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Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine
October 2016 Issue No. 176 Published on October 7, 2016 Cover Photo: Joe Wabe Cover Art & Design: Joe Wabe Photo provided by: Gwangju International Community Day Gwangju News is the first local English magazine in Korea, first published in 2001. It covers local and regional issues, with a focus on roles and activities of the international residents and local Englishspeaking communities. Copyright by Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means — graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise — without the written consent of the publisher. Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center 5, Jungang-ro 196 beon-gil (Geumnam-no 3 Ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea Tel: (+82)-62-226-2733~34 Fax: (+82)-62-226-2731 Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date February 22, 2010 Printed by Join Adcom 조인애드컴 (+82)-62-367-7702
Are you looking for ways to be actively involved with your community while spending time with fun and engaging people? Gwangju News always needs volunteers who want to share their expertise or gain some. We have plenty of opportunities for writers, copy editors, photographers, web and blog editors as well as graphic artists and creators. Please contact our managing editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for volunteering inquiries.
Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.
@GwangjuNewsGIC
October 2016
Volunteering Inquiry and Feedback: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr Advertising and Subscription Inquiry: minsu@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733~34
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
PUBLISHER Shin Gyonggu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joe Wabe MANAGING EDITORS Kelsey Rivers, Anastasia Traynin COORDINATOR AND LAYOUT EDITORS Minsu Kim, Joe Wabe PHOTO EDITOR Lorryn Smit CHIEF PROOFREADER Joey Nunez COPY EDITORS Carrie Levinson, Gabi Nygaard, Joey Nunez, Kelsey Rivers, 8ball PROOFREADERS Christie Fargher, David Foster, Don Gariepy, Sherry Garretson, Heidi Jablonski, David La Boon, Teri Lyn, Kelsey Minnig, Joey Nunez, Zara Perciful, Erin Seales, Kelsey Yohe RESEARCHERS Son Saerom
GwangjuNews
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Email us today and start getting involved!
THE EDITORIAL TEAM
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Get Involved!
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Contents October 2016
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
26GWANGJU NEWS
FEATURE
TRAVEL
4. Gwangju City News 5. Upcoming Events 8. GIC Talk October Schedule 10. GIC Tour
16. The 22nd Gwangju International Community Day 20. Global Families of Gwangju Halloween Party
38. Around Korea: Namhae 42. Lost in South: Geumseong-Sanseong
COMMUNITY
ARTS & CULTURE
12. Community Leaders: Lisa Crone 14. Korean Culture: Historic Hanbok 23. New in Town: Gabriela Fernanda Rios Fainberg 26. Local Entrepreneurs: Kunst Lounge 32. International Community: The Pinoys of Gwangju 50. From Abroad: Oktoberfest 52. Health: Mental Illness
22. Bringing Indie Music to the South 24. Live in Gwangju 34. Photo Essay: The Bersker Family 37. Photo of the Month 44. Movie Review: The Wailing
46. KOTESOL: Spooooky Speaking 48. “Wunderbar!”: Goethe Institut Gwangju 56. Talk to me in Korean
FOOD & DRINKS 29. Korean Food: Jumbo Shrimp on the Grill 30. Where to Eat: Thrill of the Grill Sports 40. Hiking in Fall
EDUCATION
OPINION 50. Facebook Addiction
issue
#176
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Letter from the Editor
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fter beating the bumper-to-bumper traffic and feasting on Chuseok traditions, we have entered the golden month of October. Golden leaves on the trees and crunching under our feet, golden moons in the sky, golden rice fields and maybe even a sip of some golden beer are easily enjoyed. Speaking of beer, Gwangju News is highlighting this edition with the German beer festival Oktoberfest and how it is celebrated in Korea, along with stories of local German culture found at the Goethe Institute and Kunst Lounge. Of course, Oktoberfest is not the only lively fall festival happening in these parts. The first weekend of October brings us the nationally recognized and award-winning Chungjang 7080 Festival, Gwangju’s nostalgic downtown street celebration of the 1970s and 1980s. The month closes out with another imported festival, the spooky costume party Halloween. We take a look at how both of these celebrations bring together activities for adults and children around Gwangju to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. The 11th Gwangju Biennale continues through November 6, with art exhibits on display around the city. Do not miss your chance to see this year’s unique collaborations between international artists and local communities. Finally, I would like to briefly introduce myself here as a co-editor of Gwangju News and also the American Coordinator at Gwangju International Center. I have been a volunteer for this magazine since fall 2013 and since starting full-time at the GIC in May of this year, I have had the honor of serving the Gwangju community in many different capacities. I sincerely thank all of the readers of Gwangju News and I look forward to a continued partnership with local and international residents.
Anastasia Traynin Managing Editor www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
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Gwangju City
News
Compiled by Son Saerom
The International Population in Gwangju up by more than 48.3% in the Past Five Years The international population has rapidly grown in South Korea over the last five years, with Korean-Chinese residents making up the bulk of the population. According to the 2015 census report by Statistics Korea, the number of international residents living in South Korea came to 1.36 million, accounting for 2.7 percent of the country’s total population. The figure is a 41.6 percent increase from 960,000 back in 2010.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
Entire City of Gwangju Becomes a Festival Site in October According to Gwangju city, the “Autumn Flower Festival” will be held around the Gwangju Lake Ecology Park from October 14 to 23, 2016. At the festival, various traditional performances and events will be held, along with 30,000 chrysanthemum flowers planted around the festival site. There will also be an autumn flower exhibition festival under the title “Water Melon Party with Flowers”. Reportedly, various gardens including an Autumn Memory Garden, Community Garden, and an Up-cycle Garden will be showcased, coming together to make a shape of the famous Mt. Mudeung Watermelon. Regarding this fact, a city official said the festival was to be held at Gwangju Lake Ecology Town and will provide Gwangju with unique quality tourism resources. He said that he hopes many citizens will participate in the event and enjoy their time there.
IIAC Begins Real-Time Flight Updates at Gwangju’s U-square Incheon’s International Airport Corporation has begun providing real-time flight updates to Gwangju citizens via monitors at the Gwangju U-Square Bus Terminal.
Meanwhile, a total of 22,000 international residents are currently residing in Gwangju, which is a 48 percent increase over the last 5 years, while Jeonnam saw a 45 percent increase to reach 35,000 people.
Reportedly, the IIAC will relay flight-related information in real-time via Smart Flight Information Display Software (FIDS). The service has been in test operations since last July but has now begun full operations.
Chinese nationals make up the largest portion among the entire international population in Gwangju at 6,000, followed by Vietnamese at 4,500. However in Jeollanam-do, Vietnamese residents marked the largest amount at 12,200, with Chinese following at 7,100.
Gwangju’s U-Square is one of the city’s major transportation hubs and a main point of departure for those travelling to Incheon, and now that the flight service is live, passengers will be able to stay up-todate on their travel plans.
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Upcoming
Events
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Namdo Food Festival 2016
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The 10th Gwangju International Tea Fair 제10회 광주국제문화전시회
International Integrative Medicine Dates: October 20 to 23, 2016 Expo in Jangheung Korea 2016 장흥통합의학박람회
대한민국 국향대전
The Korea Chrysanthemum Festival was started with the theme, “Enjoy the affluence of autumn and chrysanthemum scent” in the autumn of 2004 in an effort to establish Tour Hampyeong with themes for all seasons and lay the foundation for a successful Hampyeong Butterfly and Insect Expo 2008. Dates: October 21 to November 6, 2016 Venue: Hampyeong-gun Expo Park Admission Fee: Adults 7,000 won Website: www.hampyeong.go.kr Telephone: (061) 320-3364
Dates: October 21 to 23, 2016 Venue: 130, Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do Directions: From the Gwangju USquare Bus Terminal, take a local Bus 311 to Juknokwon From the Damyang Bus Terminal. Cross the road and take a Bongsan-Damyang route bus. Get off at the Juknokwon bus stop, and cross the road. Admission Fee: Free Website: www.namdofood.or.kr/ Telephone: (061) 286-5262
October 2016
Dates: ~ October 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Venues: Around Bidongri , Anyangmyeon, Jangheung-gun, Jellanam-do Admission Fee: Adults 12,000 won, Student 10,000 won, Children 8,000 won Website: www.expo2016.kr Telephone: (061) 860-7500
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The Korea Chrysanthemum Festival
: Featuring history, culture and evergreen bamboo tree forests as a clean and ecological city, Damyang hosts the Namdo Food Festival in the area of Damyang Stadium in front of Juknokwon. This festival introduces a food exhibition hall that is comprised of a variety of representative food items in Namdo, and offers various healthy food items. Other events include parades, food contests, food samplings, cultural art performances and an agricultural products sales market.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The 2016 Jangheung International Integrative Medicine Expo is being held at the green recreational district “Jangheung” from September 29 to October 31, 2016 (for 33 days) under the theme of “Open the new paradigm for humans.’ The 6th year of the international event is based on our extensive experience and know-how, and there will be a more upgraded and advanced international expo in 2016.
Venue: KDJ Convention Center Admission Fees: 5,000 won Website: www.teaexpo.or.kr/ Telephone: (062) 611-2212/2256
2016 남도음식문화큰잔치
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Hwasun Healing Food Festival 2016
UPCOMING
ACC - ASIAN CULTURE CENTER
www.acc.go.kr, 1899-5566
GWANGJU NEWS
화순힐링푸드페스티벌
Ghibli animation soundtracks with jazz pianist Lee Ji-yeon
Dates: October 27 to 30, 2016 Venue: Hanium Culture Sport Center Admission Fee: Free Website: healingfood.hwasun.go.kr Telephone: (061) 379-3579
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The Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival
October 2016
The Piagol Valley hosts its Autumn Foliage Festival around late October in appreciation of the beautiful autumn foliage that floods the valley with red against the backdrop of the lush green virgin forest. Piagol in autumn is famous for Samhong. Literally, the three reds, referring to the vibrant red foliage, the red-tinted waters and the red in the eye of the beholder.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
지리산피아골 단풍축제
Dates: October 29 to 30, 2016 Venue: Autumn Foliage Park, Tojimyeon, Gurye-gun / Piagol Valley area Admission Fee: Free Directions: from the Gwangju USquare Bus Terminal, get a bus from Gurye Public Bus Terminal to Piagol, and get off at the Jikjeon Village (40 minutes) Website: en.gurye.go.kr/en/ Telephone : (061)780-2227
Date : October 26, 11 a.m. Venue: ACC Arts Theater 2 Admission Fee : 20,000 won Website: www.acc.go.kr Telephone : 1899-5566
Walls-Iphigenia in Exile Date : October 14 to 16 Location: ACC Arts Theater 2 Language : German & Korean Admission Fee : R seat 30,000 won, S seat 20,000 won Website : www.acc.go.kr Telephone : 1899-5566 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s drama “Iphigenia in Tauris” depicts the historic, religious and social determinacy of humans and their attempt to escape from it – surmounting obstacles within and outside themselves. “Walls – Iphigenia in Exile” is a contemporary version of the play with a German-Korean perspective. The new version is a continuation of several years of collaboration between German and Korean theatre artists, originally initiated by the GoetheInstitut. Four Korean directors and one German director will interpret one act each, while two playwrights from Germany and South Korea are responsible for writing and incorporating new texts into the play. Producer Group Dot www.producergroupdot.kr
ACC is holding the ninth brunch jazz concert with music programs to enjoy the comforting sounds of jazz pianist Lee Ji-yeon. Musical gems from Japanese Ghibli animation studio movie soundtracks, much loved in this country, are reinterpreted by Lee Ji-yeon to showcase new musical ways. On the stage, you can hear representative soundtracks from Ghibli animation movies, including “Laputa: Castle in the Sky,” “My Neighbor Totoro” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Spirited Away.”
Imagining New Eurasia Project Chapter 2, From, To, and In Between: Theatre of Networks It deals with the ways in which the Old Silk Road, New Silk Roads, and other routes have constructed a grand network that shaped and defined the continent since ancient times. Using historical and contemporary materials, this research-based exhibition presents visual narratives on how wars, religions, trade, and other dynamic forces have created paths that forged relations, and often disturbances, between different cultures and states. Dates: September 1, 2016 to June 14, 2017 Venue: ACC Creation Space 3 Admission Fee: Adults 7,000 won, Students (ages 13-24) 5,000 won
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GWANGJU THEATER Chungjang-no 5-ga 62, Dong-gu, Gwangju (two blocks behind NC WAVE) TICKETS: 8,000 won INFORMATION: 062-224-5858 October 1
Dear Grandma (2016, 92 minutes) Documentary
Directed by Lee So-hyun At the age of 93, the grandmother in the movie tries to commit suicide. The main character is afraid that their grandmother might pass away, and so spends time with the grandmother so as to make their farewell more beautiful and warm.
L’avenir (Things to come) (2016, 102 minutes) Drama
Directed by Mia Hansen Love Isabell Huppert, Edith Scob, Andre Marcon, Roman Kolinka Nathalie teaches philosophy at a high school in Paris. She is passionate about her job and particularly enjoys passing on the pleasure of thinking. Married with two children, she divides her time between her family, former students and her very possessive mother. One day, Nathalie’s husband announces he is leaving her for another woman. With freedom thrust upon her, Nathalie must reinvent her life.
A Bride for Rip Van Winkle (2016, 119 minutes) Drama, Romance Directed by Shunji Iwai Haru Kuroki, Ayano Go, Cocco Nanami is an apathetic, part-time junior high school teacher, whose only solace comes from connecting with others on “Planet,” a new social network service. One day, a young man named Tetsuya messages her and asks to meet in person. The two begin dating and quickly become engaged. When Testuya begs Nanami to increase her guest list for the wedding, Nanami reaches out to online-friend, Amuro, a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades, who hires actors to play Nanami’s guests on her big day. A few weeks following the ceremony, Tetsuya’s mother confronts Nanami with allegations of lying and cheating. Heartbroken and despondent, Nanami checks herself into a hotel and manages to get hired there as a maid. One day, Amuro offers Nanami a housekeeping job in an old mansion, whose sole resident’s infectious spirit helps Nanami to open her heart. However, Nanami soon realizes that Amuro, the mansion, and its occupant aren’t what they seem - and even dreams have limits. October 13
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975, 100 minutes) Comedy, Musical
Directed by Jim Sharman Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick Brad and Janet, newly engaged, stumble onto the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter during a rainstorm. Taking refuge in the castle, they are present for the doctor’s unveiling of his newest creation, Rocky. Over the course of the night, Frank seduces both Brad and Janet, Janet and Rocky have sexual intimacy, Dr. Everett Scott arrives looking for his son Eddie (whom Frank killed earlier in the film), and it all goes to pot when the guests discover that Frank is actually an alien (a transvestite from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy Transylvania) who has succeeded in creating the Sonic Transducer, “an audio-vibratory physiomolecular transport device” capable of “breaking down solid matter and then projecting it through space and, who knows, perhaps even time itself.” What happens to Brad and Janet is for the audience to see.
Spy Nation (2016, 97 minutes) Documentary
October 14 The Gwangju Theater Film Festival of the 81st Anniversary of Opening (About 15 Films) Juaja (2014, 109 minutes) Drama
Directed by Lisandro Alonso Viggo Mortensen, Ghita Nørby, Viilbjørk Malling Agger A father and daughter journey from Denmark to an unknown desert that exists in a realm beyond the confines of civilization.
The Leopard (2016, 205 minutes) Drama, History
For the full September movie calendar please visit: cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju
October 2016
Directed by Luchino Visconti Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, Claudia Cardinale In the 1860s, a dying aristocracy struggles to maintain itself against a harsh Sicilian landscape. The film traces with a slow and deliberate rhythm the waning of the noble home of Fabrizio Corbero, Prince of Salina (the Leopard) and the corresponding rise to eminence of the enormously wealthy ex-peasant Don Calogero Sedara. The prince himself refuses to take active steps to halt the decline of his personal fortunes or to help build a new Sicily but his nephew Tancredi, Prince of Falconeri, swims with the tide and assures his own position by marrying Don Calogero’s beautiful daughter Angelica. The climactic scene is the sumptuous 40-minute ball, where Tancredi introduces Angelica to society.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Directed by Choi Seung-ho Choi Seung-ho, Kim Ki-choon, Won Sei-hoon Yu Woo-seong, who had been working as a civil servant, is on trial for espionage following his sibling’s confession. A reporter who has been laid off begins following the traces of a spy story manipulated by a government agency. The clues lead to a confession and false evidence that society and the press had rejected.
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October Schedule The monthly GIC Talk will showcase talks from speakers who would like to share their areas of expertise with the GIC Talk audience, with new topics throughout 2016. Time & Location: Saturdays from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., GIC Auditorium (1st Floor) For more information and for a GIC Talk Application, contact gictalk@gic.or.kr
:: October 1
Speaker: Steven Ward (USA) Topic: Privacy, Politics and the Public Attendees of this GIC talk will go home with a basic, but accurate, understanding of cyber security issues, how they can protect their own online privacy and how government entities are attempting to counter cyber-crime and cyber-terrorism. After the talk, participants will be able to develop their own informed opinions on topics related to electronic privacy and surveillance.
:: October 15 Happy GIC Day!!
There will be a special talk along with Gwangju International Community Day. After the talk, there will also be a music concert entitled “Wonderful Afternoon,” so please come and join us for the GIC’s biggest annual event!
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
:: October 22
Speakers: Ngwenya Bekithemba (Zimbabwe) & Mamadou Cisse (Senegal) Topic: Zimbabwe, Senegal and Korea
:: October 8
Speaker: Stacy Jong Eun Shim (USA) Topic: International Medical Center and Medical Tourism The cost of health care is rising in many countries, and so there has been an increase in medical tourism to Korea as people travel abroad for their medical treatment. The International Medical Center (IMC) at the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital has been involved in attracting overseas patients to Hwasun. Stacy Shim, team leader at the IMC, will introduce the center and the hurdles the hospital faces as it competes for foreign patients.
:: October 29 To be announced
GIC TALK
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Call for
GIC Talk Presenters Are you interested in giving a presentation on your field of study or sharing your life story with others? The staff at GIC Talk believe that everyone has a different and unique story to share! So why not tell your story? GIC Talk is a weekly English talk program developed for intercultural communication and understanding among local Korean citizens with international residents in Gwangju. The program started in September 2003 with only a few participants. Nowadays, dozens of Koreans and international residents take part in the Talk Program, with focus concentrating on a different topic each week. These include world cultures, social issues, history, lifestyles, political issues, speakers’ experience and other areas of interest.
Community Space for Koreans and International Residents
This community space for Koreans and international residents takes place on Saturdays. Most presenters are international residents in Gwangju, but other influential people, such as international ambassadors and representatives of NGOs or NPOs, are also invited to give a talk. Each lecture is followed by a Q&A time where people can ask the presenter questions and exchange their ideas freely. The community space gives those who attend opportunities to be more globally aware.
Program Operation
How to participate in GIC Talk?
GIC Talk is open to EVERYONE! It is held every Saturday (except public holidays or for pre-announced reasons) from 3 to 4:30 p.m. (about 30 minutes for the lecture, 15 minutes for a Q & A Session). The Talk is given exclusively in English.
GIC Talk welcomes your proposals for presentations on topics such as society, culture, politics, science, education or any topic of interest. If you would like to be a presenter or nominate someone to be a presenter, please contact gictalk@gic.or.kr / +82-62-226-2733.
October 2016
Call for Presenters
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Despite not having a program budget, GIC Talk is possible thanks to local and international residents sharing their time, knowledge and experience. Our appreciation also goes to GIC volunteers who host, document and review the event.
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GIC Tour October
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
Changpyeong Slow City: Exploring Slow City & Dyeing Experience Lunch: Tteok-galbi and Bamboo Rice - Bamboo Health Land: Drinking Bamboo tea and making Ssalyeot at Sosaewon
Date & Time: Saturday, October 29th 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration: By Sunday, October 23rd Participation fee: 45,000 won (GIC members) 55,000 won (Non-members) / 25,000 won (Pre-schoolers) More Info: Jeongmin Lee 062.226.2733 / gictour@gic.or.kr
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Damyang By Nahia Antoranz Photos Courtesy of the GIC Tour
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his month, we are going to Changpyeong and Damyang. Changpyeong is famous for being a “Slow City” and for ssalyeot (rice taffy), while Damyang is famous for Ddeokgalbi and bamboo. This “Slow City” promotes a highquality environment where healthy eating is based on locally-grown and locally-cooked food and a traditional culture is prominent. That being said, our first destination will be Changpyeong. This town has beautiful scenery with a lot of traditional Hanok-style architecture, as well as a slower pace of living. While we are there, we will try natural fabric dyeing with Master Dyer Mal-rye Kim, who will teach us the original technique. Then we will explore the traditional gardens of Changpyeong as well. After that, we will tour the village
and the inside of a traditional Hanok with an interpreter. This experience will give us a broader view of what living in ancient Korea looked and felt like. An amazing 400-yearold wall guards this town, which local residents have been preserving. Therefore, Changpyeong will be the closest thing we will do to returning to the past! After touring, we will have the joyful experience of eating the most amazing ddeokgalbi of the area -- Damyang ddeokgalbi! This delicacy will be served along with bamboo rice inside of a dish made of bamboo, another speciality of the area. Damyang is very famous for these two food dishes, but our lunch will be served along with an endless variety of side dishes that will leave all taste buds tingling! After lunch, we will go to the “Bamboo Health Land,” and try some bamboo leaf tea. Only in Da-
GIC TOUR myang, this unique experience will be worth savoring. We will also make ssalyeot (rice taffy) which is the signature slow food of Damyang. This is because ssalyeot takes a long time to make, and the process is quite complex, as it can only be done through human labor. Ssalyeot is gaining popularity these days because it has many health benefits, like helping digestion and curing throat soreness. After making and tasting bamboo leaf tea and ssalyeot, our last destination will be Soswaewon Garden. This garden is typical of what would be found during the Joseon Dynasty: full of harmony with nature and preserved in the ways of traditional Korea. Classical scholars from the Joseon Dynasty studied in this type of place to educate themselves in politics, law, philosophy and other subjects. Taking advantage of this opportunity, we are going to write a poem or draw a picture of the scenery as Korean scholars did long ago. So tag along on this no-stress, slowlife experience and unwind from work with us. You will leave relaxed and amazed by what Changpyeong and Damyang have to offer! www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
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Lisa Crone By Anne Murray
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Lisa Crone
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
L
isa Crone is always making a difference in the lives of Gwangju dogs. When she saw that a local dog in Damyang County had been seriously injured, she did not hesitate to get involved. The dog had been run over and had spinal damage. The owner did not want to put the dog down, so instead, Lisa bought the animal and arranged for its spinal surgery, even managing to get a 90 percent discount on the operation’s original 5,000,000 won cost. Since then Lisa has continued helping out animals in Gwangju and collaborated with the Gwangju Animal Shelter. She assisted in setting up a group of volunteers who walk the dogs on Sunday afternoons. The Shelter has a veterinarian and 200 dogs, which need weekly exercise. She is a founding member of GACHI (Gwangju Animal Care Humane Institution). GACHI sees a need to educate and advise people about neutering/spaying cats and dogs so that animal rescue teams are not as overwhelmed as they are now. GACHI also would like people to think carefully before getting a pet, and consider the long-term commitment and responsibility needed to care for a dog or cat. She also organized a group called “Justice for Jindo’s,” an animal res-
COMMUNITY LEADERS
cue and rehabilitation organization, which finds new homes for dogs in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do.
In the future, Lisa would like to visit India to do a yoga course and sample authentic Indian curries. If she were
Lisa invites all interested parties who have spare-time on Sundays to join the group of volunteers who walk dogs at the Gwangju Animal Shelter. After brunching at The First Alleyway Bar and Restaurant, they carpool at 1 p.m. to the shelter. Lisa can be contacted through these Facebook pages: - Gwangju Animal Shelter Volunteering - Walk and Cuddle Dogs at the Gwangju Animal Shelter - Gwangju Animal Shelter Fostering Network - Justice for Jindos
October 2016
In addition to being a self-professed dog and cat person, she likes the arts. She said that her brother is an actor and was involved in “The 48 Hour Film Challenge” back home in Canada, in which teams have 48 hours to
When asked about her source of inspiration, Lisa cites her mom, who she says is a really wonderful person and a social worker. She remembers visiting people and making a difference in her community with her mom and giving to those less fortunate.
an animal, Lisa would be a bird, so she would be free to travel and visit her family. www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Lisa Crone is an English Teacher and Teacher Trainer in neighboring Damyang County. During her free time she likes to play indie pop at open mic nights at Corona’s on Tuesdays and Tequilaz on Wednesdays in downtown Gwangju. Her favorite musician is Neil Young. She also likes to ride her mountain bike along the Jungnyung Stream and read historical novels.
make and edit a short film. Lisa set up a similar challenge called, “Make it Great 48.” Six films were screened at the GIC, with 100 audience members in attendance. Dinner coupon prizes were awarded to the top three film teams. Building off this success, Lisa has plans to continue “Make it Great 48” this year as well.
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Historic Hanbok by Marley Herckner
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
COMMUNITY
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photos by lorryn smit
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KOREAN CULTURE 15
ountries around the world lay claim to a variety of traditional clothing. Germany has the dirndl, Spain has the traje de luces, Russia has the sarafan, Japan has the kimono and South Korea has the hanbok. But while other countries bring out these clothes for very special occasions, you can see the hanbok any time of the year in any Korean city. What is it about the hanbok that sets it apart? The origins of the hanbok can be traced all the way back to the third century B.C.E. This was the foundation of the hanbok. It did not take on its familiar form until about 1,600 years ago, during the Joseon Dynasty. The design of the hanbok changed very little at this point. Until recent history the hanbok was worn on a daily basis, and worn throughout South and North Korea. In North Korea it is called Joseon-ot (조선옷), literally translated into “Joseon clothes.” The pieces of the hanbok seem simple at first. The women wear the jeogori (저고리), which is the jacket, and the chima (치마) or the skirt. Men wear the jeogori and the baji (바지) or pants. But while it may appear simple, there is a lot of thought and time that goes into each and every detail. The jeogori is comprised of five different pieces. There is the large piece that covers the front and the back called gil (길). There is the white collar, dongjeong (동정) and the git (깃), which trims the dongjeong. The strings that hold the jeogori together are called goreum (고름). And then, there are the sleeves.
The cloth may be cut into squares, but the seams introduce a curve. This curve is one of the most important features. The seams need to be in a specific location, at a certain angle and with the correct type of stitch. A correctly-sewn hanbok looks effortless and beautiful.
It has the beauty of nature. This beauty refers to that curved seam that allows the hanbok to flow and appear seamless. The seventh beauty is the blank space. This space is for the wearer to fill in by their unique body and posture. Finally, you have the beauty of personal character. The colors and style of the hanbok are supposed to be unique to the wearer and show who they are. The hanbok is a constant in these quickly-changing times. It has withstood the influence of many foreign fashions that have tried to alter it. It may be less-commonly worn than in the past, but it seems impossible that this important piece of Korean history will ever fade away. This is what sets the hanbok apart.
October 2016
Putting on the hanbok takes a fair amount of dedication. But making a hanbok takes far more. The hanbok is meant to be used for any occasion: weddings, funerals or daily life. It is designed to be worn by men and women, old and young, Korean and international residents. It is mainly made from cotton or silk, but there are very specific rules for actually sewing these pieces together.
Next is the beauty of harmony. The hanbok has a perfect mixture of straight lines and gentle curves. The hanbok also has the beauty of color. The colors of the hanbok are based off of obangsaek (오방색). This is a mixture of ying and yang and the five elements.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
The jeogori also comes in seven different styles between men and women. After donning the jeogori, women wear underpants or an underskirt before the wraparound chima is tied on. Men put on the baji, which are simple loose pants. The hanbok may be on, but there are a few more steps before it is finished. Women need to tie the goreum. The knot used is called maedeupgo (매듭고). Men need to tie their pants at the ankle. Both genders wear the traditional socks known as beoseon (버선).
In fact, the hanbok is said to have eight different beauties. The first is the beauty of structure. It means that the hanbok is designed simply but meant to complement the body. The second beauty is form. The hanbok is meant to be beautiful in itself with its flowing seams and it is meant to not restrict movement. There is the beauty of creativity. The creativity of the design allows the hanbok to come alive once worn.
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The 22nd
Gwangju International Community Day
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
ARTS & CULTURE
By Joey Nunez Photos by Joe Wabe
An interview with Boram Lee, Gwangju International Center
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T
his month, the Gwangju International Community Day 2016 will celebrate a Gwangju tradition in new ways! For the first time, festivities will happen on two days: Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16.
Then, on Sunday, October 16 starting at 11 a.m. and continuing until 6 p.m., the GIC Day will move a few blocks to the Asian Culture Complex. Events include Global Food Booths, Global Culture Booths, Global Community Activities, Talent Show and Flea Market.
Lee encourages the Gwangju and Jeollanam-do communities to experience and benefit from the event’s main activities. “It will be a great opportunity to sample food from all around the world and get to experience more about cultural diversity in Gwangju.” For the first time this year, finalists from the previous day’s GIC Talent Show will perform on the Main Stage on Sunday. The whole community has been invited and informed of participation opportunities through advertising, in Korean and in English. A deadline of September 25 ensured that all par-
October 2016
Starting on Saturday, October 15 at 1 p.m. in the First Floor Global Lounge of the Gwangju International Center (GIC), bring your spare won and change for the GIC Market, to purchase houseware items, baked
Also at 1 p.m. in the GIC Hall, the GIC Day Talent Show Trial starts, followed by a GIC Talk from a special guest and concluding with a GIC Concert entitled “Wonderful Afternoon” at 4 p.m. The performance’s live music acts will showcase Ocarina, Gayageum, American folk songs and acapella styles. For all of Saturday’s events, the community will truly enjoy four hours of great activities, thoughts and music, both in Korean and in English.
“It is an international platform where people can easily enjoy and involve [themselves] in an exotic and foreign atmosphere.” www.gwangjunewsgic.com
There will be a wide variety of events for each resident, Korean or international, to enjoy to the fullest. Boram Lee, Exchange Support Team Manager at the GIC and Coordinator in charge of this year’s GIC Day, has described that this year’s theme matches past years, of: “enjoying [the] diversity of Gwangju international communities and letting yourself be [a] part of it!”
goods, used books and beverages at discounted rates.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
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ticipants would be prepared for participating. So many great groups and individuals will be performing in the Talent Show, preparing cuisine and activities from around the world and other groups will be assembling and sharing within the Gwangju community.
Choi, O’Neill has enjoyed helping at previous GIC Days by attending for fun, judging the dance competition and serving as a GIC liaison for the Gwangju Performance Project. “Being an active participant in this wonderful community has been wonderful.”
Choi Jinsil, former Intern of the GIC, has attended as both a participant and supporter. “I think the GIC Day is necessary as one of the big festivals which Gwangju should be proud of, since it helps people experience all kinds of global activities.” Another highlight for Choi has been enjoying the company of her international friends.
When asked to describe the GIC Day’s importance, Choi emphasized its purpose. “It is an international platform where people can easily enjoy and involve [themselves] in an exotic and foreign atmosphere.”
Cat O’Neill, current English teacher, agreed with how the event brings people together. “It is a reminder to the ex-pats that they are not alone and that feeling at home in another country is not out of reach.” Like
O’Neill shared “inclusive” as being the GIC Day in one word and elaborated that, “Every nationality, culture and group has a place at GIC Day.” Lee also added “harmony” as the one word to describe GIC Day. “The GIC Day is the day where people from different cultural backgrounds, countries and communities can have the
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In the past, Lee knows that international residents used to find it difficult to gather and share their cultures with Koreans. The GIC Day has helped bridge this gap. “We believe the GIC Day [has become] the one day of the year when all ex-pats and locals can gather together and travel the world within Gwangju, where all of us [can] feel at home,” she said.
FEATURE
chance to understand each other and communicate through this multicultural environment.”
Lee credits the support of the community for making the GIC Day so special and encourages them to do it again. “Let’s make the magic of global Gwangju happen again!” Each GIC Day is truly special, and the 22nd celebration will offer new and excellent features, opportunities for the community to learn more about and from each other and provide an enjoyable atmosphere for all visitors on both Saturday and Sunday. Visit the GIC’s Facebook page and the websites of gic.or.kr and eng. gic.or.kr for more event information.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
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Photos by Erin Heath Kim
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
By Kelsey Rivers
Global Families of Gwangju Halloween Party: An interview with Kelly Palmer Kim and Jeffery Hamilton
F
all is a season of celebrations and festivals, but for some international residents living in Korea, there is one spooky festival that is conspicuously absent. Halloween is perhaps one of the more popular holidays in the western world, and is inextricably intertwined with memories of one’s childhood. Living as we do in Korea, it is easy to see the barriers to celebrating this festival on your own; besides the absence of a cultural background for the holiday in the general populace, the very nature of Korean living (massive apartment complexes versus single-family housing) preclude easy participation in this event. However, in order to give their own children cherished Halloween memories, Global Families of Gwangju (GFOG) has put together its own Halloween celebration.
21 Tell me a little about this event. What is it, and what is the vision behind it? What is the purpose of having this party?
When did this event first start, and how long has it been going on? How did it first start?
What is your role in making this event happen? Jeffery: At first, Kelly and I did quite a lot -- from finding the venue, making the games, purchasing all of the food and prizes, to running the festival. Now with all the support from members of the community who have taken ownership in these events, we have been able to delegate more of the jobs and are working to make sure that a
proper support system is in place for people to have the resources to make the Halloween and Spring festival [happen]. For instance, the Halloween festival would not be what it is without Joel Klimas, Chris Bleeker, Erin Heath, Lisa Mynhardt, Rohan Lewis, Vanessa McLellan, GIC, Robert Holley and the entire Gwangju Foreign School staff. Should people come costumed to this event? What have been the most interesting or bizarre costumes that you have seen? Kelly: Kids and parents are definitely encouraged to dress up for the party. This year we will be giving away priz
October 2016
Jeffery: This is our 5th year holding this event as the Global Families of Gwangju. What amazes Kelly and I so much is the reaction from the community and all the help and support we have received from them. It
is no small secret that Gwangju has some of the best, most caring people in the country and we count on them tremendously to help make these events bigger and more special each year.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Now it is so much more than having our kids put on costumes. This is an opportunity for children here to take part in an authentic Western experience. From a language standpoint, the kids can use this time to use the language they have learned at school. The kids use English to ask how to play games, order popcorn, or simply communicate with other people at the festival. It is a chance for some of the Korean volunteers to use their English as well and also a chance for people to get together and enjoy a wonderful Halloween party.
FEATURE
Jeffery: Well, it all started with the idea that just because Kelly and I were not in our home country we could not enjoy what home has to offer as children. And first and foremost it meant all the great memories [we had of] dressing up as kids for Halloween and going trick-or-treating. I remember as a child having my mother making me a Gizmo costume from ‘Gremlins’ and going door to door to get candy. Kelly and I did not want our children to miss out on that experience. After realizing the logistics of having kids go door-todoor for candy was going to be near impossible, we decided on having a barbecue with other members of the foreign community who had children. As the years went on, the event got bigger and bigger so we decided to open it up to the entire Gwangju community.
22 es for the scariest costume and the funniest costume. We have had lots of great costumes over the years, for example, Mr. Spam, and the Ice King from the TV show “Adventure Time”. One really cool mom even dressed her sons up like the members of the band Kiss. Let your kids wear whatever they want to wear. It does not have to be a monster or a witch. Let them use their imagination and have fun. This year’s event promises to be an exciting one. We will have Halloween crafts, a black light dance party, a smartphone based scavenger hunt, a tattoo station, a kiddie corner for the little ones and tons of great games for kids to play, all created and crafted by our brilliant games manager Joel Klimas. This year we will try a trickor-treating experience where parents of the community will decorate their cars and hand out treats to kids. The event will be held Saturday October 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kwangju Foreign School, located at 106 Samsoro, Oryong Dong, Bukgu 61005.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
If you are interested in volunteering, visit the GFOG Facebook page or contact Kelly Palmer Kim directly.
She and a colleague at the Gwangju Design Center promote the Design Biennale to Korean citizens, international residents and to other countries close to South Korea by SNS (Social Networking Services) and social media. She enjoys making the Gwangju Design Biennale known to people around the world, and because she has only been here since September 5, she hopes to do more in the future. Gabriella is already into the Hallyu Wave in her free time, and enjoys Kpop such as IU and Korean dramas. Additionally, in her free time she enjoys playing games with her friends, such as “Just Dance,” as well as watching movies and baking cookies and cupcakes.
FEATURE
NEW IN TOWN 23
When asked about her favorite Korean food, she says that she likes many, but if she had to pick her favorite, it would be Bulgogi. Her favorite food from way back has always been pasta. She lived in Taiwan from 2006 to 2010 where she attended an international school and learned English. She found that she really enjoyed Asian culture and when she returned to Chile, she missed Asia. She travelled to Japan to study there for one semester this year, and then came to Gwangju.
Gabriela Fernanda Rios Fainberg Photo courtesy of GIC
Gabriella’s future plans include learning Korean, and she is definitely going to apply for a scholarship to study in Korea next year.
October 2016
By Anne Murray
G
abriella is a newcomer to South Korea and Gwangju. She is originally from Chile, where the mother tongue is Spanish. While surfing the Internet looking for an internship, she noticed one being offered at the GIC in Gwangju, South Korea. At first she felt apprehensive about coming to Gwangju as she did not know what to expect, but as it turns out, she finds Gwangju really interesting and has met some amazing people here.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
New In Town
Gabriella has experienced some diversity in Asian cultures and has noticed that South Korea has unique cuts of meat which are very delicious due to their high fat content. She also says that she has noticed there are different types of etiquette and levels of politeness in South Korea compared to other parts of the world.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Photo By Choi Myeong-jin
Live in Gwangju Bohemian
Word by Anastasia Traynin
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
Project Concert ‘Wednesday’ Nights and Kim Only’s 1st Album Release ‘Self-Portrait’
W
ith the 2014 opening of live venue Bohemian across from the Asia Culture Center bus stop, the Gwangju independent music scene continues to thrive. Besides bringing in national touring bands, Bohemian gives local musicians, ranging from punk, metal, folk, jazz and other innovative genres, a chance to display their talents and build a strong following. While most concerts happen on the weekends, one of Bohemian’s pioneer projects is Project Concert “Wednesday,” a series of Wednesday nights with its first installment in fall 2015 and its second run this past summer. On a Wednesday last September, one
of the rising musicians of Gwangju, singer-songwriter and ukulele-player Kim Only, took the stage with his band, blues guitarist Kim Geo-bong and percussionist Lee Jeong-woo. With the moody title “Black Room,” the Bohemian debut performance was the first in a three-part series that introduced Kim Only’s haunting voice, dark lyrics and psychedelic sound to a Gwangju audience. The second concert in the series, “Knock,” was performed at the former Salt gallery in Gyerim-dong, at the end of 2015. Following that performance, the three band members went into the new Bohemian studio and after several months, emerged with Kim’s first album “Self-Portrait,” also the
first album on the Bohemian record label. To celebrate its long-awaited release, the three-part concert culminated with “Escape,” performed at Bohemian on Friday, September 23. Another local musician, Uncle Soon, started the show with a short acoustic folk set, backed by Kim on keyboards and the other two band members. After this disarming opener, there was nowhere to escape. “Am I scary?” Kim jokingly asked the crowd. Dressed in black and illuminated by dim lighting, the band’s sound was dark and broody, punctuated by reverb, reverse and delay effects on the ukulele and guitar, and diverse percussion sounds from cajon to didgeridoo. With titles such as “Float,” “Escape” and “Sunset,” the ten tracks of “Self-Portrait” reflect a p oetic, literary mood. Though he sings all in Korean, Kim counts Radiohead and Sigur Ros among his musical influences. This will surely not be the last that we hear from this promising singer-songwriter and you may just catch him and his band at another Bohemian performance in the near future.
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Photos by Anastasia Traynin
Bohemian to the Beatles
Gwangju-Seoul Alternating Concert Exchange
B
The most recent September 24 Gwangju-Seoul exchange featured Hongdae funk-soul band Freescoop headlining after Ruberstick and folkrock trio 이 안 representing Gwangju.
Bohemian 광주광역시 동구 문화전당로 43/문화전당 건너편 밀러타임 지하 Gwangju Metropolitan City Munhwa Jeondang-ro 43/Miller Time Basement across from Asia Culture Center.
Beatles owner “Sunshine,” looking every bit like a Korean John Lennon, has been running this off-the-beaten-path place since moving back to Gwangju from Seoul in 2013. Every night of the week, bar-goers can enjoy listening to classic rock, pop and soul sounds with music videos on a large screen.
To stay updated on national and local acts coming up at Bohemian, visit their website: http://cafe.daum.net/bOHEmiAN or follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Bohemiian Kim Only’s 자화상 “Self-Portrait” can be purchased at Yes 24: http://www.yes24. com/24/goods/32389003?scode=032&OzS rank=1 and other online music stores.
Beatles
광주 북구 용봉동 1405-11 2층 Gwangju Buk-gu Yongbong-dong 1405-11 2nd floor
This was the second Gwangju-Seoul exchange at Beatles and both shows were followed by a lively after party, with impromptu performances by regular musicians, including the owner.
For upcoming Gwangju-Seoul exchange concerts: https://www.facebook.com/ 서울광주교류전광주서울교류전 -301195406885332/
October 2016
Once Music’s Seo Jeong-hoon, who is also the sampler for Gwangju electronic rock band Ruberstick, started the “Seoul-Gwangju/Gwangju-Seoul Alternating Exchange” from a desire to build a stronger Korean independent music scene by exchanging musical talent between the two cities.
Though Gwangju’s live music spaces are concentrated around the downtown and Chonnam National University Back Gate areas, this exchange is the second one to bring music fans to Beatles, a second-floor bar located in the Yongbong-dong fashion district leading up to the Biennale Hall.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
ohemian has also been one of the sites for a project launched at the end of summer 2015, a concert collaboration between Hongdae’s Freebird and Gwangju’s Once Music academy and production studio. Every month, two Seoul bands and two Gwangju bands play between Freebird and various Gwangju music venues.
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www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
COMMUNITY
Kunst Lounge
By Joe Wabe Photos by Lorryn Smit
LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
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What is Kunst Lounge? Kunst Lounge is a brasserie where people [can] get all kinds of drinks, as well as brunch, lunch and dinner. So you could say it is a place [that is] kind of between a cafe and a restaurant, so you [can] enjoy a cup of coffee and a glass of wine at the same time. What is the meaning of the word (concept) of Kunst? “Kunst” means “art” in the German language. Do you consider the Kunst Lounge to be a unique concept?
What are the hours of operation?
October 2016
The Kunst Lounge is open from 10 a.m. to Midnight, from Monday to Saturday, and Sundays we are closed. Many people visit our cafe. They are all different, but many art lovers and artists especially, who were invited by the ACC, [visit the café]. Experts and professionals from various fields, like university professors, doctors, lawyers and even politicians [visit as well].... for example, we had the whole art theatre team from New York here, as well as visitors from other countries.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
We wanted to not be just another coffee shop. We really wanted to create a unique place with a very sophisticated but still relaxing atmosphere. We would like to present a place which is more like a bohemian place or for bohemians. A “Bohemian” is someone not bound by social conventions, but is [instead] a free spirit. Expressing and discovering oneself is more important than simple mass consumption and the pursuit of wealth and fame. Thus a “bohemian” is at the core of a true artistic society, [and] he or she is the blazer of new trails and the shaper of future trends. It is a bohemian place; and that is why we called our café the Kunst Lounge!
28 What is the menu? We have various foods and beverages. [Our specialty] is German dishes like German breakfast and schweinshaxe, German sausages and even something like German kimchi called “sauerkraut”. [We also serve] Italian pastas, premium Korean beef steak and jaegerschnitzel. For drinks we offer German coffees, beers and also of course nice and delicious wines at a very reasonable price. What usually goes on at the gallery on a monthly basis? We have five to six shows per year. We present contemporary art exhibitions, mostly from young artists. We select the artists that we really like, and give them a nice platform to showcase their work.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
Are there any future plans for the gallery or the restaurant? Well, we would like to have some small performances, like musical or even theatrical performances, in the future. At the restaurant we want to have seasonal dishes also, that use the special ingredients of the region at different times of the year. At the moment we are presenting artist Ma C’s artwork. This exhibition is his solo show, and he has installed some very interesting art work. Some of the contents you might find a bit disturbing, but that too is the job of artists, to challenge your thoughts and beliefs, right? For Oktoberfest, we do not have any special activities planned so far. But you can [experience] an exotic feeling with our nice German beers, and even with our German foods, for the whole year at Kunst Lounge. Visit Kunst Lounge’s website at: www.kunst-lounge.com
By Namhee Cho
Jumbo Shrimp on the Grill
Red chili-pepper paste with vinegar or soy sauce go along well as dipping sauces. Depending on one’s preference, heads and tails are regarded as treats. They are known to be nutritious and high in protein. The salti-
ness and crispness also make this snack easily served with alcoholic beverages. From early September until late October, Daeha festivals are held in the Hongsung and Taean areas of Chungcheongnam-do towards the Yellow Sea. From bare-hand shrimp catching experiences to lines of shrimp in specialized food booths, enjoy the fresh shrimp caught straight out of their tanks. If you get the chance to attend, be sure to find a spot at a beach-side Korean style restaurant. As you sit on a stool under the moon, listen to the gentle waves and feel the winter-calling breeze while the sounds and smells of sizzling shrimp let you fall deeper into the season.
October 2016
Prawns can be found all year-round, but these jumbo shrimp are a fall specialty even for those who are not keen on seafood. Unlike farmed shrimp, jumbo shrimp are difficult to find outside the local fishing area due to their short lifespan after being caught. This is why the coasts of Chungcheognam-do attract thousands of tourists from around the country this time of the year.
As its name implies, jumbo shrimp are bigger than farmed shrimp and are known for their more tender meat. Their plump bodies and crunchy shells give texture and richness to each bite. Whether boiled, grilled or fried, the dramatic change of its color from grey to crimson red is also another intriguing part of cooking this shrimp. The color tells it all. Within 10 minutes in the pot on medium heat, the true colors of the shrimp are revealed.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
E
ither grilled in a pan with layers of coarse sea salt and butter or deep fried with tempura, fall is the true season for shrimp in Korea. Known as the season of abundance, fall is the only time of the year when these jumbo shrimp come close enough to the shore to be caught.
FOOD & DRINKS
KOREAN FOOD 29
30 WHERE TO EAT
Thrill of the Grill
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
Words and Photos By Sean D’Angelo
A
utumn is fast approaching, and those cool evening breezes we have all been waiting for have finally arrived, luring us out into the open air. With weather so good, it is a shame to coop yourselves up indoors. Instead, come with me to the wilderness near Mudeung Mountain for a taste of the fall camping craze. But we will not be sleeping on the cold, hard ground this fine evening. At the camping-themed Blackburn Grill, you can enjoy all the authenticities of a tent-side cookout without the inconveniences, along the historic walking path near Mudeung Park Hotel. Beer, cheers and huge portions
of meat make for an excellent openair dining experience, sans twisted ankles or backpack-induced pains. Now you have no excuse when your friends invite you to visit Blackburn under the stars. Over the past three years, campingthemed barbeque restaurants have been popular amongst couples who cannot afford the luxury or time for the real thing. A variation on traditional Korean BBQs, these upscale and usually pricey venues transport their customers to a fairytale land of gaudy tents, gas lanterns and twinkling Christmas lights‌ often right
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FOOD & DRINKS
Blackburn at the edge of the city. Tucked between Jake’s Pizza and Elf Café along 지호로 (Jiho Street), it can be a little difficult to find, but well worth the search. Besides being well off the beaten path, the quality of the food and the price are both prime! Like the ribs. Get it? No? Never mind.
cious interior open to the elements that can accommodate an enormous number of people. But since camping is, aesthetically speaking, a weekend affair, if you go during the week, you might luck out and have the place to yourselves! After your meal you can explore the myriad dessert cafés and modernist bars that pepper the area around Mudeung Park Hotel. A little exploration might uncover the perfect after-dinner gem to top off your evening — I recommend a ritzy little cheesecake and coffee joint down the road, Café Villa Roma. And at the end of the night, you can sleep comfy and sound in your own bed.
However, if noise, lights and smog ruin your appetite, then head to
With an average individual bill of 20,000 won including drinks, it is a bargain that will not scorch your wallet in a location that feels authentic. What more can we say? Blackburn boasts a large patio, second floor balcony, several tent canopies and a spa-
Blackburn Grill 블랙번그릴 광주시 동구 지호로 155 지산동 67-7 Open daily, 11:30-Midnight 062-223-3392 for reservations
October 2016
in the heart of the city. If that is your vibe, look for Hangout Camping in Sangmu, I guarantee you will feel like you are occupying Wall Street.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
For a modest fee of 30,000 won, two people can enjoy a massive, cheesy house salad, slathered in dressing, several luscious cuts of pork, sausages, buffalo wings, rice cakes and sliced pineapple. Fans of Bubba’s BBQ downtown should immediately recognize the characteristic smoke that permeates everything Blackburn serves. While the sauce selection is limited, the meat itself is so perfectly flavorful that any additional saucing seems pointless. Dipped in salt and wrapped in sesame leaves, it is just divine. Larger parties are even better off with Family and Love sets that offer more meat and shrimp than any human can reasonably eat in a lifetime. There are bottled beers aplenty, served in ice buckets to keep them cool, and seasonally available South African camping wine for the refined pallet.
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The Pinoys of Gwangju Photos courtesy of Manila Town and GFET
T
he Filipino Community (or Pinoy Community) is one of the strongest and most active of the various international communities in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. As such, we are pleased to offer two different perspectives and accounts of this highly faceted group, considering both their social, fun-loving side, as well as their serious and highly professional side.
The Vibrant Filipino Community
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
By Stel Deianne
V
isit the Manila Town restaurant on any given Sunday afternoon and you are sure to hear people singing their hearts out to free karaoke. While music is one of the many ways that Filipino international residents living in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do maintain their bonds, church, food, selfies and getting the hang of Korean culture also bring the “Pinoy” community together. There is a niche of Filipino people throughout Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. In Gwangju, you will be able
to find this micro culture around Songjeongri, Pinoymart Resto-Bar or downtown Chungjangro. Those living in smaller communities like Damyang, Jangseong or Mokpo also come to our big city of Gwangju to meet with other Filipinos and offer each other help in any way that they can. A variety of recreational and professional organizations have been formed within the community as a result of the Filipino community collaboration. Recreational groups within the Pinoy community include a volleyball team organized by Choco Pie Chang, owner of the Manila Town restaurant. The team members practice every week and have won the volleyball competition in the recent Gwangju Filipino Summer Games. They competed again in a Mokpo volleyball tournament this September.
Chang also organized the “Paveve Gurls,” a female dance troupe with members from various parts of Gwangju and Jeollanamdo. They have already performed at the Open Space “Dreamers” in Daein Market to support “The Vagina Monologues” in their fund-raising initiatives. The “Gurls” are hoping to join the upcoming Geumnamno Fall Festival. Chang encourages women interested in either the dance troupe or the volleyball team to simply show up at their rehearsals if they would like to join. These groups are outlets for new migrant wives to lessen their homesickness. Singing and performing is another venue. This September, there was another local talent show in Songjeongri, with a stand-up comedy show, a singing contest and a live Facebook feed of current performers.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 33
Making a Difference in Gwangju By Yoon Sun-young
The Pinoy community of Gwangju and Jeollanamdo is a vibrant, welcoming international community. Everyone is invited to join the regular weekend karaoke and to try Filipino dishes, and educators or aspiring educators are encouraged to participate in the monthly GFET meetings. All will be welcomed with warm smiles.
October 2016
English is an official language in the Philippines and a language that is
GFET meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second floor at the GIC. Participants are encouraged to present helpful classroom activities, teaching strategies and other important teaching information. The organization just celebrated their first anniversary on July 19 at the GIC, which was attended by almost 70 current and aspiring Filipino English teachers. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Gyonggu Shin, Director of the GIC; Dr. Joo Kyung Park, the President of Applied Linguistics Association of Korea; and Professor
Rok Seong Oh, the Director of Dongshin University Graduate School of TESOL.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
G
wangju Filipino English Teachers (GFET), an organization created with the help of the Gwangju International Center (GIC), is addressing the challenges Filipino teachers face in Korea. While there are opportunities for Filipinos to become English instructors in this country, schools and language institutions often choose native English-speaking teachers over Filipino teachers or offer them lower rates of compensation.
commonly-used in education, commerce and government, but, Filipino teachers’ accents are generally viewed as inferior in Korea. Among many other activities, the GFET conducts regular training programs in order to neutralize the Filipino English accent.
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U
pon first glance I saw Crossfit to be this gathering of iron-pumping junkies. I think the average person feels intimidated, fearful of their body or physical capabilities being judged. At least that is how I felt. However, when I finally mustered up the courage to give it a shot, I learned that there is so much more to Crossfit than what first meets the eye.
Photo Essay
I learned that it is a community where every individual matters. Hard work is respected more than superherolike abilities. It is a place where the one who finishes last is just as important as the one who comes in first place. People are truly rooting for you. And because everyone suffers together and achieves together, a bond has formed that has blossomed into a beautiful presence in my life. They have become like my family.
Every day that I go to my “Crossfit box,” there is a coach there waiting to greet me with the warmest hello and a big smile. Someone who believes in my abilities to be better than I was yesterday and that I have the power to overcome my fears. That on its own far outweighs any physical improvements that have happened. When I am about to give up, they do not let me. When I think I cannot do something, they help me to prove myself wrong.
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October 2016
With a bit of a language barrier, I do not think these four people will ever know what a positive force they are in my life — how much confidence and belief in myself they have helped nurture. It is a wonderful gift they have given me and I wanted to give them something that could somehow express my appreciation. I decided that a set of pictures of them doing what they love was the only way that I could even try to match their gift with mine, though it will never really come close to what they have given me. If you are interested in achieving your own health and fitness goals, Crossfit Bersker is a good place to start. They currently have two branches: across from Yeomju Gymnasium and another at the Shinga 4-way intersection. To see more you can follow their Instagram feed @ cf_berserker_gym. [Yeomju branch] 광주 광산구 수등로258번길 3 3층 tel: 062-955-4495 [Shinga branch] 광주광역시 서구 금화로 283 스타빌딩 201호 tel: 062-383-4495
The Berserker Family Words and photos by Lorryn Smit
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U
I learned that it is a community where every individual matters. Hard work is respected more than superhero-like abilities. It is a place where the one who finishes last is just as important as the one who comes in first place. People are truly rooting for you. And because everyone suffers together and achieves together, a bond has formed that has blossomed into a beautiful presence in my life.
When I am about to give up, they do not let me. When I think I cannot do something, they help me to prove myself wrong.
To learn more you can follow Berserker Crossfit Instagram : @cf_berserker_gym.
With a bit of a language barrier, I do not think these four people will ever know what a positive force they are in my life — how much confidence and belief in myself they have helped nurture. It is a wonderful gift they
258번길 3 3층
Every day that I go to my “Crossfit box,” there is a coach there waiting to greet me with the warmest hello and a big smile. Someone who believes in my abilities to be better than I was yesterday and that I have the power to overcome my fears. That on its own far outweighs any physical improvements that have happened.
have given me and I wanted to give them something that could somehow express my appreciation. I decided that a set of pictures of them doing what they love was the only way that I could even try to match their gift with mine, though it will never really come close to what they have given me.
Yeomju branch: 광주 광산구 수등로 Tel: 062-955-4495 Shinga branch: 광주광역시 서구 금화 로 283 스타빌딩 201호
Tel: 062-383-4495
October 2016
They have become like my family.
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pon first glance I saw Crossfit to be this gathering of iron-pumping junkies. I think the average person feels intimidated, fearful of their body or physical capabilities being judged. At least that is how I felt. However, when I finally mustered up the courage to give it a shot, I learned that there is so much more to Crossfit than what first meets the eye.
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October 2016
TRAVEL
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Photos of The Month
Roy Cruz is a freelance photographer based in Tongyeong, South Korea, specializing in travel and documentary photography. He started shooting professionally in 2007 and has worked all over the Philippines and South Korea. He is also a dedicated husband, bass player, and father. You can view more of his work at http://blog.roycruz.com.
October 2016
The Gwangju News is now going to feature a few photos of the month instead of only one on a regular basis. By making this change, we hope to create more opportunities to promote more photographers based in the Jeollanamdo-region and to show off our beautiful province from different areas and angles. Submissions can be posted in the “Photography in the South� Facebook group throughout the preceding month.
T
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Words and photo by Roy Cruz
his picture is from a series that was my first attempt at Milky Way photography. It is really hard to find a dark spot in well-lit Korea, so I was stoked to find a mountaintop park (Dara Park) that was not lit at the time and it all worked out. Of course, I had to take a self-portrait to remember that night as well.
TRAVEL
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Namhae Words and Photos By Ryan and Stephanie Hedger
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October 2016
F
or a place commonly referred to as “Treasure Island,” Namhae in Gyeongsangnam-do continues to be an exciting destination that upends even the loftiest of expectations. Whether it is your first or fifteenth time to visit this island, the overall beauty of Namhae will remind you of the treasures for which it was named. Long known as a destination for seeing “unspoiled” Korea and as a popular spot for couples to rent pensions, this island melds a sense of romance with natural beauty in ways reminiscent of Jeju in all senses but distance.
Namhae Bridge
The sheer beauty of Namhae becomes evident in the first moments it comes into view. Approaching the replica of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge,
it becomes immediately apparent that you are entering an area unlike what you will find in other parts of Korea. The design and color of the bridge is perfectly contrasted with the blue of the water and the green of the trees. Such a dynamic spectrum blends harmoniously with the excitement of your arrival and subsequent tour. As you drive across this bridge, be sure to keep your eyes on the road, despite the eye-catching temptations!
this effect, in our opinion, is a masterful addition to the overall feeling you experience while on Namhae — one of revealed beauty around each and every bend in the road, as well as the immediate rush of relief as you step foot outside of any vehicle onto solid ground. To put it mildly, the roads on Namhae are not straight, but like everything on Treasure Island, there is a charm to the ever-changing direction that you have to drive to understand.
Rollercoaster Roads
Rice Terraces of Daraengi
After safely arriving on Namhae, you are guaranteed to experience curving, winding roads on the way to almost every possible destination. While these roads may seem jarring or frustratingly twisted, they unintentionally make all stops seem more calm and refreshing. Though unplanned,
On the south coast of Namhae lie the terraced rice fields of Daraengi Village. This destination is one of the most widely-known and visited landmarks on the whole island, and for good reason. Reminiscent of rice terraces found across southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Laos, Thai-
AROUND KOREA
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High above the surrounding countryside, Boriam Hermitage has stood the test of time not just as a historical building, but as a place where visitors can go to experience the philosophical history of this country. The temple is famously beautiful, and the views from atop Bogwangsan are sure to impress.
Sangju Beach
No trip to Namhae would be complete without a few hours spent relaxing on Sangju Beach. While much of the coastline is picturesque, providing constant temptation for one’s eyes to wander from the road, the beaches of this island cannot be overlooked. Many of the beaches are noteworthy, and the less popular offerings are sure to surprise you with their apparent lack of visitors. The most popular beach, however, is still worth checking out. Sangju Beach is the most popular stretch of sand on Namhae, and rightfully so. This crescent moonshaped beach is the most lovely you will find in this area. With fine sands and incredible views of the sea and horseshoe-shaped bay, it is clear why so many people see this as the premier beach on Namhae.
Boariam Hermitage
While all of these locations justify and exemplify Namhae’s moniker “Treasure Island,” it is certainly not a place that can be experienced vicariously through images or second-hand. Namhae exists to be visited, and as the colors start to shift this autumn season, we encourage everyone to visit this treasure of Korea’s southern coast.
About the authors: Two wanderlusts from Oklahoma, Ryan and Stephanie sold all of their belongings and moved to South Korea in 2013. They are the duo behind Hedgers Abroad and have fallen in love with travel, photography and South Korea. Be sure to head over to their blog for more of their travels. Blog www.hedgersabroad.com Facebook: /hedgersabroad Instagram: /hedgersabroad
October 2016
As an island, it is no surprise that the interplay between land and sea has shaped and enhanced the landscape of Namhae. As you drive the coast, though, you are likely to overlook Namhae’s beautiful mountains. Historically, mountain peaks in Korea were prized locations for Buddhist hermitages as places where monks could investigate philosophy with elevated views of their surroundings.
Treasure Island
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land and Vietnam, these fields start high on a mountain before cascading downward all the way to the sea below. The village has several scenic overlooks and cannot be missed on a trip to this lovely region. The rice fields in this area are spectacularly beautiful and unlike the majority you will find across South Korea.
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lOST IN THE SOUTH
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October 2016
TRAVEL
Words and Photos By Compass Korea
Geumseong-Sanseong
G
eumseong-Sanseong Mountain Fortress is a place that I have returned to again and again over the years. I have taken the short hike up to the gate house proper at least a dozen times, alone and with friends, and I have hiked the full wall loop at least five or six times. Partly it is the proximity to Gwangju and the ease of getting there, but also it is just a special location. There are other mountains nearby, like Mudeungsan, Wolchulsan or even Chuwolsan just a few miles away. But Geumseong has certain qualities that make it so appealing. The Easy Route: The Gatehouse Hike
Whether you hike only to the fortress or you do the full mountain loop, you start the same way. Just above the Damyang Spa, you hike up the forested ridge line that has a gentle incline all the way up to the fort. It is a lovely little trail, walking over the tree roots and in between boulders. The initial view of the fort is both impressive and informative, as you immediately realize the ancient defenders meant business. The ridge narrows to a rocky spur, flanked by tall walls of stacked stones and blocked by a stout wooden gate. Walking through the shade of the gatehouse and into the fort proper always elicits a little wonder. The walls around the plateau draw the eyes up to the next tier, where another gate waits with even bigger walls.
Definitely spend a few minutes at the lower gate – Bokugum – and the upper gate – Choongyong – taking pictures and enjoying such an interesting location. The view from above is definitely superior as you see the lower wall rise up out of the forest. Once you have your water, snack and photos, head back the way you came and pay a visit to the Damyang Spa. Or, if you are up to it, tackle the full mountain loop. The Hard Route: The Full Mountain Loop The amazing thing about Geumseong-sanseong is that the wall encircles the entire mountain! It is over four miles long and in some places
41 over 20 feet high. It has been extremely well restored, but there are spots where it looks like the stones have not moved in hundreds of years. The combination of following a wall along the spine of the ridge, and the awesome views in all directions on clear days, makes this one excellent hike. To start, from the top gatehouse at the fortress, turn left and follow the wall up to the top of the ridge. You will stay on that ridge line for 30 to 40 minutes until it ends at another rocky spur. From there you can see the cliffs of Chuwolsan and the tall peaks of Byungpungsan in the distance. After that the backside of the trail begins where it first descends to the base of the valley, and then climbs back up all the way to Sanseong Peak. The walls on the backside have been restored extremely well and at the base of the incline stand over 20 feet tall. The hike up to Sangseong Peak is challenging. But, after that, you are basically walking along flat ridges or cruising downhill. That is the best part, with views to the northeast you can see the rocky gorge of Gamagol and the rugged Jeollabukdo horizon that seems to go on forever. If you have enough energy at the end, the trail forks for the last section. One way, to the right, takes you into the forest in a relatively plain trail that cuts through the wall and comes out by a little temple and then the trail head. The other way, to the left, takes you up and around the southern cliffs of Geumseong-sanseong. They are steep and rocky, and hiking around them is challenging. Then that trail reconnects with the forest trail after the cliffs.
Compass Korea provides English speaking tourists not only with logistical information so they can travel confidently, but also HD video guides so they can get an accurate sneak peak of where they will be going. Visit the Compass Korea website at: http://compasskorea.com
October 2016
The Damyang Spa The Spa is the perfect place for rejuvenating after the hike. But, it is also great for those who do not like to hike, or those who are waiting for friends to finish. Either way visitors should sit down on the terrace and drink a well-deserved beer looking out at the rugged skyline of the Damyang countryside. One of my favorite views in all of Jeollanam-do.
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The little temple you pass before making it back to the trailhead at the gatehouses sometimes has martial artists practicing their skills. For a long time there was a bearded monk who was a multi-weapon specialist who we saw practicing on occasion. He has since passed away but according to rumors he has been replaced, but we have yet to meet the replacements. It really adds to the ancient feel of the trail by coming out off the wall and seeing a bearded old man whipping two swords around.
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Hiking
for Fall
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October 2016
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Words by Rachel Hill Photos BY Lorryn Smit
A
h, Korean autumn: the special time of year when you bundle up in a poofy scarf, fill your lungs with pristine clear air and head out to nature for serene meditation, with only yourself and the sounds of crunchy leaves underfoot for company. As nice as that sounds, folks who have been around in the country for a few seasons know that this ideal desire is but a dream and a photo in a tourism guide. Thus, I find myself wildly cautious about doing anything outdoors, because I find that no matter what the activity, there will be thousands of other people there trying to get peace and quiet just like me. More often, they are not, in fact, enjoying peace or quiet. In the spring time, you run into the same issue. Thousands of people (or millions, nationally), having spent all week cooped up in their homes or stooped over their computer screens, with all of them wanting to vacate the cities and spend time outdoors. So how can one enjoy the outdoors in such a mad cluster of humanity?
Jiri Mountain Area The Jirisan area is hands down my favorite place in Korea. Great cher-
There are many trails to hike in this area, so all you need to do is look at a map. My favorite is the hike to Buril waterfall. First, you need to reach Ssangye Temple, where the trail starts in a town called Hwagae. Although this Korean temple is rather standard-looking, it is visited by far fewer people, so you can really enjoy the temple atmosphere. From there, the trail progresses up a mountainside with sweeping views and interesting rock formations. Most of the hike is shrouded in deciduous trees, so the color change is very apparent. Near the end of the hike, there is a small hermitage where you can sit and watch the view. The waterfall is certainly beautiful, but I think the journey through the forest is much more memorable and sublime. Baegun Mountain Area Baegun Mountain is a relatively small mountain patch with great sweeping views and several streams. The locals love it, but since there are countless trails to explore, I have been completely alone while hiking.
A friend of mine boasts that she and her hiking buddies go out to Baegun every weekend and hardly ever repeat hikes. A year ago, I went to Baegun with the intention of catching the changing leaves, but the weather had some different plans. The previous week had storms, causing most of the leaves to drop. This was disappointing at first, but then we found that this opportunity gave us the unique experience of having about a foot of brown, crunchy leaves to wade through. If there had been many other hikers, the trail would have been smooshed down, and not nearly as interesting. It felt wonderful to play around in the leaf piles like schoolchildren! The moral of this story is not that you should visit both of these places. On the contrary, you should stay home and tell everyone else to stay home because these places are my secrets! Kidding aside, what I am saying is that scenic hikes and views without so many people DO exist, and finding them is a matter of grabbing a map or a local hiker friend, and asking them. As we all know, living down in Jeolla, Korea is not Seoul, and there are plenty of places to see gorgeous nature, especially the changing seasons. You just need to find it.
October 2016
I certainly would not consider myself an expert on the subject, but if you are looking for a few suggestions, maybe I can help you start your search. Here are some places where I have found some solitude, as well as the beauty of seasonal change:
ry blossoms grow in the spring and equally striking fall foliage is quite visible. If you follow the Seomjin River up toward the mountains, you will come across countless cafes, tea shops and guest houses.
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The obvious answer is finding somewhere that not many people know about, but sometimes it is hard to get the “ins� on what places are nice and also relatively people-free. Yes, I really want to go to Naejangsan to see the autumn colors. But it is not overly reasonable when you factor in bus times, traffic congestion or accommodations for just a weekend trip.
SPORTS
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The Wailing Words by Cole Clouse
COMMUNITY
D
escribing Na Hong-jin’s filmography as intense would be an understatement. From his incredibly painful-to-watch serial killer movie “The Chaser” to his 1 vs 100 crime movie “The Yellow Sea”, Na Hong-Jin is not one for complexity. Not that it is a bad thing. His first two movies are visceral. “The Chaser” puts us in position of the hunter. “The Yellow Sea” as the hunted. And now with “The Wailing”, it is something in between.
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October 2016
The movie opens with a mysterious Japanese man living on the outskirts of a small town. He lives alone and seems to keep to himself. But an epidemic of sicknesses in the town leaves victims to die in painful, violent ways. This sudden disruption of the town’s tranquil nature leaves Officer Jong-Goo (Kwak Do-won) unsure of everything he knew before the epidemic. For as long as I have been invested in Korean film, I thought no one else could play the goofy, everyday man like Kang Song-ho. Little did I know that his attorney co-star would absolutely shatter any pre-conceived notion I had of him as an actor. In his second work with Hong-jin (the first being “The Yellow Sea”), Do-won is able to juggle the variety of tones that Hong-jin’s screenplay throws at his character. From slapstick humor (fans of “Shaun of the Dead” will be pleased by one scene), to absolute fear and animalistic rage when the situation hits too close to home, Dowon gives a believable performance
which contrasts much of what I see in modern Korean films: restraint. This is not to say Do-won gives the only amazing performance “The Wailing” has to offer. Officer JongGoo’s relationship with his daughter is a highlight and delight, thanks to young actress Kim Kwan-hee. Child performances can be very hit or miss but Kwan-hee delivers the best performance that I have seen from a child actor/actress since Lee Re in “Hope”. In a film as dark as this, it is nice to have something to anchor us to the pure, ideal world we live in before diving head-first into the madness. That madness is brought to us from an equally impressive performance from Japanese actor Jun Kunimura. A veteran of the ultra-violent horror movies “Ichi the Killer” and “Audition”, Kunimura silently but intensely moves his body in such a way to send shivers down your spine. While “The Wailing” does not have nearly the amount of gore as the two aforementioned Japanese flicks, his cold, prodding eyes and his overall aura leave you cold. Hong-jin wisely relied on Kunimura’s performance to elicit fear rather than relying on cheap scares and gore to unsettle the audience. While there is a lot to love about this movie, there were a few things that seemed a bit misplaced and underutilized. Hwang Jung-min’s priest character is introduced far too late into the movie. His character seems almost an accessory. Taking the priest away would not change much of the
movie, aside from the fantastic dueling exorcism scene that will be discussed later. Another issue is that of Jong-goo’s wife, and his mother. Korean films seem to never focus much on the female characters, especially older characters. “The Wailing” is no different as these women are mostly stock characters meant to scream and cry while Jong-goo looks on. Even without a strong, memorable moment to refer back to, another female character, Moo Myeong (Chun Woohee) feels even more essential than Jung Min’s priest. Those who are keen to pro-animal rights or have a weak stomach would do best to look the other way or cover their ears during the dueling exorcism ceremonies. But the lighting, the music, the camerawork, the edits and the performances are easily worth the price of admission. All in all, “The Wailing” is another especially strong effort from Na Hong-jin. He checks all of the right boxes that made his previous two films work so well: strong storyline, fantastic lead performances, memorable supporting characters, and music choices and camerawork that compound the intensity. All of these make the two-and-a-half-hour runtime fly by.
MOVIE REVIEW 45
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October 2016
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Spooooky Speaking:
Three Halloween Activities
EDUCATION
Words and Photos by Bryan Hale
W
ill Halloween be part of your teaching this month? I hope to convince you that Halloween activities can involve tons of fun and English, but that teaching culture “correctly” is a pitfall. What is Halloween, and what does it mean to teach culture?
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October 2016
A school once asked me to teach Halloween’s “correct” origin and practices. Unfortunately, I got so focused on trying to transmit accurate knowledge that I did not get students to really do anything (including producing authentic language related to Halloween). Actually, like everything cultural, Halloween cannot be reduced to a list of simple facts to recite. It is a mixture of traditions, including harvest festivals and the festival of the dead, and is raucous yet somber and spooky. Halloween has never been only for children, and at times it has been romance-focused (with “your future love life,” fortune-telling activities). Its mischievous side has ranged from trick-or-treating to edgier pranks and even dangerous behavior. It has a fusion of European origins and now exists in various forms across the globe — much like English! Here is a “teachable” version: On Halloween, ghosts come out. We need to hide, so we wear masks and costumes. And we make jack-o’-lanterns to scare the ghosts.
But maybe we should ask ourselves: what do we mean by “teaching” something cultural? Do we want to simply transmit it? Or, should we be prescriptive? What can students contribute? I think culture can be more engaging and productive in our classrooms if we use it opportunistically, not prescriptively, and if we collaborate with students to do culture together. I have found the following activities useful for encouraging students to play, speak and do Halloween’s spooky mischief. Activity 1: Spooky Story Circle Ages: All. Level: Pre-intermediate and above What you need: - Space for students to stand comfortably in a circle - Possibly, Halloween-y terms to show (“a ghost,” “black cat,” and “my future husband/wife,” ...), maybe as flashcards or slides. (But you could just announce the words, and students might contribute!)
holds out their left hand, flat, palm up. They also hold out their right hand, pointing their finger down into the palm of the person to their right (without quite touching). One person at a time is the storyteller. Show/announce/agree upon a Halloween-y “key word.” The storyteller stands in the middle of the circle and tells a story. Everybody listens for the keyword. As soon as the storyteller uses the keyword, everybody tries to catch the finger of the person to their left. At the same time, they try to escape being captured by the person on their right. Anyone who escapes and captures is a winner! Good storytellers will not tell their story too quickly—they will build some (spooky) tension. And they will trick their audience a few times before really saying the key word! Tip: Have winners move one place left (to change up who is trying to catch who). (This activity is adapted from Glenn and Larsen, 2014, p. 116.) Activity 2: Curse You! Ages: All (mature enough to playfully tease each other). Levels: All (beginners may need extra language support).
What to do: Everybody stands in a circle and
What you need: - Halloween-y images to reveal, possibly as flashcards or slides. - A bell or buzzer or substitute.
KOTESOL 47 woman?”, “What is she looking at?” and other such examples. Build up a scary scenario through your answers. Finally exclaim something like, “Oh no, she is running toward us now!” Students take turns at the window answering questions and creating scary stories around the character they imagine seeing. Discuss which stories were scariest and why. Tip: Follow-up by writing horror stories (with a lot of scary details).
What to do: Two players face each other with a bell/buzzer/substitute between them. You reveal a Halloween-y image, and they race to “curse” their opponent by buzzing in first and saying their (creative, funny, playful) curse. For example, if you reveal a ghost, they might say, “You will meet this ghost!” Or, “This ghost will come to your house when you are sleeping.” Or, “When you see this ghost, you will scream, and you will never be able to speak again!” Players cannot repeat previous curses.
Lee, W. R. (1986). Language games and contests (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. [For the truly Halloween-obsessed, I recommend] Morton, L. (2012). Trick or treat: A history of Halloween. London, UK: Reaktion Books. Rogers, N. (2002). Halloween: From pagan ritual to party night. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Monthly Meeting Date & Time: October 22 (Sat.), 1:45 p.m.
Place: Gwangju National University of Education Extended SwapShop – Bring your ideas and activities to share. Halloween-themed or general. Potluck Dinner. For more details: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL
Activity 3: “I can see somebody…” Ages: Middle-school to Adult Levels: Pre-intermediate and above
What to do: Stand at the window and look into the distance. Say, “I can see somebody…” Encourage questions such as, “What are they wearing?”, “Is it a man or a
Bryan Hale is the Membership Coordinator for Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL. On behalf of the Chapter, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their monthly meetings. Bryan is an English teacher from Australia, where he grew up in a very anti-Halloween environment (“That’s not our culture!”), which might help explain why he loves it so much. He does have other interests, including Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL’s Reflective Practice group and monthly professional development sessions. Bryan teaches elementary and middle school students at Sunkyung Foreign Language Institue in Gwangju.
October 2016
What you need: - A window.
The Author
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Tips: - Players take a break after winning a set number of times (giving others a chance to play). - In large classes, two teams could line up for rapid-fire rounds.
(This activity was inspired by Lee, 1986, p. 183.)
[References] Glenn, J., & Larsen, E. F. (2014). Unbored games: Serious fun for everyone. New York, NY: Bloomsbury.
EDUCATION
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“Wunderbar!”:
German at Goethe Institut Gwangju
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October 2016
By Bradley Weiss Photos by Kim Hee-seung
“T
he Goethe Institut (GI) is Germany’s official cultural institution,” explained Angela Jeannette, former Director of Goethe Institut Gwangju (GIG), “[whose] aim is to promote German language abroad, and also to engage in international cultural collaborations and discourse.” Named at its inception in 1951 after the famous German poet and statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, this autonomous and politically independent entity currently operates 159 institutes in more than 90 countries worldwide.
“For many people the GI provides their first opportunity to get contact with German culture and speakers.” The institute in Gwangju is by no means the first in this country. “GI Korea was founded in 1968 in Seoul,” said Jeannette. Following the labor agreement between South Korea and West Germany in 1963, many Koreans went to Germany to work as miners and nurses. “Over time, this initially economic cooperation evolved into something cultural as well,” Jeanette explained.
EDUCATION “A network of language centers throughout the country followed, first in Daejeon, then Daegu and then came Gwangju in 2014. Last year, the Institut in Busan was opened. Apart from Seoul, all the others are in cooperation with universities.” Following ongoing cooperation between GIand Chonnam National University (CNU) over some time, an agreement was signed in 2013, by which GIG would be able to operate on the CNU campus. Along with support from the university administration, Jeannette cites the CNU German department as having been “instrumental” in establishing the GIG branch. Of course even with the “incredible support” of the German department, a language institute is not of much use without students. From the beginning the GIG has had no shortage of potential learners. “We get a lot of calls,” said Jeannette. “People appreciate that there is a possibility where they can learn German [from] Germans.”
“We have some [students] who drive one hour from Yeosu or Jeonju three times a week,” added Jeannette, “because they want to learn German.”
As for the nature of the classes themselves, Jeannette explains what makes language study at GI unique in Korea: “We hold our classes in German only, from day one, in order to provide an environment that is as authentic as possible. It is hard in the beginning, but everybody gets around fairly quickly.” Unlike much of the language study in Korea, grammar is not a focus, but rather “a tool to a goal,” according to Jeannette. “The general overall aim is to help people communicate.” In an indication that this approach seems to be finding a receptive audience, Jeannette added that “the demand for classes has been steadily increasing.” In 2015 GIG had nearly 450 students enrolled in 30 classes. “It is absolutely amazing how many people here have a relationship to Germany, have been there or want to go there,” marveled Jeannette. “So, we are working toward expanding the classes we offer.” Eisele added a final thought on the changing dynamics of the classes being offered: “I think it is refreshing to have foreign students, because it makes the Korean students more open, as they have to speak German to them. So, maybe the readers of Gwangju News will come and join us!”
“It is absolutely amazing how many people here have a relationship to Germany, have been there, or want to go there,” marveled Jeannette.
October 2016
The majority of GIG students are local, however, with CNU students constituting roughly half, and Chosun University students the majority of the remaining half. “[Most] are interested in learning German to further study their major in Germany,” explained Eisele. “We have a lot of arts and music majors,” in addition
to students from disciplines such as philosophy or theology.
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That interest extends beyond the city limits of Gwangju. Chirin Eisele, instructor at GIG since November 2014, explained: “The region is supporting us. … [GIG has] established contact with other universities outside of Gwangju, and also high schools where they teach German.”
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50 FROM ABROAD
COMMUNITY
A Taste of Germany in Korea:
Oktoberfest By Natale Ryan and Kelsey Rivers
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October 2016
G
ermany is well-known for a lot of things. Many of the most influential classical music composers, like Beethoven and Bach, as well as scientists and philosophers like Karl Marx and Albert Einstein, originated from this famous European country. Along with Germany’s many foods, figures, and sites, October highlights a popular German festival called Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest in its modern form has been in existence since the 19th century, but many people do not understand the reason behind the festivities or how popular it is. This German jamboree first began in Munich in the 18th century as a wedding celebration that featured horse races. Over time they repeated the celebration, but added other spectacles. However, despite the fact that it was once only a celebration of love, it has since become associated more with Germany’s Unification Day.
To many people, the festival is well known for one characteristic — the consumption of beer. During the first week of October, breweries produce thousands of gallons to serve at festivals around the world. Not only is the production of such massive quantities impressive, but the cost of the beer is also outstanding. In American dollars, the price of one pint of beer is nearly twelve dollars! However, despite the cost, Oktoberfest makes Munich a prime tourist destination in the fall.
ous souvenirs typically available, vintage beer mugs are a top seller. In addition to this, you can also purchase t-shirts, postcards, and art.
Beer is not the only popular product at the festival. Traditional food and other cultural trinkets are also a must-have. Bratwursts that are served with sauerkraut and onions, schnitzels (a thin, bread-coated slice of meat that has been fried), different types of mustards, and various cabbages are popular in areas where the celebration is held. Among the vari-
The number of people that participate in this festival is astounding. Over five million people join in the festivities worldwide. Oktoberfest celebrations that are hosted throughout the world are usually hosted by German immigrants or descendants.
Games are another desirable aspect of this festival. There are some that are designed only for adults, for example, there are numerous types of games that involve beer, such as blindfolded beer tasting contests, beer barrel races, and beer dance contests. However, there are still many games that can involve entire families.
In South Korea, one of the more popular Oktoberfest celebrations is
51
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Upon returning to South Korea, these Koreans built German-style houses in Namhae, creating a small village with a distinctly European feel. That German village is now a top destination for those visiting Namhae, and is the annual location for the Oktoberfest Celebration.
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held in Namhae, an island in Southern Korea. Namhae is a fitting location for the festival, in that this island is famous for a charming “German Village” situated there. In the 1960s, Germany and South Korea agreed to closer economic ties, resulting in many Koreans migrating to Germany to work as miners and nurses. Upon returning to South Korea, these Koreans built German-style houses in Namhae, creating a small village with a distinctly European feel. That German village is now a top destination for those visiting Namhae, and is the annual location for the Oktoberfest Celebration. As in other celebrations world-wide,
beer is the star of the South Korean festival, with imported German beers on tap at every booth. German Sausages are also popular, and festivalgoers carouse from one booth to the next, sampling various sausages and washing them down with beer.
more. The entertainment is equally mixed, with one performance featuring women dancing and beating drums to K-pop music, followed up by a troupe of German men performing a traditional dance and blowing on an alpine horn.
However, despite the feel of a more authentic celebration (influenced, no doubt, by the architecture and winding lanes of the German Village), this festival is still heavily Korean in nature. Alongside booths hawking expensive foreign beers and currywurst (sausage with a curry-ketchup) are booths with typical Korean festival fare – cheap Hite and Cass, ramyeon, pajeon (green onion pancake) and
Perhaps the beauty of such festivals like Oktoberfest is their ability to transcend their origins, and so easily become integrated into the traditions and styles of the local cultures in which they take root. Why don’t you take a trip and check out your local Oktoberfest celebration, and see what is in store?
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
52
Health
When I First Walked into the Stigma of Mental Illness Words by Dr. Yoon In-seon Translated by Son Sae-rom
COMMUNITY
we did not have the direct intention to do so, when the pieces of individual biases are gathered and larger biases can take shape, this can produce horrible consequences.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
T
he stigma of patients receiving psychiatric treatment is quite powerful in Korean society. After the Korean War, South Korea grew rapidly focusing only on economic development. Ability has become the absolute criterion for growing faster. As a result, a need to keep up and compete with others, along with an intolerant social atmosphere, are rampant. In this social atmosphere, psychiatric patients are treated as rejects. Stigma effects are usually used to explain deviant behavior, but it can apply to situations in which psychiatric patients have no place in society and are isolated when the society behaves negatively towards them. Schizophrenia appears in approximately one in every 100 people, which is a very high figure. This condition typically arises in one’s teenage or
young adult years. Mood disorders, such as depressive disorder, occur much more frequently than schizophrenia. While both the young and old are affected, it more commonly afflicts the elderly. Anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, occur in one in 10 people and are more common in women. For children, ADHD, tic disorder, or autism spectrum disorder appear often; and for the elderly, the chances of dementia are larger than what one might think. Likewise, mental illness is fairly common amongst the people in our everyday surroundings. The psychiatric patient could be a family member or a neighbor. While some diseases are easy to catch and easily healed (like a cold), some diseases are carried to the tomb. A deep bias against psychiatric treatment stigmatizes people who need help, which sadly shuts them out of our community. Even if
Recently, mental illnesses have been mentioned often in the media. Should it turn out to be true that a criminal has a record of past psychiatric treatment, it is seen as the ultimate cause of the incident. People do not want to figure out what illness it is among all mental diseases, and people will not even listen to further information about how the incident happened. People simply assume that the word “mental disease” can explain everything. Then overtime, at the back of their minds, people accept that patients need to be isolated from the community. Mental disease can happen to our neighbors, to your family and even to one’s self. Nevertheless, people sit on their hands until something happens and then they are busy complaining that psychiatric patients are allowed to mingle with “their” society. This matter of perception cannot clearly be solved unless the nation steps up. Basically it is a matter of our society, a matter of us who lives in that society, and a matter of our minds. The more cost-effective psychiatric services become, the more we all can ease our psychological pain. If you find it difficult to visit a hospital,
53 you can ask at a Gwangju Mental Health Center, located in each district, for help. A mental health family doctor scheme has just been implemented, so if you need help, using this new service may be good for you.
Mental Health Crisis Hot Line
1577-0199
Organizations
Contact
Gwangju Metropolitan Mental Health Center
062-600-1930
Dong-gu
Mental Health Center
062-233-0468
Addiction Management Cneter
062-222-5666
Mental Health Center
062-350-4195
Addiction Management Cneter
062-654-3802
Mental Health Center
062-654-8236
Addiction Management Cneter
062-412-1461
Mental Health Center
062-267-5510
Addiction Management Cneter
062-526-3370
Mental Health Center
062-941-8567
Addiction Management Center
062-714-1233
Seo-gu Nam-gu Buk-gu Gwangsan-gu
Dr. Yoon In-seon
Director of Gwangju Gwangsan-gu mental health center, The Chief psychiatrist of the Psychiatric department, Gwangju City Mental Hospital
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
54
Op-ed
Facebook Addiction OPINION
and its Impact on Society By Natale Ryan
W
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
hen Facebook launched in 2004, it was only available to college students. One could sign up by verifying their student status with their e-mail address. A year later, it was available to the rest of the population. It did not take too long for the social media site to overpower Myspace, which was, at the time, the biggest name in social me-
dia. However, despite its popularity, people also started to become aware of addictive problems associated with the website. Before I point out the negative factors of the site, I want to highlight the positive. Facebook is very useful and convenient for an ex-pat. It offers a lifeline to one’s home country and acts
as a link to family and friends. Also, Facebook can help people network. A lot of people have been steered toward new jobs or have been connected to mentors in their chosen field. These are only a few of the positive benefits of the social media venue, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be harmful.
55 Humans are social creatures. No matter how introverted somebody may be, they still crave that link to the outside world. For a lot of people, the Internet is their only such window. Unfortunately, there is a dark side to using the Internet for socialization. Anyone can mask their identity on the Internet and take on a new persona. In a way, it offers them a new life where they can go unjudged by others. This act is known as catfishing and, as the hit MTV show suggests, this practice can be embarrassing and dangerous. Many people, adults included, have fallen victim to people who hide their true identities. The people who usually succumb to these traps are often lonely souls seeking validation through Facebook. Another dangerous result of too much social media is the rise of anxiety and narcissism. If a person takes a self-portrait every day and posts his/ her portrait on their site for praise, they are in danger of lowering his/her own self-esteem. It is not a danger to seek comfort from time-to-time, but
if someone forgets how to find his/ her own confidence and relies solely on the praise of others, it can be unhealthy. This anxiety can also leak out into the workplace, especially if one is waiting for a notification on a posted status, or if one is constantly waiting for updates on a newsfeed. This kind of anxiety is unprofessional and could get you fired. According to Psychology Today, addiction can be defined as “continued use of a compulsive activity that causes interference with everyday life.” If you find that you wake up and check social media before eating breakfast, then you may want to consider taking steps to help lower your social media usage. This problem is much more common than people might think. Even I suffer from the constant need to post and receive feedback on Facebook. If you think that you or someone you love is addicted to Facebook, there are steps of action that you can take.
“Unfortunately, there is a dark side to using the Internet for socialization. Anyone can mask their identity on the Internet and take on a new persona.” One way would be to try and quit altogether. Sometimes a sudden change can be too much for people, so instead of going “cold turkey,” using a timer to limit your time online might be a better option. Google Chrome offers many add-ons that will block you from a site when you have exceeded a set time limit. Another option would be to have family and friends hold you accountable for how much you post. Finally, you can try and block any email or SMS notifications related to Facebook. In this way, the dangers of social media addiction can be mitigated.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
56 Survival Korean includes the most essential Korean phrases you need to know while traveling or living in Korea. The expressions come with detailed explanations as well as fun and useful information about the situation where they are used.
Talk to Me In Korean Common Phrases 여기로 가 주세요. [yeo-gi-ro ga ju-se-yo.] : Please go here. The phrase literally means “please go here”, and if you travel with a map or an address at hand, you can indicate your destination more precisely with the address or by pointing on a map. This is, of course, the most basic of phrases. If you know your destination or a landmark near your destination (landmarks include large hotels, shopping malls, train stations, department stores, large hospitals, etc.), you can replace 여기 [yeo-gi] with a landmark or area to be more specific about your destination. After saying the name of the place you want to go to, normally you need to use the location-marking particle -로 or -으로. Even if you don’t use it and just say “인사동 가 주세요” [in-sa-dong ga ju-se-yo] instead of “인사동으로 가 주세요” [in-sadong-eu-ro ga ju-se-yo], it is perfectly okay and the driver will still understand you.
Sample Sentences
하얏트 호텔로 가 주세요. [ha-yat-teu ho-tel-lo ga ju-se-yo.] = Please go to Hyatt Hotel. 인사동으로 가 주세요. [in-sa-dong-eu-ro ga ju-se-yo.] = Please go to Insadong. 여기 세워 주세요. [yeo-gi se-wo ju-se-yo.] : Please stand here. / Please drop me off here. If you’ve arrived at your destination, you can tell the driver to let you off with this phrase and the driver will stop and let you off. If you’re nearing your destination, you can replace the first word, 여기 [yeo-gi], with (noun + 에서 [e-seo]). 에서 [e-seo] is another location marking particle which means “at”. The following are words to use when indicating where you want the driver to drop you off. Note that each noun is followed by the Korean word for “at”. - 저 앞 + 에서 = 저 앞에서 [jeo a-pe-seo] = over there up front - 횡단보도 + 에서 = 횡단보도에서 [hoeng-dan-bo-do-e-seo] = at the crosswalk
Sample Sentences
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
October 2016
횡단보도에서 세워 주세요. [hoeng-dan-bo-do-e-seo se-wo ju-se-yo.] = Please drop me off at the crosswalk. 역에서 세워 주세요. [yeo-ge-seo se-wo ju-se-yo.] = Please drop me off at the station. 주소 있어요. [ju-so i-sseo-yo.] : I have an address.
No one in Korea knows exact street addresses by heart unless you are going to a big landmark or a place near one. Fortunately, all taxi drivers have GPS to enter in addresses. 기사님 [gi-sa-nim] : driver This is the word used to address the driver. You can also use 아저씨 [a-jeo-ssi] (for male driver) or 아주머니 [a-ju-meo-ni] (for female driver), which are broad terms, but most drivers will appreciate being called 기사님. 기사님 is a more professional term and it has some nuance of respect, more so than 아저씨 or 아주머니. 할증 [hal-jjeung] : extra charge, surcharge Taxis have a 20% surcharge between the hours of midnight and 4 A.M. This is an extract from the book, Survival Korean, available at MyKoreanStore.com
Talk To Me In Korean and Seoulistic are proud to present to you
Survival Korean!
Make your stay in Korea much easier and enjoy it to the fullest with Survival Korean! Whether you are just traveling or living in Korea, this book, the perfect size that can fit right in your purse, will come in handy whenever you want something.
Community Board Have something you want to share with the community? Gwangju News community board provides a space for the community to announce clubs’ activities and special events. Please contact gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for more information. Advertise with us by contacting gwangjunews@gic.or.kr UNESCO KONA VOLUNTEERS KONA Storybook Center (KSC) is a registered public small library supported by UNESCO KONA Volunteers (UKV). UKV is a registered organization that helps disadvantaged children to learn English independently through storybooks and story-maps. We guide family and children to develop the love of reading storybooks in English. We also guide them how to volunteer using storybooks. We are looking for long-term volunteers who desire to enrich their lives. We are asking volunteers to commit to helping at least once a month. The days of KONA volunteering and the facilities are as follows: 1. KONA Storybook Center every Saturday afternoons / 3- 5 p.m. 2. Gwangju Children’s Home 1st, 2nd and 4th Saturday, 3 – 5 p.m. 3rd Sunday, 3 – 5 p.m 3. Grandmother’s Community Children’s Center 4th Friday 4 – 6 p.m. For more information, please visit http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers or our Facebook page of KONA Storybook Center and UNESCO KONA Volunteers or contact Kim Young-Im 062-434-9887 or email konacenter@gmail.com
COMMNUNITY CLASSES AT THE GIC Weekends Art Club – Room 5, 2F 12:30 - 3 p.m. Saturdays Participation fee varies depending on Class theme and material FB page: Gwangju Art Class GWANGJU Petit à Petit 쁘띠 따 쁘띠 프랑스 그룹 – Room 5, 2F 4 - 6 p.m. Saturday, December 5 FB page: GWANGJU Petit à Petit 쁘띠 따 쁘띠 프랑스 그룹
GIC Book Club – Room 3, 2F 4 - 6 p.m. Saturdays FB page: GIC Book Club COMMUNITY GROUPS IN GWANGJU
Gwangju – 광주 Gwangju Flea Market Gwangju Pets Gwangju Freecycle Gwangju Performance Project Global Families of Gwangju Gwangju EPIK Teachers Gwangju-Jeolla Job Bank Ladies of Gwangju and Vicinity Gwangju Yoga Gwangju Veggies Gwangju Filipino English Teachers (GFET)
2016 GWANGJU INTERNATIONAL CENTER KOREAN CLASS The Gwangju International Center (GIC) provides Korean classes to international residents in Gwanjgu and Jeolla provinces. which help them learn Korean and understand Korean culture. Please join our Korean classes to improve your Korean skills with our awesome Korean teachers! Tuition Fee: Weekdays classes 120,000 won (100,000 won for GIC Members) Saturdays classes 90,000 won (70,000 won for GIC Members) - How to register: Try online registration through the GIC website www. gic.or.kr or drop by the GIC - More information:Yangim Park, the GIC coordinatior (email: language@ gic.or.kr / phone: 062-226-2733) GWANGJU INTER FC The Gwangju International Soccer Team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly every weekend. If you are interested in playing, email: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com or search “Gwangju Inter FC” on Facebook.
GIC JUNIOR TALK Saturdays, 12:30-2pm, Oct. 15-Nov. 26 (7 weeks) Are you a middle or high school student? Do you want to meet native speakers and improve your English expression, confidence, and thinking? Join GIC Junior Talk! - Open to GIC student members, 35,000 won for 7 sessions - Application: gic.or.kr. Deadline: Oct. 12 - Contact: Ana Traynin anatraynin@gic.or.kr. 062.226.2733
DAY 2
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