make transport on the wonderfully clean and simple, yet sophisticated, MTR system a breeze. You will also be able to use it at most, if not all, shops and bakeries. You can even score deals on entrance fees at various tourist attractions around the city.

Divvying up your days between all the sites, the snacks and the shopping takes some savvy scheduling. Also, you have to be willing to change your to-do list at the drop of a hat, as weather is temperamental. If there's even a hint of sun, heading to the top of Victoria's Peak via the Peak Tram and catching a glimpse of the entire bay from above for the bargain price of 40 HKD roundtrip is an absolute must. If you are a dice roller, wait until dusk, as the view is absolutely spectacular.

Other options to see this world-famous skyline include riding the Star Ferry across from HK Island and then sitting along the waterfront just before the Symphony of Lights show starts to snap a few stunning shots. Still not satisfied? Head to Ozone, the world's highest bar, situated on the 118th floor just above the Ritz-Carlton, which is also on the Kowloon side. Entrance is free but if you want to indulge a bit, your best bet is to buy a glass of red wine to sip on as you relish the view.

Love nature? Start a day off by heading to Lantau

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1. The endless stalls of bargains at the Ladies Market on Kowloon; 2. One of “The Six Offering Devas” surrounding the Tian Tan Buddha; 3. Explore the everyday markets on the streets of Kowloon; 4. The much sought-after Dim Sum star, Xiao Long Bao of Din Tai Fung; 5. Watch Hong Kong transform from above by visiting Victoria's Peak

Island to see the Tian Tan bronze Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and any of the hiking trails found around the island. Reach these sites by taking bus number 23 from the Tung Chung MRT station for a mere 35 HKD round-trip. Do not be lured in by the Npong Ping 360 and its clear glass cable cars at six times the price, as even on the bus you will still be bombarded with beautiful coastal views. If you prefer a less touristic trek, make your way to the Dragon's Back to experience what has been named “Asia's Best Urban Hike.” For those less active but still seeking equally wonderful refuge, stop off at the Nan Lian Garden and the Chin Lin Nunnery to enjoy the greenery goodness, free of charge.

What is left? Food and shopping. Trying dim sum is a requirement. If you are the more adventurous type, the Lin Heung Tea House, an institution and local hang-out on the back streets of Wellington on HK Island, is just the place for you. Still hungry?

Head to the Tsim Chai Kee Noodles Shop nearby and grab a bowl of the famous King Prawn noodle soup for just 22 HKD. If dining with strangers is not your scene but you still want to try local delights, head to Din Tai Fung in Kowloon and give their Xiao Long Bao a go. While you are there, hours can be spent scouring markets filled with foods and trinkets galore. Just for kicks, why not stop by Prada?

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photography

[Photo of the Month]

The Big-O

By Christina Riley-Hedinger This photo was taken of the "Big-O" at the Yeosu World Expo site. My husband and I had just moved to Yeosu and were exploring town. When I took this picture, I wondered what it would have been like during the World Expo with thousands of people bustling around me.

About the Artist: Christina Riley-Hedinger has lived in Gwangju, Jinju, and now Yeosu with her wonderful husband since April 2011. She enjoys running, reading, and lazy Sundays!

Photo taken in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do

Share your photos with the world!

Interested in having your pictures as Gwangju News' Photo of the Month? Send your pictures of Korea and their background information to gwangjunewsphotos@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing what you have captured on film!

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photography

Water Drops Words and photos by Simon Bond Simon Bond is a professional photographer and teacher living in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do. He has travelled throughout Asia and has had work published in many publications. This and other articles are available online by visiting Simon's website: www.simonbondphotography.com.

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his month it is time to show you what you can do with a little flash photography. Head to the photography lab and do some water drop photography. Below is a guide on how to make these kinds of photos.

Supplies Needed: dSLR camera, macro lens, strobe, radio trigger, radio receiver, external shutter release, a large bowl, two tripods (Or one tripod, one stand and clamp), tripod extension arm, a table, plastic bag (or burrette), pencil, pin, a towel and a background of your choice

1. Steps: Fill the bowl with water and place it on a table. It is best not to fill the bowl to the top. Once the bowl is on the table, use a glass to fill the bowl to the top, so that the meniscus is at the top of the bowl.

2. Set up the tripod next to the table, and use the tripod's extension arm so that it is directly over the bowl on the table.

3. Now fill half the plastic bag with water, and tie a knot at the top of the bag to stop water from coming out. Make sure there is enough plastic at the top of the bag to tie around the tripod extension arm.

4. Attach the plastic bag to the tripod by wrapping the plastic around the tripod arm, knotting it and then using a peg to make sure it is secure. Note: if the bag comes off, it will make a big mess.

5. As an alternative to steps 3 and 4, you could use a stand and clamp the bag with a burrette*. This step is probably safer and more controlled if you can find these items.

6. Use a pin to prick the plastic bag so that water drips out of it into the the bowl of water below.

7. Set up the second tripod close to the bowl and put your camera on it, with the macro lens attached to the camera.

8. The pencil should now be used to get the focus point, so place the pencil at the exact point where the water drips into the bowl. Use the pencil to focus the camera on auto focus, and when focused, switch the camera to manual focus.

*A burrette is a thin cylindrical shaped glass object used in a science laboratory In this photo the Korean flag can be seen inside the water drop.

9. Put the radio trigger on the camera's hot shoe and place the strobe and radio receiver next to the camera, so that the light bounces off the background and back through the water drop. Now, place the background of your choice behind the bowl.

10. Now it is time to try to catch a water drop. You can try to do this with your eye by watching the drops of water falling, or use the camera's multiple shot motor as you wait for a splash. Use an external shutter release cable when doing this.

11. The camera settings can be varied, but as a guide, try these settings: Aperture f11 shutter speed 1/200th and strobe set to 1/8th power. Remember that your strobe will not sync above 1/200th second.

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photo essay

Japan: More Than Bridges Words and photos by Matt Furlane

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here are many styles of bridges in Japan. Their design influences vary and may sometimes come from China (like the Engetsukyo or the “Full Moon Bridge�) or from the tradition of the Zen Garden layout.

Some are made of wood (Sori Bashi) and some are made of stone (Ishi Bashi). From a Western perspective, many individuals' first tendency is to see a bridge as strictly a functional creation, but these bridges have been created for aesthetic appeal and placed within well-designed gardens. They can also be gateways to secluded compounds surrounded by a moat (Hiroshima Castle) or a means of greater access to the natural environment (Ohori Park Lake). In other cases, they are part of an overall Shinto shrine complex. These photos are just an introduction, hoping to inspire others to seek out even more famous bridges that can be found throughout Japan.

Shukkeien Gardens, Hiroshima

Hiroshima Castle 26

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Shukkeien Gardens, Hiroshima

Ohori Park, Fukuoka

Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Fujinomiya Gwangju News October 2013

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community

[This Month for the GIC Talk]

Cooperation and Competition Words and photo provided by Rohan Lewis

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s an introduction to my talk, this article presents an interactive game. Assume that I have a bowl full of candy (or any item), and you have the option of raising your left or right hand.

If you raise your right hand, you may take one item from the bowl.

If you raise your left hand, you may grab a handful of items from the bowl.

There is a catch. If you raise your right hand, and any other reader raises the left hand, you get nothing!

From this scenario, each reader will identify with one of these mindsets: Person A: I only require one item. I am not greedy. I will raise my right hand.

Person B: I only require one item. I am not greedy.

But, someone else is bound to be greedy.

I have to raise my left hand to acquire an item. I will raise my left hand.

Person C: I am trying to do the best for myself. I may or may not care about others. I will raise my left hand.

I have done this experiment with different groups of people of different ages and ethnicities in several countries. I can say without a doubt that at least 20 percent of participants raised their left hand. That means at most the other 80 percent receive nothing. Here are some questions to consider: How many items are in the bowl?

When will it be replenished?

How long will an item sustain me?

Will we play this game again?

Some readers may have a sociology or economic background and can see this as a multiplayer version of the Prisoners' Dilemma. The idea is that two prisoners are believed to be guilty of a crime and placed in separate rooms. They have the option of remaining silent or testifying against the other prisoner. If both prisoners are silent, they both receive the minimum sentence of six months. If one testifies and the other is silent, the silent prisoner receives the maximum sentence of 20 years, while the other goes free. If both testify against each other, they both receive five years. The following chart summarizes the Prisoners' Dilemma.

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Gwangju News October 2013

Prisoners’ dillema diagram

Notice that it is in each prisoner's best interest to testify, regardless of what the other prisoner does.

This leads to both players testifying against each other and receiving five years, which is worse than if both prisoners cooperated and remained silent.

On the GIC Tour to Bogil Island, we were fortunate to visit an abalone aquaculture farm. Tour leader Warren Parsons and I had a conversation about the sustainability of fishing in the ocean. He mentioned that this idea of greed in shared, finite resources is exactly what is happening in New England, where Warren is from. Fishers and fishing companies are only concerned about the competition with others and the volume of their catch, which affects their profit. This mindset is viral throughout fishers' worldwide, thus depleting our oceans. From the numerous articles I have read and documentaries I have seen, the current predicted date for the end of commercially available fish and other seafood is 2050.

My talk in October will discuss these ideas and draw parallels to a wide range of topics, from cows in a pasture, a few genera of ants worldwide, elevators as transportation, drug abuse among professional athletes and the number of Facebook friends you (think you) have.

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[ GIC Upcoming Talks ] Schedule for October Time & Place: Every Saturday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., GIC office (Jeon-il Bldg 5th Fl.) For more information visit www.gic.or.kr or contact gic@gic.or.kr Check out pictures from previous GIC Talks at http://picasaweb.google.com/gictalk Watch highlight clips of previous GIC Talks at www.youtube.com/GICTALK There is now an Open Discussion Group following every GIC Talk in which the audience can talk about the day's topic with the speaker. GIC Talks welcome your proposals for presentations on topics, such as society, culture, politics, science, education or any topic of your interest. If you would like to be a presenter, please contact us at gictalk@gmail.com / +82-(0)62-226-2734.

October 5 Speaker: Acarya Yogananda Avadhuta Dada Yogananda has been working as the AMURT Coordinator for North East Asia since 2008 and is currently based in Southern Taiwan. From 1998-2001 Dada worked as a project coordinator for AMURT in Uganda, where he managed the construction and development of a large school, a sustainable agricultural farm and a medical clinic serving rural community members in Mukono District. From the years of 2005-2009, Dada worked in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia where he established a medical center and provided regular relief materials to families living in the Ger district (shantytowns) of Ulaanbaatar.

Topic: What is AMURT? AMURT (Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team) is one of the few private voluntary organizations of Third World origin, being founded in India in 1965. Its original objective was to help meet the needs of victims of disasters that regularly hit the Indian subcontinent. Over the years AMURT has established teams in 80 countries, to create a network that can meet development and disaster needs almost anywhere in the world. In 1985 AMRUT broadened their goals to include long-term development. This organization feels it is important to play a vital role in helping the poor break the cycle of poverty and gain greater control over their lives. The development occurs through human exchange: people sharing wisdom, knowledge and experience to build a better world

October 12 Speaker: Hyunwoo Sun Hyunwoo Sun is the CEO of G9Languages, the company that runs Talk To Me In Korean and Talk To Me In English. He is also the host of a daily radio show on EBS (the Educational Broadcasting System) that teaches English to Korean listeners. He has been publishing content online about Korea, the Korean language and about language learning methods since 2005.

Topic: Talk To Me In Korean In this talk, Sun will illustrate how Talk To Me In Korean works, the creation of this successful project and what the organization wants to achieve in the long run. Founded in 2009, TalkToMeInKorean.com is the largest website and online community for people around the world who are learning to speak and write Korean, learning more about the culture and is the perfect outlet for those interested in studying or living abroad in Korea. Sun will also emphasize various methods that their team uses in order to help listeners stay motivated to keep learning Korean, as well as teach lessons more effectively through an online medium.

October 19 Speaker: Rohan Lewis Rohan Lewis is currently the high school math teacher at Kwangju Foreign School. He arrived in Korea in August of 2012 and has been an active member of his school community. He has undergraduate degrees in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Topic: Cooperation and Competition This talk will discuss the interests of individuals and various groups in humans throughout history and in other aspects of life. Many parallels will be drawn to present-day conditions and the problems societies throughout the world are facing. Some topics discussed include: Dunbar's Number, Tragedy of the Commons, reciprocity and income inequality.

October 26 There will be no Talk on this date, due to GIC Day

For you to cut out and keep handy!

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event preview [GIC Culture Tour]

GIC Culture Tour

Damyang Words and photos by Warren Parsons

Date: October 19, 2013 Price: GIC Members 55,000 won/ 65, 000 won (non-members) Itinerary: Changpyeong Slow City - Sodam Tea Culture and Natural Dyeing Center - Lunch at Metasequoia Road - Geumseong sanseong and Dongjaam Registration: Please sign up at the GIC website (www.gic.or.kr) by October 12 (Sat.) For more information, e-mail: gictour@gic.or.kr

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ctober falls within the peak of Korea's autumn season, replete with vibrant foliage, crisp sunshine, and brisk winds. It is the perfect time of year for strolling through stonewalled village lanes and climbing the mountains for some colorful scenery. This month, the GIC Culture Tour visits the subtle charm of Damyang for some hands-on natural dyeing, a dining experience beside majestic metasequoias and a vigorous trek into the ancient mountain stronghold of Korea's Buddhist martial arts.

Despite its proximity to Gwangju, Damyang has a relaxed, old-time feel that brings in visitors from around the country. Particularly the walk-able, curving streets of Changpyeong exude a traditionalism not easily found in modern Korea. This quiet pace of life, along with local food sources and a sustained village atmosphere, have earned this corner of Damyang “Slow City� status, according to the parameters set forth by the Italian Organization, Cittaslow. While there is an emphasis on slow foods, traditional arts and artisans also factor high on this list, which is why the So Dam Tea Culture and Natural Dyeing Center adds an important element to the Changpyeong

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3 community. As long as people have been wearing clothing, they have been developing ways to make it more beautiful with colors. In the Yeongsan River basin in Jeollanam-do, many types of natural dyes are used, but the most notable is the vibrant blue of indigo. At the center participants will learn about the dyeing process, as well as have a chance to color their own t-shirt or scarf to take home as a wearable souvenir.

After visiting Changpyeong, the tour transfers by bus to Damyang, and follows the famous metasequoia road to a restaurant that specializes in bamboo rice. Sticky rice steamed inside hollow bamboo sections and served with an array of side dishes is not only healthy but is also a signature dish in Korea's capital of bamboo. Following lunch, the tour moves into the mountains for an afternoon hike to Geumseong Fortress and Dojaam.

Originally constructed in 1380 during the Goryeo Dynasty, Geumseong Fortress is known for being the base of the Honam Righteous Army, which helped protect the country from the Japanese invasion in the 1590s, as well as being active

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defenders during the Japanese colonial period in the early 20th century. This embattlement was also host to fighting during the Donghak Rebellion in the late 1800s and later during the Korean War. Even today, within the bowl-like ridgelines surrounding a fertile, spring-fed valley that is ideal for long-term defense, tour participants can see a living reminder of the fortification's military heritage at Dojaam.

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5 1. Natural dyeing center; 2. Bamboo rice for lunch; 3, 4, 5. Geumseongsanseong (Fortress)

At this point participants can meet Cheong San Seunim, a monk and a martial arts master who upholds a long tradition of Buddhist military martial arts stretching back 1500 years to the Goguryeo Dynasty, and who was featured on the Cover of the September's issue of Gwangju News. Cheong San lives at Dongjaam with his wife and three children, removed from the modern world, living modestly off what the land provides and carrying on the legacy of “Seung Gun Mu Sul.” He and his students will give a martial arts demonstration as well as teach tour participants how to shoot arrows and to use wooden staffs for self— defense. With a sense of enlightenment and accomplishment, participants are free to spend the rest of the afternoon wandering within the fort.

Damyang invites people to slow down, enjoy things made by hand, eat foods that take longer to cook and travel on foot, because there is no other way to get where you are going.

So, please come out this month with the GIC Culture Tour to experience the remnants of another time existing in the present at place not that far away.

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community

A Global Home

By Dr. Nial Moores Photos courtesy of Birds Korea

P

erhaps because I migrated to Korea from another continent, people often ask if I feel homesick. I do not. There is too much here that is both instantly familiar and also worth deeper study to allow much sense of distance or longing. Indeed, the further I have traveled, the smaller the differences between people and places became. It might be because of a lifelong fascination with wildlife (especially birds), but the smiles on peoples' faces, the curves and shades of the landscapes, the more-or-less predictable rhythm of the seasons and the sounds and sights of certain birds and insects all help make every place feel like home.

Indeed, with hundreds of species nationwide, almost anyone can discover a similar sense of connection and wonder through birds — wherever they might be. Take the humble sparrow, for example. As a kid, I used to watch dull-colored House Sparrows hop and shuffle as they bickered over discarded scraps and seed-heads. Here and across much of Asia, they are replaced by the only slightly more dapper, dark-cheeked Tree Sparrows. I knew Magpies from my childhood too — large, black, white and inquisitive — they were the central character in a children's song about when you see one, you will feel sorrow. If you see two, you will then find joy.

And here in Korea too, Magpies are familiar to all, subtly different from those outside East Asia but still round-bodied, pied-plumaged, with a long dark tail revealed as blue and green, dependent on angle and light. Here too, as elsewhere, the Magpie is gifted with special meanings for people, as a bringer of luck and good news.

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Other species help mark changing seasons across continents. The saying “One Swallow does not make a Summer” encouraged me to spend hours each spring looking for the first Barn Swallows to bring summer back with them from their African wintering grounds. And here in Korea, the raw chill of winter is followed soon after in late March by the arrival of Barn Swallows, gracefully plucking earlyhatching insects from the air. Small enough to fit in the palm of a person's hand, some of these Barn Swallows migrate here every year all the way from Southeast Asia and perhaps even northern Australia. Others will continue their journey farther still, to build their open cup nests in villages as far north as the edge of the Russian tundra. Amazing!

Birds know no national boundaries. They do not recognise the slight differences between people that often lead our own species towards intolerance, sometimes even to cruelty and war.

No, their lives and migrations instead help link distant places and — if we allow — distant people and places together. Today, right now, just look beyond the concrete and glass of the everyday life in Gwangju or elsewhere. Discover a rich diversity of bird life, and feel better connected to a world that is simultaneously more familiar and more expansive than we often recognise.

For more on Korea's fascinating birdlife, please visit birdskorea.org.

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culture [KOREA: In the World]

Uzbekistan

By Adam Volle Photos ⓒKoryo Saram The Unreliable People Photos are part of the Archive of Korean Diaspora at the University of Michigan Center for Korean Studies In this segment, we examine how Koreans live in other countries, and how they are making a global impact. So, if you know someone who brings Korea into another country or if you are such a person, please e-mail gwangjunews@gmail.com.

“A

t the beginning of September, all of a sudden from the NKVD came these two very tall, middle-aged men,” Dekabrina Kim remembers in the documentary Koryo Saram: The Unreliable People. “They said, 'In two days, get ready to move. Take all of your important belongings.'”

The year was 1937. The officers from the NKVD, the USSR's still-new law enforcement agency, were carrying out Resolution No. 1428-326CC, an order from the Soviet government to “deport all Korean population[s] from the border regions of the Far East.” At the time, the order applied to approximately 170,000 “Kariesky” in more than 100 villages.

Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin had decided the Korean citizens of his country should be classified an “unreliable people” because Korea was then an (unwilling) part of the Empire of Japan. Among other reasons, he is said to have been worried that ethnically Korean spies of Japan might sneak across the Korea-Russia border and hide in nearby Korean communities. Like so many of his orders, his solution was a crime against humanity: the forced transfer of an entire ethnic population in East Russia (171,781 people out of more than 172,000) to the Kazahk and Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republics of Central Asia.

Trucks arrived on the third day to bring the “special settlers” to waiting railway trains that had been built for cattle. The trip took 40 days and carried the Koreans roughly 4,000 miles. The taxing journey explains why Koreans born in the former Soviet Union in 1937 or 1938 are difficult to find, according to Kim Ho-jun, author of “The 150-Year History of Koreans in Central Asia” (“유라시아 고려인 150년”).

Kim writes: It is estimated that the deportation cost the lives of about 16,500 Koreans, or [almost] 10 percent of the total Soviet Korean population.”

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No better situation awaited the passengers at their destination. The government had not bothered to prepare food or housing for the fishermen and rice farmers now trying to survive on the arid steppes of modern-day Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. That first winter, the new arrivals dug tunnels in which to live.

Survive they did, however - and thrived. Within three years, the 74,500 Koreans transferred to the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (Uzbek SSR) reclaimed their old quality of life. On the collective farms called “kolkhoz” in Russian, they began growing rice again - an immensely successful effort that greatly impressed the Russians. And in 1953, luck finally found them: Stalin died. With him went the Soviet Union's racist fear of its Korean citizens.

Soviet Koreans could move into cities and take jobs; families separated by the deportation could reunite. The Kareisky returned the favor by becoming one of the USSR's model minorities.

By 1989 (the date of Uzbekistan's last census), the ethnically Korean population of the Uzbek SSR reached 183,000. Most Koreans lived in the cities and were well-integrated into the general population. In the process, most of them lost their language — only a few now speak “Koryo Mar,” a Russian dialect of Korean — but the community maintains its own unique traditions and foods.

The current generation faces its own challenges.

The Soviet Union has fallen apart. The new nation of Uzbekistan that emerged from the old Uzbek SSR has declared Uzbek to be its national language.

Unfortunately, most Koreans in Uzbekistan only speak Russian.

But the new generation also has special advantages. To be polite, Uzbekistan is a dysfunctional environment for business. Coca-Cola famously lost its entire investment there when Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of the country's dictator Islam Karimov, married and then divorced

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3

2

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1. A group of Koreans in the Far East Russia c. 1930; 2. Hum Bung-do and his family c. 1930; 3. Dekabrina Kim, a deportation survivor; 4. The 7th All Union Party Congress, Moscow. Mikhail M. Kim, is seated in front of Joseph Stalin and next to Molotov. He is Dekabrina’s father.

one of the company's executives. Many of the companies willing to take on this challenge are from South Korea.

When the author of this article visited Tashkent, the streets were filled with Daewoo cars produced at a factory in the city of Asaka. The Uzbek ambassador to South Korea reported in 2011 that all told, 84 South Korean companies are responsible for 360 Uzbek businesses, accounting for more than 5 billion dollars in the Uzbek economy. Ethnic Koreans are best-positioned to take advantage of this trade. Since learning Korean will help them do so, many are rediscovering their heritage in the bargain. More than 40 centers promoting Korean culture now exist in Uzbekistan.

Even so, Korean-Kazakh Professor German Kim, in his article “Confessions of A Koryo Saram,” does not feel many Koryo Saram would move to their historic motherland: “We would be aliens there, we do not know the language, we have different mentalities, habits, customs, ways of life. We cannot live in a mono-ethnic environment, and we would be incompetent there.”

That is why Koreans in Central Asia and modern Russia do not say they are Hanguk Saram (South Korean) or Choson Saram (the old name for Korea now used by North Korea). They are only Koryo Saram — Korean people.

Learn more by visiting: koryosaram.info, or by watching “Koryo Saram: The Unreliable People” by Y. David Chung.

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culture [Korean Myths] “Behind the Myth”explains the origins of Korean myths and traditions.

Admiral Yi Sun-shin is Korea's greatest example of heroism.

How much of his story is true?

Words and photos provided by Adam Volle

W

ithout a doubt, his military accomplishments were real. As a commander of Korea's navy during the Imjin War, the admiral won all 23 battles he fought from 1592 to 1598. Even his amazing victory at the Battle of Myeongryang, in which his 13 ships defeated 133 Japanese ships, is not questioned by historians. The man was a strategic genius.

For his great contribution to winning the war that took his life, kings and scholars honored Admiral Yi for hundreds of years, but nobody considered him the perfect Korean. After Japan finally took control of Korea in 1895, however, that began to change.

Writers thought the people needed a good example to teach them how to fight off Japan.

What better person could they choose than Yi, who helped save Korea from the last Japanese attack?

The writers made Yi more than just a war hero though. In “Great Historical Figures of Joseon,” Shin Chae-ho told readers Yi was “both a hero and a saint” sent by God. Later, Lee Gwang-su wrote “Yi Sun Sin(이순신)” to establish the admiral's moral excellence. In the book, Yi is almost a Korean Christ: a perfect but persecuted man who dies saving his stupid, evil people from themselves.

Yi continued to be elevated after Japan's defeat in 1945. South Korea especially encouraged people to admire Yi during the military rule of President Park Chung-hee from 1963 to 1979. As a war hero, Yi was a great symbol for the army-controlled government.

All this propaganda had the effect of greatly improving the drama of Yi's story. In life, Yi 36

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sometimes filed exaggerated or false reports to the king, hoping to improve his name at the royal court. Today, Yi is known as a man motivated only by love for his country and men, and any men who became angry at Yi's behavior are remembered as jealous, lying fools.

People also think Yi was a genius at building ships, not only fighting with them; he is popularly (but wrongly) believed to have designed the world's first ship with iron armor.

The most dramatic change to Yi's story is the idea that Yi chose to die in his final battle. Some say Yi preferred death than to be treated badly again by an unappreciative king, so he took off his armor. Others say he wanted to inspire his men, so he stood at his boat's front. Everyone agrees that as he died, Yi asked for his death to remain secret until after the fighting.

The truth is, he might have. That's why historians need to rediscover the real Yi Sun-shin: he wasn't the Buddha or Genghis Khan, but behind Yi's myth is a man worth knowing.

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culture [Korean Sayings] “Korean Sayings” expresses the meaning behind traditional Korean phrases.

Can't Say a Word to One's Liver 간에 기별도 안 간다

By Won Hea-ran Illustration by Faiz Alban

W

hat does it mean to say a word to one's liver? And why is the liver considered a minor priority to most people when comparing it to other vital organs like the heart, brain, lungs and stomach? The saying is related to hunger. When one says he or she cannot say a word to his or her liver, it means that the food (or the meal) is unsatisfactory. To many Koreans, this is a conventional expression to suggest searching for something more to eat. But what does that have to do with the liver?

Koreans have a special connection to the liver, considering that the liver often becomes the center of many Korean folk tales and legends.

One such story involves a rabbit and a sea turtle, in which the sea turtle tricks the rabbit into accompanying him to the sea castle in order to take the rabbit's liver. The story begins when the dragon king, dwelling in his luxurious sea palace, becomes very sick after living hundreds of years.

The king's illness is serious to the extent that the doctor diagnoses that the only cure for the illness is a rabbit's liver. In order to save his king, a loyal turtle goes up on and persuades a rabbit to accompany him to the sea palace, telling the lie that the King would like to have a party with him.

Nevertheless, the rabbit runs away from the trickery by saying that he has left his liver on the land.

gives its full energy when it reaches the liver and is stored there.

In addition, unlike Western medicine which believes that the liver is only useful for material purposes such as detoxification or destroying old blood cells, Oriental medicine believes that the liver also influences humans mentally and controls the ki (or “spiritual energy necessary for life”). This idea of the liver having a mental effect went as far as begetting expressions like “big liver” (간이 크다) and “swollen liver” (간덩이가 붓다) to describe someone with audacious, impertinent qualities, as well as the expression “Can't say a word to one's liver.”

The stories of the nine-tailed fox and the rabbit also symbolize the vitality and energy of the liver. The nine-tailed fox often turns into a comely lady, who in turn, consumes men's livers to absorb their energy, and the sea dragon asked for a rabbit's liver to cure his disease. Without the liver, both humans and monsters are un-lively, lacking the energy to move on with the cycle of life.

Moreover, the liver has also been the main food source for a traditional Korean monster, known as the nine-tailed fox gumiho (구미호). According to the legend, the nine-tailed fox becomes a human if he or she (usually a she) survives on eating human liver for a thousand years. There is no doubt that Koreans have had a special connection with the liver dating back for generations.

The truth lies in the fact that even though the stomach digests and absorbs food, the food only Gwangju News October 2013

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health

Gaming Addiction, Myth or Reality

By Kristal Lee Photos from Korea IT Times and David Prater

S

outh Korea has become the hub of online video gaming addiction, so much so that the country recognizes it as an urgent matter of public health. Yes, health!

Making news worldwide in recent years were instances of death at Internet cafes in Korea, resulting from blood clots from prolonged sitting, malnutrition, dehydration, cardiac arrest and lack of sleep. Yet one of the most tragic cases occurred in 2010 when the addiction affected an innocent individual. A South Korean couple let their realworld baby die of neglect while nurturing a virtual baby.

Is it Real?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), video game addiction is not “officially” considered a mental disorder. At least, not yet.

Video game addiction was not included in the May 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), the gold standard in classifying and discussing mental disorders. However its incorporation into the manual has been a hot topic since the year 2000, as the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) supported and then withdrew support for the addiction to be added to the manual. This is not to say that a video game addiction is not real or that it is not dangerous, but rather both associations recognize the issue and will not make a decision until a later edition. What both associations agree on is that excessive video game playing by children can be unhealthy and lead to other problems, including anti-social disorder, psychosis and even death.

Brain-imaging shows physical changes similar to those of compulsive gamblers, alcoholics and cocaine addicts. When given a cue (i.e., the sight of a game or the smell of cocaine), the brain lights up in the reward centers, the same “pleasure areas” that light up when people eat something delicious or have sex.

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Calling for Computer Users to come in

Addiction Warning Signs Gaming for long periods of time does not always translate into a “gaming addiction.” With the accessibility (more so now, with the advent of game-capable cell phones), variety and social acceptance of virtual games, they have become a common leisure activity. Most people can play, even for extended amounts of time, and yet avoid falling into addiction. The question is, can they control their gaming activity?

According to the Center for On-Line Addiction in …, warning signs for video game addiction include: - Playing for long durations of time - Thinking about gaming during other activities - Gaming to escape from real-life problems, anxiety or depression - Lying to friends and family to conceal gaming - Feeling irritable when trying to cut down on gaming

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A gaming addiction may seem rather harmless when compared to the dangers of drug addiction, but compulsive gaming can ruin lives just as easily. Addicts become dependent and aggressive, and they jeopardize their relationships and jobs. As Dr. Kimberly Young also stated, they leave little time for and have no desire to work, engage in other recreational activities, socialize, sleep or even eat.

ng: an online haven.

PC Ban

Symptoms Video game addiction can be likened to impulsive control disorders or a behavioral addiction, such as Internet addiction, sex addiction, kleptomania and compulsive gambling.

The basic criterion for defining addictions is: 1. The person needs more and more of a substance or behavior to keep him going.

2. If the person does not get more of the substance or behavior, he or she becomes irritable and miserable.

Dr. Kimberly Young, PsyD and clinical director of the Center for On-Line Addiction, said compulsive gaming meets the criteria for addiction and has seen severe withdrawal symptoms in game addicts. Young describes addicts as “becoming angry, violent, or depressed. If [parents] take away the computer, their child sits in the corner and cries, refuses to eat, sleep or do anything.”

Although gaming addiction is not an official medical condition, there are addiction-like behaviors that mirror those of people with medically-recognized addictions. Exhibiting two or three of the following symptoms most likely indicate a sign of addiction.

- Preoccupation — seeming distracted, disinterested and irritable, or obsessively talking about the game when away from it - Downplaying computer use - Unable to limit time spent gaming - Losing track of time - Negative impact on other areas of life - Hiding from negative or uncomfortable feelings or situations - Defensiveness - Misuse of money - Mixed feelings - feelings of euphoria quickly followed by guilt

Bakker, director of a video game addiction clinic in the Netherlands, states that playing four to five hours per day takes away from children's normal social development. What you get is “a 21-yearold with the emotional intelligence of a 12-yearold.”

Physical Consequences - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other pain, swelling or irritation of the wrist - Migraines - Sleep disturbance/disorders - Backaches - Eating irregularity - Poor personal hygiene Social Consequences - Diminished interaction in the real world - Stunted social skills - Neglected personal relationships or even the collapse of relationships - Poor choices (i.e., bringing your gaming laptop to work despite knowing it could cost your job) - Lack of sleep/no energy for work or maintaining relationships Treatment Video game rehab is becoming a business. The number of game “detox” centers is increasing with demand, although little research has been done on their effectiveness. Treatment is generally therapeutic, including counseling or immersion in real settings, such as being outdoors or having true human interaction. Because computers have become unavoidable components in everyday life, addicts must learn to live with computers much like compulsive eaters must learn how to live with food. They must learn how to use the computer responsibly and not for gaming.

In response to the idea of setting time limits, gaming rehab counselors analogize giving gaming addicts some game time to giving an alcoholic just one beer. So for gamers wanting to hit the final “Esc,” it has to be cold turkey.

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fashion

Fash-On with xxl jjdp

WILD : 으르렁 으르렁 으르렁

By jjdp Photos by Brian Klein Shot on location at Mudeungsan

A

utumn is here and that means it is time for a wardrobe update! Oh yeah! This season is about to get crazy and well, there comes a time in your life when you need to embrace nature and just go wild. So, gear up for winter with some great ANIMAL PRINTS. Try it!

Anything from leopard to cheetah, zebra, buck and snake skin.

This particular trend entered fashion consciousness last winter with subtle hints but has taken the front seat this year as seen on runways from Burberry, Prada, Gucci, etc. for A/W 2013 and has thus been trickling down into department stores everywhere. If you can afford the designer treats, great for you, but, as we know trends will change next season and who wants to be stuck with a really expensive item of clothing that lasted just one season? Save your pennies and get some inexpensive items that you can add to your already existing wardrobe to make it more current.

It is not really hard to wear this trend as you can match it with many of the basics already in your wardrobe. It goes incredibly well with blacks and browns and as long as you are sticking with the palette of the particular animal print you should not go wrong. But if you are afraid, use it either as an accent in items like socks or a scarf, instead of a floor length leopard trench. I decided to mix and match it to the max with some other items from my summer wardrobe to create transitional 'new-looks' for autumn and also saving myself mounds of money!

A huge hit this summer were refrigerator pants, a.k.a. slimmer MC hammer pants. They are extremely comfortable and can work for many situations. I use mine as loungers, pj's, 'going to the corner store' wear or I have even dressed it up with a suit jacket to a very formal wedding. It just depends. Of course they come in a variety of colors and patterns but I find that having a basic black pair is the most useful. In the summer heat, it is nice and fresh allowing air to circulate and you can hike them up as makeshift shorts or you can wear medium length. However, as the weather gets cooler roll them down and wear a pair of long tights underneath. I decided to go for a leopard print pair just for

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a different layer. It keeps you warm and stylish at the same time.

For days that are not too cold and that might require some protection from a passing shower why not try a hooded parka that keeps you insulated from the elements. It is thin, stylish and easy to pack in your backpack or bag as it does not take up any space. And the easiest thing about this coat is that you could just pair it with black skinny jeans a black v-neck t-shirt and you are ready to go. So easy and it will take you about five minutes to throw it all together. You can also pair this with an added layer of a black cardigan which is great. It also works well for many situations and can be used casually or dressed up to be more formal.

If you are brave and want to be bolder, why not try animal print as the main focus going for a bright green print t-shirt layered under the cardigan.

Leather also goes well with this black combo and a carry all is great for your essentials especially for a weekend getaway. Stylish and not too intrusive.

Shoes are also a great way to introduce this pattern into your wardrobe and is not as shocking as some of the other additions might be.

Finally, as the weather clears up from cloudy summer to a brighter winter don't forget to take care of your eyes and get some sunglasses with an animal print frame to protect you from the harsh rays of the sun.

Happy shopping, peace, xxl jjdp Leopard Parka - 8 seconds Leopard Tshirt - H&M Refrigerator pants - Gmarket Cardigan - Uniqlo Leopard Tights - Gmarket Sneakers - Gourmetshoes Hat - Hats off Leather carry all - H&M Gwangju News October 2013

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poetry

Selected Poems by Song Su-kwon and Shin Dal-ja Translated by Song Chae-Pyong and Anne Rashid Photos by Joey Nunez and Simon Bond Song Su-kwon (1940- ) was born in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. He made his literary debut in 1975 by publishing “Leaning against the Temple Gate” and four other poems. So far he has published more than 10 collections of poetry. Many of his poems and themes are significantly influenced by his formative experience of Jeolla-do and its dialect; his poems are known for their sympathetic representations of farmers and fishermen located here in the region. Among his awards are the Cultural Ministry Arts Award, the Sowol Poetry Award, the Jung Ji-yong Literary Award, the Youngrang Poetry Award and the Kim Dong-ri Literary Award. Recently he retired from teaching creative writing at Suncheon National University.

The Wine Barrel and the Country Road

시골길 또는 술통

By Song Su-kwon The wine barrel jostles on the bike carrier.

The grass smell turns the spokes.

The spokes make the wine splash.

The gravel jumps up over the barrel and falls on the grass field.

The country road drinks wineit wobbles.

The joy of the barrels that run to the tavern: a barmaid stands outside.

The barrels jump down.

The road goes into her skirt and ends.

My Wife's Bare Foot: Turtle Shell Letters

By Song Su-kwon I once saw a turtle die on en route back to the sea after she had dug up a hole in the hot sand with her hind legs, laid a few eggs and covered it back up with sand.

Her body was turned over, her short front paws were folded, she was lying with the soles of her hind legs pointing toward the sky.

The unusually long soles of her feet looked sad.

Toward the anesthesia room, where nobody knows when she will awake, passing all the patients' rooms whose lights are turned off, the bed carriage rolls on.

With a white mask on, her two eyes closed, her bare feet poking out of the sheet, my wife's soles were broken up like the turtle shell soles that looked like ancient letters.

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자전거 짐받이에서 술통들이 뛰고 있다 풀 비린내가 바퀴살을 돌린다 바퀴살이 술을 튀긴다 자갈들이 한 치씩 뛰어 술통을 넘는다 술통을 넘어 풀밭에 떨어진다 시골길이 술을 마신다 비틀거린다 저 주막집까지 뛰는 술통들의 즐거움 주모가 나와 섰다 술통들이 뛰어내린다 길이 치마 속으로 들어가 죽는다

아내의 맨발 -갑골문 甲骨文 / 송수권 뜨거운 모래밭 구멍을 뒷발로 파며 몇 개의 알을 낳아 다시 모래로 덮은 후 바다로 내려가다 죽은 거북을 본 일이 있다 몸체는 뒤집히고 짧은 앞 발바닥은 꺾여 뒷다리의 두 발바닥이 하늘을 향해 누워있었다 유난히 긴 두 발바닥이 슬퍼 보였다 언제 깨어날지도 모르는 마취실을 향해 한밤중 병실마다 불꺼진 사막을 지나 침대차는 굴러간다 얼굴엔 하얀 마스크를 쓰고 두 눈은 감긴 채 시트 밖으로 흘러나온 맨발 아내의 발바닥에도 그때 본 갑골문자들이 수두룩하였다.

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

Suncheon Bay

순천만 / 신달자

By Shin Dal-ja Have your eyes become opaque?

Let's go to Suncheon Bay. Has any part in your body become calcified?

Let's go to Suncheon Bay. Does sticky black blood come out when you spit?

Let's go to Suncheon Bay. At Suncheon Bay, let's ask what living is.

When you go out toward the wetlands by Ecology Hall, you will meet hooded-crane families.

Let's ask them why they live there.

When you meet swans, yellow-beaked spoonbills, and black headed seagulls, let's ask why they resist the temptation of the warm city to spend winter there.

Let's ask the reeds who weather the cold, brushing off their dry bodies– reeds who lean their dry bones into one another, as though they want to share one another's warmth, and swallow up toxic phlegm.

Let's strain our ears to that moist wetland that constricts its body densely, stretching out its black limbs as much as it can, stepping closer with palpitations of loud quiet, clean breath of life.

눈앞이 슬슬 흐려지는가 순천만 가자 몸 안 어느 곳이 석회처럼 굳어지는가 순천만 가자 침을 뱉으면 끈적끈적한 검은 피가 나오는가 순천만 가자 순천만 가서 우리 살아 있는 것이 무엇인지 물어보자 순천만의 자연 생태관을 거쳐 갯벌 쪽으로 나가면 흑두루미 가족을 만나 왜 거기 사느냐고 물어보자 큰고니며 노랑부리저어새며 검은머리갈매기를 만나 왜 따뜻한 도시의 유혹을 물리치고 거기에서 겨울을 나느지 마른 몸들끼리 부딪치며 추위를 이기는 갈대들 서로 온기 나누려느지 서로 마른 뼈를 기대고 밭은기침을 삼키는 갈대들에게 물어보자 검은 사지를 있는 대로 뻗으며 촘촘히 제 몸을 조이는 저 촉촉한 습지에 귀 기울여 보자 깨끗한 생명의 숨소리가 왁자하게 고요한 울렁거림으로 다가서서

Translators Brief Biography Song Chae-Pyong was an associate professor of English at Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan, where he taught from 2001 to 2012. He published articles on modern fiction, as well as translations of Korean poetry and fiction. His translations of Korean literature have appeared in Gwangju News, The Korea Times, New Writing from Korea, Illuminations, Metamorphoses: Journal of Literary Translation and Azalea: Journal of Korean Literature and Culture. Along with Anne Rashid, he won the Grand Prize in the Poetry Category of the 40th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards for translating Kim Hyesoon's poems. His fields of interest included twentieth-century English literature, postcolonial literature, translation studies and globalization of culture. He sadly passed away in February of 2013. Gwangju News is proud to publish Chae-Pyong’s translated work posthumously.

Anne M. Rashid is an assistant professor of English at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She and Chae-Pyong Song received the 40th Korean Literature Translation Award in Poetry Translation given by The Korea Times. Rashid and Song have published translations in New Writing from Korea, list, Gwangju News, Azalea: Journal of Korean Literature, Women's Studies Quarterly and Illuminations.

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poetry

Korean Postcard

By Timothy Bogart Berg and Michael Ian Fallaria Photo by Timothy Bogart Berg

Timothy “Timm” Berg has been living abroad for about eight years, seven of them either in Gyeonggi-do or Seoul. When he first came to Korea, he did the same as most others and taught children, but now he has been freelancing as a B2B English instructor, working in the Gangnam area. He was born in Texas and raised for most of his life in Houston. He married three years ago, as of October 8, to a wonderful Korean woman. They plan to return to the United States this December to begin the next chapter of their lives.

Michael “Mykian” Fallaria has been in Korea for seven years. He was raised in Hawaii and graduated from the University of Alabama. While performing, teaching music or working in the music business, he has travelled to almost every state in America. In Korea, Mykian is a musician, artist and educator. He was a public school teacher in Gyeonggi-do for many years and has also taught at numerous private academies around Seoul.

Mykian always has creative projects in the works.

He is currently an event promoter, a DJ and the founder/member of "M!LK," a band working and performing in the Seoul metro area. He also performs at "Wordsmiths," a spoken word and poetry community.

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travel [My Korea] “My Korea” provides a native or foreign contributor the opportunity to share his/her experience about an aspect of Korea.

Fireworks

Words and photos by Helen Li

T

here is an interesting mindset toward explosives on Donghae Beach. If you are willing to spend about 3,000 won, you can arm yourself with a gun-like firework that shoots sparks out at an alarming velocity — hopefully up and away. You can even arm your child, which I witnessed with much fear in my heart. Convenience mart owners do not discriminate; they will even lend you their lighter. These fireworks can be set off pretty much anywhere on the beach. No distance requirements.

accompanied by high-pitched shrieks; the Triad, fireworks that shot out in threes; and my personal favorite, the Fourth of July's, the classic firework everybody knows and loves back in the States.

Only, this time I could feel the heat from their explosions and, if I were so inclined, I could catch the falling sparks in my hands. A pretty successful evening, all things considered, even if I spent most of it at the mercy of a five-year-old and her trigger finger.

During mid-July 2013, as part of the Fulbright Orientation program, I traveled with my fellow ETAs to Donghae, South Korea in Gangwon Province (Northeast). After a day of bus rides, temple visits and workshops, we were treated to a fantastic evening full of fire, light and color. This experience was truly one of the highlights in my stay so far in South Korea.

Being of Chinese descent, I have often witnessed the importance of fireworks in the culture. Even the smallest events in China would often be accompanied by a pyrotechnic display of light, whereas the only times I see fireworks in the States are during major holidays. (Or not at all, if I happen to spend Fourth of July with my relatives in Massachusetts, because shooting off fireworks is illegal). Seeing the casual and enthusiastic treatment of fireworks in South Korea, I wonder if the fireworks culture and history of China has spread to its close neighbor. Lucky for me, if so.

On that evening, there was no festival or major event at Donghae, just locals wanting to have a good time on a Friday evening. At first I was slightly concerned by the explosives going off just a few hundred feet above my head. But then I learned to just sit back and enjoy the show. There were the Whistlers, fireworks that spiraled in random directions

Come find me at the Seoul International Fireworks Festival in October!

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language teaching

What's Wrong with LongUsed Teaching Practices

By Dr. David Shaffer Photo courtesy of KOTESOL

W

hen teaching techniques and practices have been used for a considerable length of time, we often fail to question their effectiveness and blindly accept them based on their longevity. Just as commonly, when a new teaching technique becomes popular, we tend to entirely discard the formerly-used technique without consideration of its previously-held merits.

Here we discuss several of the “tried-and-true techniques” of the past and present, and their place in the modern-day English classroom.

What's Wrong with Drills?

The structure drill, or pattern practice, was largely inspired by the audio-lingual method and its concept of language learning as habit formation.

The belief was that through drills, students would form the habit of using sentences correctly, never getting into the habit of forming incorrect structures. Teachers would provide only correct sentence forms for drilling, while students would only be exposed to correct forms and they would thereby only produce correct forms. The method became popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

Textbooks filled with drills flooded the market, and language labs designed for pattern practice were built everywhere. The method came to Korea in the 1970s and became the method of instruction most prominently used by the SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) language schools here. Registration day at the SDA School in Gwangju saw a long line of students starting to form in the pre-dawn hours, with the students hoping to snag one of the limited spots available.

Structural drills start out being quite controlled by the teacher — these are the listen-and-repeat type of drills. After this controlled drilling, cues are used to make the drills less controlled and make the students recall more of the expected output.

Whole class periods consisted of structural drill practice. Students learned sentences without making mistakes.

Then Noam Chomsky came along, refuted behaviorism and thus, structural drills lost their appeal. Disregarding the question of the validity of Chomsky's generative-transformational ideas 46

Gwangju News October 2013

Throwing away old teaching techniques for new ones may not be the best course of action. They can be retooled for greater effect.

that supplanted behavioral drills, there was valid reason for drills to lose popularity. Though students became good at parroting the sentences that they had been drilled in, they had not gained the ability to generate any related sentence structures on their own. Drills did not nurture linguistic creativity. So should structural drilling be tossed into the trash can of antiquated teaching methods?

Not so quickly. Drills do have a place in the English classroom — they can be used as one of several varied techniques employed in the practicing of newly introduced structures.

What's Wrong with Correcting Errors?

It is quite common for the student and teacher alike to think that speaking errors are bad and that they should be corrected, so that students do not fall into the bad habit of repeating them until they become ingrained into their English. If you poll your students, asking them if they wish to have their speaking errors corrected, the vast majority will say “yes.” Ask them how frequently they wish to be corrected, a large percentage will say “all the time.” If you have ever tried to correct all or most of the mistakes that were being made in an English class, you would quickly find that very little dialogic practice was being accomplished. Error correction would take up a large portion of the class time, and that is not such a good thing. Modern thinking has it that error correction can even be detrimental to language learning.

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We now divide classroom speaking practice into two types - accuracy practice and fluency practice. During accuracy practice, the focus is on grammatical correctness and errors are pointed out. During fluency practice, the emphasis is on a continuous flow of speech, so interruptions for corrective feedback would actually be a hindrance to this activity. Even during accuracy practice, the teacher must decide what errors to correct and how to correct them. Errors that are at or near the student's proficiency level should be selected for correction; those errors beyond the student's proficiency level should be allowed to pass until the student's ability is at a level where they can deal with them.

“Okay, I'll give a piece of candy to the first student who can spell 'pineapple' correctly.” “I've got a candy bar for the first student to finish writing their letter.”

For those errors that the teacher does decide to correct, she/he must also decide how to correct them - explicitly or implicitly. An explicit correction (“No, that's not right. You should say . . .”) has the advantage of being clear but may also cause embarrassment to the student. An implicit correction (“Could you repeat that?” / “So you went with 13 friends, not 30.” / “You did what?”) can decrease the risk of embarrassment but reduce the chances that the student will recognize that you are correcting them. So, yes, error corrections do have a place in the English classroom, but it is now more of a “niche.” Not all errors should be corrected; not all types of errors should be corrected; not all types of activities should emphasize error correction; not all errors should be overtly corrected.

As with praises, give rewards only where they are due. Also, one should consider what they are giving as rewards. Parents may not want their kids filled with candy. Gold stars pasted on a chart next to the rewarded student's name can be surprisingly motivating - and cause less tooth decay. Rewards, too, have their place in the classroom but it is not the case that more is better.

What's Wrong with Praising & Rewarding Students?

Teacher: Can you tell me what Gina is wearing?

Student: She is wearing a pink blouse, and blue skirt, and black shoes.

Teacher: Good job!

Praising students for their production is something that teachers are encouraged to do. Its purpose is to motivate students to continue their efforts to progress in their language learning. So it is often thought that the more we use it, the more we motivate our students. But is that the way it works?

When the teacher offers praise (as above) after every production that a student makes, the student begins to recognize the emptiness of the words.

When the teacher awards equal praise to a student for easy as well as difficult tasks to complete, the student realizes that the praise is not so sincere.

Such “praise” will not motivate the student, but actually demotivate them because of what is perceived as the teacher's insincerity. Praise has a very important place in the language learning classroom, and it can have a strong motivating force, but the teacher must be careful not to overuse it - only giving praise where it is really due.

Like praise, student rewards can have a motivating effect. And because they have a motivating effect, they tend to be overused. Students then tend to expect a reward for everything that they are asked to do, and if a reward is not offered, they lose their motivation to complete the task.

Additionally, rewards offered to the first student to complete a task encourages students to work quickly (and carelessly) rather than carefully, and this does not lead to good learning results.

Throwing away old teaching techniques for new ones may not be the best course of action. They can be retooled for greater effect.

Gwangju-Jeonnam Monthly Chapter Meeting Date & Time: October 15 (Saturday), 1:30 p.m.

Place: Chosun University, Main Building, Left Wing Featured Workshops: “Teaching Grammar to Young Learners Using the PPP Method” Ross Chambers (Gwangju Natl. Univ. of Ed.) Swap-Shop: Share your teaching ideas and activities.

Admission: No Charge KOTESOL International Conference October 12 - 13, 2013, Seoul http://koreatesol.org Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Email: gwangju@koreatesol.org Twitter: @GwangjuKOTESOL

David E. Shaffer is the current President of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings and special events. Dr. Shaffer is a professor of English at Chosun University, where he has taught graduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses for many years. He is a long-time member of KOTESOL and holder of various positions. He is also the recipient of the KOTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award.

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language study

At a Real Estate Agent

By Karina Prananto and Hong Song-i Illustration by Faiz Alban

Min-jeong : 안녕하세요, 이 근처 원룸을 임대하고 싶어요.

(Annyeonghaseyo, i geuncheo wonrum-eul imdaehago-sipeoyo.)

Hello, I am looking for a one-room nearby for rent. What do you have?

Staff

: 얼마쯤 생각하세요? 평수는요?

(Eolma jjeum saenggakhaseyo? pyeongsuneunyo?) Do you have any budget and preferable size?

Min-jeong : 전세로 하고 싶은데, 있어요?

(Jeonsero hago sipeunde, isseoyo?)

I would like to have one with jeonse, do you have one?

Staff

: 죄송합니다. 요즘에는 원룸이 대부분 월세예요. 제일 싼 방이 전기요금, 가스비 제외하고 한달에 20만원입니다. 보증금은 100만원이에요.

(Joesonghamnida. Yojeum-eneun wonrum-i daebubun wolse-yeyo. Jeil ssan bang-i jengi yogeum, gaseubi jewoe hago handa-re isip manwon imnida. Bojeunggeum-eun baekmanwon iyeyo.)

I am sorry, but currently most one-rooms only offer wolse. The cheapest we have is 200,000 won per month, excluding electric and gas bills, and a one-time deposit of 1 million won.

Min-jeong : 위치가 어떻게 돼요? (집이 어디에 있어요?)

(Wichiga eotteokke dwaeyo? (jib-i eodi-e isseoyo?)) Where is it located?

Staff

: 동사무소 근처이고, 여기서 10분 걸려요. 한번 보실래요?

(Dongsamuso geuncheo-igo, yeogiseo sip bun geolryeoyo. Hanbeon bosilraeyo?)

It's near the community service center, 10 minutes from here. Would you like to see it?

Min-jeong : 네. 지금 가서 볼 수 있어요?

(Ne. Jigeum gaseo bol su isseoyo?) Yes, I would. Can we go there and see it now?

Staff

: 그럼요, 따라 오세요.

(Geureomyo, ddara oseyo.) Of course, please come with me.

A while later ... 잠시 후 Staff

: 이 방에는 화장실과 작은 주방이 있습니다. 가구는 직접 구하셔야 해요.

(I bang-eneun hwajangsil gwa jakeun jubang-i isseumnida. Gaguneun jikjeob guhasyeoya haeyo.)

This room has an attached bathroom and small kitchen. You must provide your own furniture.

Min-jeong : 방이 꽤 크고 밝네요. 마음에 들어요.

(Bang-i kkwae keugo bakneyo. Maeum-e deuroyo.)

It is quite big and bright. I like it.

Later on, back at the real estate agent's office ... 잠시 후, 다시 부동산 Min-jeong : 조만간 이사할 수 있을까요?

(Jomangan isahal su isseulkkayo?) Is it possible to start to move in soon?

Staff

: 네. 여기 계약서입니다. 읽어 보시고 사인해 주세요.

(Ne, yeogi gyeyakseo imnida. Ilgeo bosigo sainhae juseyo.)

Yes. Here is the contract, please read and sign it at the bottom.

LIVING TIPS – Korea Housing Options In Korea there are many accommodation options, but the most popular for short-term residents is the one-room apartment (similar to a studio). There are also payment options: wolse (monthly rent) and jeonse (key deposit). Wolse gives you more flexibility by letting you pay a monthly fee and a rather small cash deposit when you first move in. Jeonse frees you from monthly rent but it may be an inconvenience as you have to pay a rather huge amount of money when you move in. However it can be refunded when you move out. The jeonse system is no longer popular, and where it does still exist, it is mostly applied to residential houses. For more information on accommodation options in Gwangju and in Korea, check out: http://www.gwangjuguide.or.kr/category/general-information/accommodation

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food

Corona: A Mexican Fusion Words and Photo by Jenn Tinoco Special Thanks to Patrick Conway

T

ucked in the Back Gate of Chonnam National University (CNU) is Corona, a new Tex-Mex addition to the area. Filled with a menu of simple Mexican-style meals and finger foods, this restaurant has one key ingredient: cilantro.

During the Spanish takeover in Mexico and the Americas in the late 1500s, not only did Spain export seeds from tomatoes from Mexico to Italy, creating the infamous spaghetti sauce, but the Spanish also influenced the foods we forever cherish in the U.S. and Mexico today by importing cheese and coriander, also known as cilantro.

What some do not realize, including later generation Latinos, is that the U.S. has created its own Mexican-style cuisine ranging from Tex-Mex (Texas region) to SoCal (Southern California), both of which, employ key ingredients, creating a diversity of tastes.

Choong Jun, the owner, is a Korean native who was raised in Wisconsin where he first encountered home-style Mexican food from his best friend's mother. Choong later relocated to Los Angeles to follow film and city life.

Choong and his wife, a Gwangju native, fell in love, got married and relocated here. “We wanted to open a business where we can offer something for the community but there are way too many coffee shops to begin with. And then I thought about the one food I miss the most from America and thus I decided to open up a Mexican fusion restaurant,” Choong said.

[Corona] The restaurant's name is derived from the famous bottled beer made in Mexico, which literally translates into “crown.” The owners also import two other delicious brews called Sol and Negra Modelo. The Mexicans also have a beer-and-liquor mix like somaek (the Korean combination of beer and soju), called a Coronarita, which is made from a Tequila and fruit mix drink called a Margarita, served in a huge “copa” cup.

[Area] Walk toward the first MiniStop of CNU's Back Gate, 50

Gwangju News October 2013

and go straight. On the left you will see an Italian coffee shop, turn left there. Corona will be on the second floor straight ahead. Walk to the left side for the entrance. You cannot miss the giant Mexican flags on the glass doors.

[Atmosphere] Corona is complete with a brightly colored interior décor, just like Mexicans do it, along with cool photos and a projector to screen movies and sports games inside. Music is always playing, including Spanish artists. It is a great space for parties of four or more. There are also cute Korean style bunks for a more intimate meal.

[Service] Friendly staff members are available who are attentive to any questions about the menu. No Kimchi or radishes are served, only chips and salsa as side dishes.

[Food] For a great, fulfilling snack, hard shell tacos or flour tortillas are the best choices. You can ask for a beef or chicken combination. Burritos are the same price but are loaded with pinto beans, rice, cheese, onions, sour cream and, of course, cilantro. The chicken and cheese quesadilla is fabulously served Korean style with zigzagged sour cream décor on top and salsa dip on the side.

Nachos are a loaded steal and your taste buds will thank you.

[Prices] Two tacos are 6,500 won, and three tacos are 9,000. Burritos are 7,000 won, while chimichangas and quesadillas are both 9,000 won. Beer selections are 7,000 won for import and cheap drafts of Red Rock.

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food

Laver Jangajji 김 장아찌 Words and photos by Cheon Soyeon

D

uring summer vacation, I studied at school all day long, so my mother always packed healthy lunches for me, such as vegetable salad and stir-fried anchovies. Laver Jangajji is one of my mother's main healthy dishes. The laver Jangajji is good for you, because laver has plenty of minerals, vitamins and protein. It prevents osteoporosis, reduces cholesterol and can help treat constipation.

Healthy factors like these in dishes are important to keep our bodies in good condition. My mother is really interested in my well-being, so she made Japanese apricots and sophisticated drinks when I was at home this summer. When I had a stomachache, she gave me this drink because it contains rich organic acid to aid with one's digestion.

Things to prepare

(serves 1 - 2 persons) 3 sheets of laver 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds 2 tablespoons of soy sauce 3 tablespoons of Japanese apricot the sophisticated drink

Also Laver Jangajji is very easy and quick to make. If you lose your appetite or want a new Korean-style dish, you should try cooking Laver Jangajji and later eat it as a simple side dish.

Cooking Steps 1

2

3

Divide the laver into eight equal parts.

Mix 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 3 tablespoons of Japanese apricot drink.

Pickle a piece of laver in the sauce.

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[CROSSWORD]

By Mike Schroeder

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Pulpit topic Part of IPA Juicy fruit Combined notes We all need it Justin Bieber fan, maybe Jordan's capital Channing Tatum film, 2012 "What is Love" artist We all have it Crumbly cheese "11. Exactly. One louder."

Led Zepplin's drummer Q-Tip target Not direct Scandinavian city Korean language Exam format Novelist Graham Nothing but a number Cigarette's future Chihuahua cheer Gwangju News October 2013

Spanish lad GIC stands for?

One of life's certainties May contain a worm 43,560 square feet Fin. Korean variety show 867-5309, Artist U2 guitarist The ___ Last word of the Bible True color of the sun URL opener Bilbo's adoptee Tyson's talent nkling Lying, some say Baseball stat 'The Lion King' bad guy "The lion _____ tonight" Largest of the seven Show that brought us Will Ferrell

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[CROSSWORD] Last Month’s Answers

Gwangju Guidebook Want to do, see and experience more in Gwangju? Find out what to do, what sights to see and what fun to be had through Gwangju Guidebook. Or if you need information on the go, the Gwangju Guidebook is now available through its mobile version. Easy to read and navigate, now you can have all the information about Gwangju, in your hands on your phone! For accessing the Guide, please visit: www.gwangjuguide.or.kr

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

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

Please send us the information to gwangjunews@gmail.com.

Gwangju Inter FC The Gwangju international soccer team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly every weekend. If you are interested in playing, e-mail: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com or search ‘Gwangju Inter FC’ on Facebook.

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

Gwangju Meditation Group Gwangju Meditation Group meets every Monday at the GIC between 7:30 and 9 p.m.

We begin with some gentle yoga stretches and then introduce basic Buddhist meditation techniques and read passages from selected Buddhist teachers.

Email ross.chambers29@gmail.com or search for Gwangju Meditation Group on Facebook for more information.

The Gwangju Photography Club The Gwangju Photography Club is a place where many different people can meet, share advice, give ideas, and practice photography. Every month, the Photography Club goes on a photo outing to different places around the city and country to capture the moment and practice new techniques. Anyone is welcome to join the photography group and help share in the experience. To join the group, search Gwangju Photography Club on Facebook.

Translation Services Available at the GIC Translation services are now available at the GIC. Languages include English and Korean for reasonable prices. Types of documents that can be translated are: certificates, newsletters and/or reports.

For more information, please contact the GIC at 062-226-2733/34 or gic@gic.or.kr

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Gwangju News October 2013

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

We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month. Meet every Saturday at 1p.m. in front of downtown Starbucks, opposite Outback Steakhouse.

All are welcome. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please find the “Sungbin Volunteers” group on Facebook.

Wanted: Expat Stories: accounts of your experiences living and working in Korea.

Encounters of comedy, tragedy and anything inbetween. The stories will be used in an ongoing documentary project entitled “Expat Asia.”

I am a photographer/filmmaker and former resident of Gwangju, now based in Melbourne, Australia. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Please send all correspondance to jacquessheard@hotmail.com. If you have any questions about the project, please contact me.

Jacques Sheard

Photo Gwangju Plus For photographers, Google+ has become a tool and part of their overall social media strategy. There is a lot to love. If you are an aspiring photographer that is looking for inspiration, education and other individuals to connect with and share your passion for photography, we have an opportunity for you. If you are serious about photography and want to walk a couple steps higher, there is a community that shares pictures that you are more than welcome to join. For more information, please visit “Photo Gwangju Plus (#photogwangjuplus)” at: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/11068734 2506867002799

Gwangju's Young Adult Cross-Cultural Exchange Korean students from Chonnam and Chosun Universities and foreign English teachers from Gwangju and Jeollanam-do meet together to engage in Gwangju's Young Adult Cross-Cultural forum. Events are held at the American Corner at the Mudeung Library, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. These forums serve as a means for people to come together and discuss issues in a culturally comparative lens. So far, topics have included Education Inequality and Food, Health and Sustainability. All are encouraged to attend.

Please contact Connor Dearing at connordearing@gmail.com for more information.

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Gwangju News October 2013

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