(EN) Gwangju News September 2010 #103

Gwangju News International Magazine for Gwangju and Jeollanam-do

September 2010 Issue No. 103

URGENT: Blood Donors Required Blood type B- Needed for Transfusion: Contact 011-9600-6378 Our good friend, Michael Simning, mainstay of the Gwangju international community, has been diagnosed with leukimia and is undergoing intensive treatment in hospital. He is in need of several blood transfusions from several people.

Michael blood type is B- . If you can help, please contact Tim Whitman 011-9600-6378, tugrocers@gmail.com immediately.

If you don’t know your blood type, you can find out by taking a simple test at your local hospital. Non-Korean speakers can show this note: 친구가 백 혈병에 걸려서 도움이 필요합니다. 제 친구는 Rh B-형 입니다. 제 혈액 형 검사하고 싶습니다. Rh-/Rh+ 인지까지 정확히 검사받고 싶습니다.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael and his family.

We wish him a full and speedy recovery.

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Gwangju News September 2010

Even if you can’t donate, you can still help by: ● Spreading the word: Tell as many people as you can that we’re urgently seeking Rh B- blood donors ● Sending your messages of goodwill and support to Michael via Facebook (search ‘Michael Simning Fan Club’) ● Supporting Michael’s businesses; The First Alleyway and Underground Grocers will both remain open during his absence (See page 44)

Contributors

Contents

Gwangju News September 2010, Issue No. 103

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The Korean Way No.91: Change of Mode of Burial By 2Ys

Publisher: Shin Gyong-gu Editor-in-Chief: Maria Lisak

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Songnisan National Park: Remote from the Ordinary World

By Meghan Reynolds

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Formula One

Editors: Jon Ozelton, Kim Min-su Copy Editors: Kathleen Villadiego, Daniel Lister Photo Editor: Debra M. Josephson

By Finbarr Bermingham

Coordinator: Karina Prananto Layout and Design: Karina Prananto Proofreaders: Pete Schandall, Kathleen Villadiego, Katie Rayner, Steve Salinger, Valerie Nyczak, Marion Gregory, Justin Palamarek, Selina Orrell, Daniel Lister, Sam Richter Address: Jeon-il Building 5F, Geumnam-no 1-1, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, South Korea Phone: +82-62-226-2734

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By Anton Scholz 12

Massimiliano Gioni: Gwangju Biennale’s Artistic Director

By Doug Stuber

15

Overview: Gwangju Biennale 2010 Maninbo 10000 Lives

By Hughie Samson

16

Cheongsando

Fax: +82-62-226-2732

Email: gwangjunews@gmail.com

F1 Finally Coming to Korea

Website: gwangjunews.net

Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145

By Peter Trabert

Printed by Saenal (Phone +82-62-223-0029) Photographer: City & Place Marketing Group

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Myong Haeng Sunim

By Warren Parsons

Cover Photo: GIC Tour at Cheongsando. See page 16 for more.

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Useful Korean Phrases

By Kim Min-su

Gwangju News Magazine is written and edited by volunteers.

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

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Living Tips: Tips on Banking

By Marie (Mheng) Pascual Igwe

24

Photo Contest

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

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Jeju Photo Essay: ‘Let it all Hang Loose’ in Jeju-do

By Debra M. Josephson

Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor (gwangjunews@gmail.com) regarding articles and issues. All correspondence may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.

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Woonlim-dong, Street of Arts

By Roh In-woo and Jang young-hoon

30

In Search for Gwangju’s Perfect Coffee

By Kyle Johnson

33

Gwangju Blog

By Hughie Samson

34

Restaurant Review: 금성냉면 Keum Seong Naengmyeon

By Gabriel Ward

36

Korean Easy Cook Recipe: 송편 Songpyeon

By Kim Mi-so

37

Movie Review: The Duelist 형사

By Justin Palamarek

38

2010 Asia Culture Forum

By Ahn Hong-pyo

40

Upcoming Events

42

Cartoon: Digby

By Leroy Kucia

43

Community Board

Gwangju News September 2010

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The Korean Way

The Korean Way No. 91

Change of Mode of Burial

S

everal years ago, Seoul Municipal authorities tried to set aside a portion of its administrative area to provide a large cemetery for Seoul residents. But the plan met vehement opposition by the people who live near the area because a cemetery gives a feeling of repugnance to the residents. Seoul city tried to persuade the people that the city was in dire need of such a public service for convenient funeral ceremonies, but to no avail.

Traditionally, the Korean burial system has been earth burial, that is, burying the coffin in the earth on a mountainside with an earth mound on top. This process includes geomancy, that is, the selection of a ‘blessed site.’

According to the geomantic study, a ‘blessed site’ should guarantee good fortune and happiness for the offspring.

That’s why so many people roam the mountainside in search of blessed sites. If a site has a mountain in the back with a flowing stream in front (背山吝任臨水)a fine view, a terrain on the left resembling a blue dragon (左靑龍) and the terrain on the right resembling a white tiger (右白 虎), ), then the site is supposed to be a blessed site. But such sites have been exhausted. Now it is even difficult to find an ordinary place for a burial ground.

This shortage of burial ground has made the government or social organizations look for other modes of burial: cremation. Statistics show that the cremation ratio increases every year. It was 13.7% in 1980, 17.8% in 1991, 33.7% in 2000, 52.6% in 2005 and 61.9% in 2008. Now we can see that more than half of the number of funerals is conducted in cremation. The cremated bones and ashes are treated generally in three ways: stored in a charnel house, used in a tree burial, and used in a natural burial.

A charnel house is a place where the bones and ashes of dead people are stored (納骨堂). Cremated bones and ashes are put in a small celadon pot or wooden box and each pot or box is stored in multi-tiered cabinets so one house can store thousands of pots, making huge burial grounds unnecessary.

In the case of a tree burial, the bereaved family will choose either an evergreen or deciduous grown tree (not too young) for a tree burial. They put the cremated ashes in an unbaked clay pot and bury it under the tree, or scatter the ashes around the tree and hang a plastic tag with the 4

Gwangju News September 2010

An example of a charnel house

Naver

deceased’s name and date of birth and death inscribed on it. In time the trees will grow big and form a fine wood.

Some time ago, one of the noted prominent clans of Korea declared that they would conduct their clan funeral by tree burials. Many will follow suit.

A natural burial is like a tree burial. Instead of using a grown-up tree a natural burial uses a flowering shrubbery as a suitable burial ground. A small hole big enough to put the ash pot in is dug up under the shrubbery and the ground is leveled after the pot is placed with a memorial slab over it with the deceased’s name and date of birth and death. There is not much disturbance to the surroundings. In time, the unbaked clay pot will disintegrate into soil with the ashes and nourish the plant. No damage is done to the ground. The burial ground looks the same as before, as natural as before.

That’s why it is called a natural burial.

Now a growing number of people use cremation as a mode of funeral and various organizations – municipal, religious and commercial – have built charnel houses for social services. Bereaved families can use these facilities at a reasonable price. This has alleviated many municipalities’ difficulties in providing enough burial ground for their residents.

By 2Ys (An audacious pen name standing for Too Wise, whose real initals are S. S. S.)

Discover Korea

Songnisan National Park: Remote from the Ordinary World ongnisan National Park is located in the Sobaek mountain range along the borders of the North and South Chungcheong provinces. Its name translates to “a mountain remote from the ordinary world,” and it is easily one of Korea’s most beautiful sites. From Gwangju, it is quite accessible, with a 2.5 hour bus ride north to Daejeon and a 1.5-hour bus ride beyond that to Songnisan.

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Legend has it that the great King Sejo visited the park in 1464. As he entered the village at the base of the mountain, a branch from a giant pine tree blocked his palanquin and neither he nor his men could pass. King Sejo then ordered the tree to move its branch for passage, and the tree complied by lifting its heavy limb.

Because of its loyalty, the ancient tree was given the rank of “second class government,” and it remains an essential part of the park’s history and identity. It is also believed that the King’s men carried him up the mountain on his palanquin to Manjangdae Peak where they sat and recited poetry together. For this reason, and its particularly charming views, it remains the most popular route for hiking.

With all this in mind, and a strong urge to get out into nature, my friend and I were ready to leave the city for the weekend. Direct buses to Daejeon run every 30 – 60 minutes and as soon as we arrived at U-Square we quickly jumped on one of them. Daejeon’s bus terminal is somewhat small and unorganized to say the least, but we found the intercity ticket window and purchased our tickets to Songnisan with no difficulty at all. Buses run from 6:50 a.m. to 8:10 p.m. daily, with 12 hour intervals, and a similar schedule heads in the opposite direction, give or take 10 minutes.

After a 90-minute bus ride from Daejeon and with nightfall fast approaching, we arrived at the base of Songnisan. The bus station was abandoned, but we easily found our way into the quaint little village. The streets were lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, and in the center of town was a waterfall, albeit artificial, with some nice, colorful lights. The hotels and motels were located on the streets parallel to the main drag, and they ranged from about 30,000 won to Gwangju News September 2010

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Discover Korea

approximately 60,000 won. There was also an upscale resort, Lake Hills, at the park entrance with a nice coffee shop and a restaurant. Camping facilities were located across from the Lake Hills Resort on the right side. Trying to save money these days, we settled in at the lower end of the scale, choosing Hae Joo Motel. It was a bargain at only 30,000 won a night; however, you definitely got what you paid for.

In the morning, we were woken up by a thunderstorm so booming and powerful that it shook our hotel. It was 9am, pouring rain, and it was time to hike this mountain. As we sluggishly put on our rain gear and walked toward the park entrance, we stopped to take in a hot cup of coffee at the Lake Hills. The price was a bit steep at 5,000 won, but it was decent and served with a caramelized sugar cookie, which was enough to make me smile. Fuelled by caffeine and the desire to snap some beautiful photos, we headed alongside a beautiful, rushing river for the large temple complex of Beopjusa.

Beopjusa Temple was founded in 553 A.D. during the Shilla Dynasty. It is one of Korea’s largest temples and is also a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Most of the temple was destroyed during the Japanese invasion, but 3 national treasures still remain. Upon arrival, the blanketing fog overhead seemed to lift slightly as our undivided attention was drawn to the gigantic bronze standing Buddha. With a variety of websites claiming this as one of the largest standing Buddha in the world at 33 meters and 160 tons, it is also, in my opinion, one of the most impressive. Its sharp contrast against the treed mountains looming behind and its sheer size overwhelming the landscape was altogether a breathtaking sight.

After exploring the temple and observing some midday worship, we were on our way upwards, into the mist and greenery. The path leading out of the temple took us immediately to a narrow lake, seemingly untouched, but for one weathered brick structure.

Beyond the lake lay about 1km of essentially flat, paved road up to where the “real hiking” begins. Eventually, we were faced with the decision of whether to follow the King’s path to the left up to Munjangdae Peak or to follow the swollen river up the valley and through the center of the mountains. Once we had decided on the central route to the summit, we noticed it had stopped raining and the clouds were starting to break up.

As we continued up the winding path, I was pleasantly surprised by the fertile, orange soil hosting an abundance of lush vegetation and various species of fungi along the banks of the path. For me, it was reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest, and the closest to 6

Gwangju News September 2010

Above: A gushing mountain stream in Songnisan National Park; Previous page: The towering 33-metre high golden Buddha from the park’s Beopjusa Temple

nature I had felt in 10 months in Korea. I’ve hiked both Jirisan and Wolchulsan, and a number of others, but Songnisan felt more natural, more like a well-protected national park. Many of the trees and ferns were neatly labeled in Latin and a bright lime green moss covered almost everything in sight. The immense bustling of the river coupled with the droning hum of the cicada added even more life to the forest around us, and a number of cute wooden bridges stretching across the river creating a surreal Hobbit Shire-like feeling.

Due to the recent typhoon, which we apparently caught the end of, there were times when our path was completely overtaken by the river. In order to continue, some skilled rock jumping or a couple of wet feet were the only ways to continue onward. After about an hour of hiking, we came across a traditional Korean guesthouse in the mountains. It was simple and well

Discover Korea

The park features plenty of natural beauty and flora

maintained, and one of the guests told us it was 60,000 won per night, but assured us the price was lower after peak season. Beyond it, the path continually became steeper, but was equipped with winding sets of rock stairs to assist in a seemingly never-ending line to the peak. For the entire stretch since the fork in the road, we had been immersed in such a thick forest canopy that we didn’t notice how dense the fog was around us.

As we reached the Sinseondae Rock above the tree line, our visibility was zero.

Several websites recommend visiting the park between September and November. Online reports and photos show just how spectacular the view can be from any of the peaks on Songnisan looking onto the craggy summits, but I’m afraid I can’t personally attest to this.

Feeling a bit disappointed by our eternal rainy season, but not defeated, we pushed on through a series of ups and downs along the ridge-line. A scattering of small temples and mostly abandoned food stands gave us a feeling of some human presence amidst the meandering trails and open spaces.

Finally, we reached Munjandae Peak at a height of 1054 meters. It doesn’t sound like a tremendous achievement, but after the steep incline and the many kilometers of hiking we had enjoyed, it was a wonderful feeling. The lengthy decent was much easier than the climb, and it took much less time. Depending on your hiking ability and physical condition, I would suggest giving yourself about 6 hours to complete the 15 kilometer trail. For us,

it was 3 hours up and 2 hours down; however, with the low cloud cover we didn’t stay long at the peaks. On a clear day, I’m sure you could easily take in an hour at the top with some photos or a picnic.

By the time we had returned to the lake, the sun had cut through the last remaining clouds, and we enjoyed a few moments by the water’s edge finally able to see what we had just conquered. Our next stops were to fill up on some local cuisine and then visit the King’s ancient pine tree. We walked back out of town, a few kilometers beyond the bus station, to the site of the 600 year old coniferous giant. There are photos of this tree plastered on every awning in town, so I felt as though I had already seen it. It was actually quite remarkable, but many of the limbs are now so heavy and weather damaged that they are held up with support beams, and some have been severed.

On the walk back to the bus, we passed by a lovely pink lotus pond. They were in full bloom and the largest of them stood taller than my height. It was a beautiful end to an eventful and satisfying day. I would encourage anyone to experience this mountain paradise during your time in Korea for a break from the “ordinary world.” As we boarded the bus back to Daejon, I took one more breath of that fresh mountain air and thought to myself that Songnisan National Park is a great place for those who already love nature, and for those who want to start.

Story and photos by Meghan Reynolds Gwangju News September 2010

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Feature

Formula One Korean Grand Prix The inaugural South Korean Grand Prix will attract a crowd of around 130,000 to the newly built Korea International Circuit and officials have been scrambling to find ways to accommodate the masses due to descend on South Jeolla. Car parks are under construction, hundreds of shuttle buses are to be laid on. This sleepy, rural community is about to get a whole lot louder, but a few days of autumnal madness will undoubtedly bode well for the region’s finances.

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n Sunday October 24 of this year, a cacophonous drone emanating from a stretch of tarmac in Yeongam, just south of Gwangju, will chauffer in a new era in Korean spectator sport.

The country will join an elite band of 18 others in paying host to a Formula One Grand Prix. It is testament to Korea’s growing presence on the international stage that they have convinced F1’s governing body of their capability to host such a high profile event. Some speculate that it may bring even greater rewards to the nation than the 2002 World Cup. Should that be the case, Korean sport is in for a serious boost.

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Gwangju News September 2010

F1 has long since been tagged as a rich man’s sport, filled with charmers and playboys like Flavio Briatore (former Benetton and Renault head honcho, former beau of Heidi Klum and larger than life impresario, now banned from the sport because of his part in the Crashgate scandal in 2008) and Eddie Irvine (straight talking and flamboyant Irishman, former Ferrari driver and once a squeeze of Pamela Anderson). Ticket prices are often condemned for being astronomical, or unaffordable by locals in many venues. The South Korean Grand Prix will do well to avoid such criticism.

The cheapest come in at around 118,800 won. For the best seats, you can expect to pay upwards of 940,500 won. The locals may have to be content with a thunderous hum, rattling their windows. But the money invested in the area through tourism will more than make up for the racket.

Unsurprisingly considering it’s the world’s fifth largest producer of cars, this is not the first time Korea has attempted to host a GP. The government previously attempted to capitalize on the industry’s standing when they reached an agreement to host an event in 1998, although a lack of funding hindered the construction of a circuit. Malaysia won the race to host another F1 event in Asia and the blogosphere’s rumor mill is rife with allegations that F1 CEO Bernie Eccleston managed to keep the money originally paid to him by race promoters. Indeed, the 2010 race has not come to fruition without a few hitches, either.

There were whispers right up until the beginning of the summer that it would not go ahead. Initially, doubts

Feature

Left: Plan of the Korean Grand Prix track in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do, where drivers such as Felipe Massa (right) and Mark Webber (previous page) will be racing this October. www.formula1.com

were harbored over whether the course would be ready in time. Promoters, Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO), however, were at pains to dispel such fears, announcing that the track would open on September 5.

Perhaps of more serious concern to the survival of the race has been the recent unrest between North and South Korea. Political uncertainties on the Peninsula sparked rumors that the GP would be moved to a venue in Europe, with Magny Cours (France) and Motorland Aragon (Spain) mooted as potential replacements. But with the checkered flag looming ever nearer, it would seem the organizers have avoided such measures and that the event will go ahead as planned.

The deal the Korean committee has struck with the governing body will see the country host a Grand Prix every year for the next seven, with an option to extend the deal for another five. The course itself has been compared with another Spanish track, that of Valencia.

Designed by Herman Tilke (the brains behind circuits in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, Bahrain, Singapore, China and many other venues), it’s the second longest track on the calendar, trailing only Monza in Italy at 5.6 kms per lap. Along with Turkey and Brazil, it’s the only track whose racing direction is counter-clockwise. The estimated average speed for an F1 car around the course is 212km/h, with a maximum speed of 320km/h, meaning the quickest cars should be getting around in about 1.5 minutes.

And with the race being number seventeen of nineteen, you can be sure that there won’t be any drivers holding back. After winning the Hungarian GP, Red Bull’s Mark Webber (Australia) is hoping to seal his first ever championship crown. He leads 2008’s champion Lewis

Hamilton (McLaren, UK) by just four points, with his teammate Sebastian Vettel (Germany) trailing by a further six. The party travels to Belgium, Italy, Singapore and Japan before making its maiden voyage to Korea in October. The Japanese have traditionally put on a spectacular show and their Korean counterparts would no doubt be delighted to emulate them. All eyes will be on Yeongam on the weekend of the 22nd to see if they can do exactly that.

By Finbarr Bermingham

2010 Korean Grand Prix

Oct. 22 – 24, 2010 Schedule Details Oct. 22 (Fri): Practice– practice drive 1 (10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

Practice drive 2 (2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

Oct. 23 (Sat.): Qualifying practice drive 3 (11 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Preliminary drive (2 p.m. onwards) Oct. 24 (Sun): Race Day (3 p.m. onwards) *The schedule is subject to change.

Reserve tickets online at www.koreangp.kr, www.interpark.com and www.ticketlink.co.kr. The advance sale of tickets began from August 9 and it offers a 7% discount. The ticket ranges from 118,800 won to 940,500 won.

The Process of Cancellation and Refund for Ticket You are able to cancel the ticket that isn’t sent to you yet and the cancellation fee is 10% of the ticket price. BUT no charge will be made if you cancel within one week from purchase day.

If you’d like to refund the ticket, please visit www.koreangp.kr until 5 p.m. on Oct. 21 and at interpark.com one day before the drive. If you have already received the ticket, please send the ticket to the address below.

The person in charge of Interpark INT Ticket Refund 8 floor, Ace Techno Tower 5(o)cha, 197-22 Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul 152-766. For more information, call Interpark at 1544-1555.

Gwangju News September 2010

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Perspective

Finally Coming to Korea Korea ever. If the popularity of a sport can be measured by the number of people watching it live on TV or during the race, F1 is more popular than the FIFA World Cup or even the Olympics. Even better, the event returns every year as opposed to other international events that require a one-time massive investment that usually results in venues that often remain deserted (that was indeed the case after the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup with many of the newlybuilt stadiums.)

t was 2006 when the province of Jeollanam-do got together with the newly founded organizing consortium KAVO (Korea Auto Valley Operation) to strike a deal with Bernie Ecclestone, the man behind Formula 1. After talks, it was decided that the F1 would come to Korea for at least 7 years, starting from 2010. I still remember driving past a rather small announcement in front of Gwangju Station and seeing the news. At first I could not believe it. I thought the Korean media would go into a frenzy similar to what we can see with Seoul after winning the bid to host the G20 summit, but it stayed strangely calm and I began to think it might just have been a dream. However, my dreams have come true – after four years of waiting, F1 is coming to Korea in October.

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Some time after I first heard the news I wanted to find out more and searched the Internet. After hunting around, I realized that this is probably the greatest international event to hit the southwestern region of 10

Gwangju News September 2010

I had worked for the European media as a coordinator since 2001 during many major sports events in Korea and Japan, so I thought that my experience might be of some help in this case. I drove over to Jeollanam-do Provincial hall near Mokpo one day in 2006 and asked my way through to the F1 department. Soon I became an official advisory board member and over the last 4 years I have tried my best to share my experience from previous major sporting events to help turn this first race into an immediate success. I have to admit it has been a long and thorny road (mostly uphill too) until now with just a few weeks to go until the engines are fired up.

First of all, we had the problem that most of the important work is outsourced to agencies and companies in Seoul. That tends to be the case with many international events we have in Jeollanam-do and it is a shame. Due to the outsourcing, there was a constant struggle between decisions made down here and other decisions made in Seoul.

Another problem was the general lack of interest in the event itself and the lack of PR done for it. Korea is a proud car-producing nation (the 5th largest in the world) but for some reason there is very little interest in motor sports. Korea is one of the few developed countries in the world where it is almost impossible to see F1 races live on TV. Therefore there was very little public enthusiasm when Korea signed the contract with Bernie Ecclestone (a deal many major countries

Perspective

like Russia had been begging for for years). To make things worse, without public interest it was not easy to get the necessary funding for this monumental project.Usually in a case like this a “special bill” is passed. This means the government of Korea acknowledges that this event has a special significance for the country as a whole and is willing to thus financially supports it (this was for example the case with the 2002 World Cup and it will be the case if Korea wins the rights to host the 2018 Winter Olympics). But with F1 it took about 3 years to get this bill passed for F1. In fact I even had to hold a speech in the Korean senate in Seoul at some point and I also gave a personal presentation to president Lee Myeongbak during one of his visits to Gwangju.

All of these problems have lead to certain delays in the construction of the race track and have resulted in rumours that the F1 will not come to Korea at all or that it will be cancelled in 2010. Thankfully, public notice has increased and now almost all of the hotels are booked up and the track is scheduled to be officially opened on September 5. We can only hope that the rumours will finally stop and people will start to get more excited about seeing international racing.

F1 will be an event that will change Jeollanam-do and will put this place on the global map. People might like or dislike F1 but its global significance cannot be ignored. The fact that Jeollanam-do became host to this prestigious event alongside cities like Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi or Monaco is surely a reason to rejoice. Never before have so many foreigners visited this region at once and with the coming years, as the event returns, it will become a part of the Jeollanam-do identity I have been working tirelessly since last year to support several F1 racing teams, the media and other professionals who will soon start coming here in preparations for the first ever Korean F1 Grand Prix. It was a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs but now, as the days of the race are drawing closer the initial excitement is coming back. Hopefully, the people of Gwangju and Jeollanam-do will join in the fervor and show the incredible cheering power the Koreans have become so famous for.

By Anton Scholz The author is a visiting professor at Chosun University and has his own consulting Company “Korea-Consult” which supports international and Korean companies. People interested in working for Korea-Consult during the F1 race week and who are interested in getting a first hand look on the professional side of F1 may contact the author at: info@korea-consult.com

Gwangju News September 2010

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Interview

Massimiliano Gioni Gwangju Biennale’s Artistic Director he Gwangju Biennale hired the right man for its eighth edition, titled “10,000 Lives” after the poetry of Ko Un, the Korean poet who, though jailed, after imprisonment wrote one poem for each of 10,000 people he had seen or met or knew well. This theme, expertly enlarged into art, comes to us from Massimiliano Gioni, the 2003 co-curator of the Venice Biennale, and this year’s Gwangju Biennale art director.

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“I’ve been mulling over the idea of the image, and how images relate to humans, and wanting to express that in an exhibit for years,” Gioni said, sitting at a table with a room full of giddy Gwangju Artist Collective members in a May interview at Biennale Hall. “I had five assistants in New York and another group in Europe who worked on this exhibit for nearly two years.”

Much more than a traditional Biennale, that collects the “hot art made in the last two years,” this year’s Gwangju Biennale is a dazzling variety of human images, all moving, grappling with and exposing what it means to be human.

“There are works back to 1901, that have been collected not in a systematic way, but like an encyclopedia, to honor the 30th anniversary of the May 18th uprising.

This show is a recap of the past and an observatory of the future. Images support our memory. These days you are not alive unless an image of you has been made.

There are seven million images uploaded onto Facebook every day,” he said, raising his eyebrows. “This biennale is acting as a temporary museum.”

It would be hard to find a more engaging personality, even in the ever-bubbly world of art.

Two performance art pieces that never stop moving (using rotating groups of 200 local dancers) or humming (having local humming experts rotate on three-hour shifts…can you imagine humming for three hours every day the entire 66 days of the show?) as well

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Gwangju News September 2010

Massimiliano Gioni talking with Gwangju News Debra M.Josephson

as plenty of movies, paintings, installations and sculpture.

Gioni’s work as one of the three founders of the New Museum and for the Trussardi foundation is already legendary, as he has redefined what a large exhibit can be – no small trick at this point in the widespread, but often inbred world of big-time art. With Maurizio Cattelan and Ali Subotnick, Gioni ran the Wrong Gallery, which has moved from 516-A W. 20th Street, New York, to the Tate Gallery in London. In New York it was a one-square-meter tiny installation behind a glass door that had a sign on it that was also a piece of art and

Interview

read “F--- off, we’re closed.” (naturally, without the censorship) But the brave souls that looked in the room behind the locked door were treated to some of the most amazing art being made on the planet. There were never notices about who was in or when the exhibits were changing, but it became a staple of Chelsea (NYC) art walkers, as curiosity was built by the element of surprise.

Gioni also grew a reputation with his work at the Nicola Trussardi Foundation in Milan, which infiltrates that city by placing exhibits in various locations, and uses other methods like publications, mailings and events whose main idea is to activate the public to engage with the world of contemporary art. Artists are also encouraged to participate in events that teach how to promote art, and get the public to meet living artists. He brought his knowledge of how much a publication can do for art to the Biennale by compiling “I’m Not There,” a supplementary 559-page book that covers contemporary Asian art.

“The Biennale takes up three spaces, the Folk Museum, the Gwangju Museum of Art, and Biennale Hall,” Gioni said, which is important to remember, as some of the most dramatic artists will be showing in buildings next to the main space. “Once inside, a proliferation of images will be experienced. In one room three walls are covered with thousands of images…a dense immersion of joy and explosions. It is a series of ‘situations.’”

It is also a series of some impressive artists, including Cindy Sherman (the overly-famous photographer, performance artist and film maker who is known for photographs of herself in “movie stills,” from nonexistent movies from the 60s, or as a floor-cleaning house mother in mock ads from the 50s and 60s); Jeff Koons (one wonders, monkey paintings or large plastic mono-colored sculptures?); Andy Warhol; Katsuhiro Yamaguchi; Yang Hae Gue; and the French/Swiss filmmaker Jean Luc Godard.

one war scene, including photos of the dead, so parents beware) stick fingers into our stomachs and pull out every possible emotion. So, if the show has any fault it may be that human experience, which is captured and lived in so many ways, cannot be wrapped in a tidy bow and put in a colorful, glossy, balloon-bedecked gift bag.

Gioni’s obsession with inclusiveness and human lives ranges from Duane Hanson (those famous sculptures of everyday people doing everyday things) to Kang Bong Kyu the noted Korean photographer. “As a self-critique, I would say that this Biennale is over-weighted with photography,” Gioni said.

Still, humor, dazzling shows of color, and a condensed compendium of 107 years worth of art make this the best Gwangju Biennale to date, and certainly one that can not be fully experienced in one pass. Indeed, a season pass and 10 visits might still find viewers dazzled by the sheer volume of work.

Rooms that may raise a few eyebrows, like “uncanny” in gallery #4 in Biennale Hall, with images of humans in ecstasy and in the worst situations (there is more than

“Conceptual art has a strong representation, and living monuments in the form of statues also show portraits.

The exhibit is about how people look at each other. We

Cindy Sherman: “Untitled” 1994 - c-print ⓒ Cindy Sherman

Gwangju News September 2010

13

Interview

all look at each other, so Franco Vaccari’s photo booth is here too,” Gioni said. This famous idea enlarges the biennale every day, as people can go into the booth, make a strip of photos, and have them added to the exhibit.

Individuals can also add to their own images to the exhibit at www.10000lives.org. The only proviso is that the images are then free to be used in any way by the Biennale.

“The ambition is to have a show that is an adventure to the eyes,” Gioni continued. “It is a transhistorical show, a center for audiences not familiar with all the art around the world. The show is not so much shocking as it is emotionally charged.”

heart of hundreds of issues. He may have erred on the side of photographs, but since the first successful Daguerreotype in 1837, no technology has changed the way we perceive the world as significantly as photography and moving pictures. These days, a painting isn’t even complete until it is documented by a photograph.

Fear not traditionalists, sculptures and paintings are to be found as well. Young artist Kerstin Brätsch should impress you with her colorful painting or sculpture or photography or marker books, whichever appear. Cho Hye Jung paints a variety of suckling moments, and the late Walker Evans iconic photographs of the Great Depression (US, 1929-40) combine with thousands of other images to remind us that the past may repeat itself, while leaving such an indelible impression that this show may top the entire world’s exhibits for 2010.

Every school teacher should take all students, every boss should require all employees attend. It’s that good.

By Doug Stuber

One piece, a collection of photos from Tuol Sleng Prison were taken by a member of Pol Pot’s Cambodian military, and are of prisoners just before their execution. These images, though horrifying, create a still life cinema verite. Also note, the entire 100-sculpture Rent Collection from the Chinese Cultural Revolution will be on display in an Asian country outside China for the first time ever, and in its entirety.

In another, Thomas Hirschhorn, implores viewers to reflect, and is known for his cardboard-held-togetherby-tape installations, exhibits nails through mannequins. On top of 134 artists, there are 594 rotating artists, and nine new productions of performance art appearing in the exhibit. Don’t miss Cindy Sherman’s production!

In a time when most media are bound by corporate limits, Gioni has put together an exhibit that cuts to the

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Gwangju News September 2010

Above: Lee Friedlander “Washington DC” 1962 ⓒ Lee Friedlander; Top Left: Guo Fengyi “Lu-shan Mountain” 1996

Feature

Overview

he eighth G w a n g j u Biennale will open on September 3 and it will present a s p r a w l i n g investigation on the relationships which bind people to images and images to people.

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It will feature the work of 134 different artists from 28 different countries and new work by Pawel Althamer, Roberto Cuoghi, Keren Cytter, Tom Holert, Overplus Project, Cindy Sherman, Haegue Yang, Jakub Ziókowski, and Artur Zmijewski amongst others.

Encompassing a diverse range of media with a particular emphasis on portraiture, the exhibition – named “10,000 Lives” after a thirty-volume epic poem conceived of by Korean author Ko un while kept in solitary confinement for his participation in the 1980 South Korean democratic movement – will engage our love of images and our need to create substitutes, effigies, avatars and stands-ins for

ourselves and our loved ones; look at images as sites of affection and means of survival; examine how images are fabricated, circulated, stolen and exchanged; and interrogate images’ power; while simultaneously attempting to capture their many lives.

The exhibition will run daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. It will continue until November 7, and three venues neighboring each other within Jungoui Park will play host to it: Gwangju Biennale Hall (500-070 211 Biennale 2 gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju), the Gwangju Museum of Art (52 Haseo-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju), and the Gwangju Folk Museum (213 Biennale 2 gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju).

An installation of one-hundred life-size sculptures presenting the suffering of Chinese peasants will be presented in its entirety at the Biennale for the first time ever in an Asian country outside of China; and it is simply one of the hundreds of highlights which visitors to the Biennale, Asia’s oldest and most prestigious biennial of contemporary art and a highlight of the international contemporary art biennale circuit, can look forward to engaging with this year.

For more information please visit www.gb.or.kr and www.10000lives.org.

By Hughie Samson All photos are from Biennale website (www.10000lives.org)

Gwangju News September 2010

15

GIC Tour

Cheongsando I

have been in South Korea since early June to teach English in a rural public school. Soon after my arrival from the United States, one of the other foreign English teachers where I teach encouraged me to become a member of the Gwangju International Center, even though Gwangju is about an hour away by bus from where I live and work in Sunchang. I'm glad I took his advice. So far, at the GIC, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to take a beginner Korean language class, and have received assistance from the GIC in finding services in Gwangju. I was pleasantly surprised to also find out about opportunities for travel and cultural activities offered by the GIC. The GIC offered a weekend trip by bus to Wando Island and then by ferryboat to Cheongsan Island, Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25. This is my first time in South Korea and I have been eager for an opportunity to see coastal areas and experience island environments, so I signed up for the trip.

The GIC members met together at the Gwangju Train station early that Saturday, for a departure at 8:30 a.m. by bus, to Wando. On my weekend visits to Gwangju I had never left Sunchang so early and did not know where the train station was, nor how best to get there from the bus terminal. I caught a 6 a.m. bus to Gwangju on Saturday, and then took a taxi to the train station, and arrived with plenty of time to spare before

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Gwangju News September 2010

the tour group departed. At the station, other tour participants showed up and we began filling two tour buses, preparing for our departure. On the way out of Gwangju, we stopped at GIST to pick up additional travelers for the bus ride to Wando.

The tour buses arrived in Wando before noon, stopping partway up a high lookout point. After some additional hiking, the tour participants went up a tower providing a broad view of the surrounding landscape and seascape, in all directions. The view was beautiful, prompting tour participants to take out their cameras to capture it.

After a long walk downhill to the Wando port, tour participants embarked the ferryboat and were rejoined by the tour buses on the boat going to Cheongsan island. During the boat ride, there was an initial focus on the view at sea in the humid outdoors, with islands and shore visible through the mists of the calm waters.

Eventually some tour participants found an airconditioned cabin where passengers were playing cards, watching the big-screen television, chatting, sharing snacks, or just sitting or napping. The ferryboat ride to Cheongsan Island took about an hour.

Cheongsan is a remote island with less than 3000 inhabitants. The environment and daily life have a leisurely pace and laid-back quality such that

GIC Tour

(according to the literature) Cheongsan island has been designated a Cittaslow ("Slow City"), symbolized by the silhouette of a snail displayed on tourist brochures, maps and banners. According to Wikipedia, Cittaslow is part of a cultural trend with origins in the Slow Food movement that emerged in Italy, in 1986, when residents there protested the opening of a McDonalds in Rome. Cittaslow values aim at preserving and enhancing the unique qualities of life in locations which remain relatively untouched by the homogenizing influences of globalization and the fast pace of living that often accompanies modern development.

After disembarking from the boat at Cheongsan port, the tour participants were immediately surrounded by the quaint and bustling atmosphere of weekend afternoon commerce in the small business district, including shoppers, tourists, vendors, shops, restaurants and traffic. Tour participants took a short walk to have a bibimbap lunch at one of the restaurants and were then driven to a community center for an experience with local shellfish handicrafts, making brooches from small shells of different colors. This involved patiently arranging shells of yellow, pink, dark green, and other colors, and gluing them to a metal brooch.

Then, for the rest of the afternoon, tour participants were taken to Shinheung-ri beach at low tide. The approach to the beach was across a long stretch of sand from the street where the bus stopped, to the ocean water. The surface of the sand was teeming with the life of small ocean critters visible upon focused inspection, but only from a distance. As people

approached, the creatures quickly disappeared, scampering away, or into small holes in the sand.

At the shore, tour participants had a long opportunity to wade in and swim in the ocean water. This period included a fishing experience; casting a net and drawing the net back out from the water to see what fish was caught. Only a few small fish were caught in the net, but the experience was very lively and fun.

On the way to our overnight lodgings, we stopped at the site of a location which had been used as a set for television and cinema productions. This included a magnificent view of the ocean and island terrain from a broad and elevated perspective.

After a late-afternoon meal, the tour participants were taken to their overnight lodgings by the sea and had breakfast the next morning. Some of the foreigners then went on a mountain hike. There was also a brief walk through a traditional village.

After taking the ferryboat back to Wando, tour participants attended ChangPoGo Memorial Hall, to watch a short history video, and tour the museum displays.

Finally, the bus arrived back at Gwangju, with applause for the tour staff who were our very capable escorts and guides. I found the trip satisfying and recommend Wando and Cheongsan to those who are interested in experience with beautiful coastal and island destinations in South Korea.

By Peter Trabert Photo by City & Place Marketing Group

Gwangju News September 2010

17

GIC Talk

Myong Haeng Seunim only her life, but on life and death. As a result, meditation has made a positive influence on every aspect in her life. Jennifer is now an ESL instructor teaching in Gwangju and is available to offer future meditation lessons at the GIC. As Jennifer was able to find herself through meditation, Myong Haeng Seunim furthered the discussion of the therapeutic and mind developing qualities of meditation. The Seunim encouraged us to ask ourselves ‘Who we are?’, in addition to thinking about the realities of our human condition. He reiterated the importance of paying attention to the present and to not be burdened by past and future events. It is important for us to look at what we are doing now and to meditate on the motives for our actions. The Seunim clarified his point by stating that the mind is like a mirror which reflects what you are doing.

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n Saturday September 21 the GIC held a talk entitled ‘Meditation’. The two speakers Myong Haeng Seunim and Jennifer Ullrich offered not only an introductory meditation session, but also a thorough discussion about the purpose and benefits of meditation. The talk started with a brief welcome by the speakers, followed by a practical meditation session during which the lecture attendees were able to try out different meditation techniques.

After meditating and stretching our minds and bodies for twenty minutes, Jennifer offered us her insights on the ways that meditation has helped her in her own life. Having to deal with the anxieties of her professional life, she turned to meditation as a way to find meaning in her life. Through meditation she experienced a dramatically different perspective on not 18

Gwangju News September 2010

Furthermore, Myong Haeng Seunim suggested that through meditation practice we should be able to break down the walls of thinking and to see the compassion that we share with all people. If successful, we can remove all the layers of culture, language, religion, and nationality and find the humanity in us.

He urged us to not follow our thinking which is clouded by our perceived morals and realities, but rather respond clearly to a situation. Human beings are animals conditioned by habits and it is necessary, through mediation, to see the thinking and actions controlled by these urges. The Seunim offered several anecdotes to highlight these instincts that guide humans and animals alike.

Finally during the question and answer period, the Seunim offered us more insight into his personal life and to his motivations for becoming a monk. Originally from Virginia in the United States, Myong Haeng Seunim moved to Korea to work as a teacher. After one year he found himself, quite serendipitously, living in the Gyaeryong mountains near Daejeon. Through his own curiosity and persistence he was able to enter the community at Musangsa Temple where he became a

GIC Talk

monk. The Seunim asserts that his path to becoming a monk was more a fortuitous collection of events rather than a lifelong dream. In total the Seunim spent 14 years living in Korea and 13 years as a monk.

Currently he is the vice abbot at Manhattan Chogyesa Temple in New York City. He comes back to Korea about once a year for ceremonies and training and he will be visiting Korea for about a month this time.

When questioned about his reasons for returning to the United States the Seunim humbly professed his love for Korea but diplomatically stated his desire to return to his home country and to eat among other things, Mexican food. The Seunim confidently admits that monks are human, like all people, and are not completely free from desires.

After the talk I was able to interview Myong Haeng Seunim to offer more detailed information to our readers: Q: Is there much of an interest in Buddhism or specifically Korean Buddhism in New York?

A lot of people who come to our place are interested in what they experience, especially they like the chanting, the bowing and the sitting that we do. We find that that really appeals to their personalities. We find that a lot of people these days have questions in their lives about what truly being happy is. Not dependent on money and the situation but before that, being happy regardless of what we have in the material world.

Q: How can mediation help people in their everyday lives and who would you recommend it for?

Meditation first of all helps you become more clear in your life. By investigating yourself you take away a lot of the complicated ideas that you have about the world and gives you a simpler approach to life. So whatever is in front of you, you can reflect it and respond very naturally and compassionately without getting caught in your thinking.

Q: Are there any rules for proper mediation?

Well it’s best to try to meditate the same amount of time at the same time everyday. For example, if you choose 6 to 6:30 every morning, try to keep that. If you have a busy schedule try to always make sure you can keep your meditation practice at the time the same everyday. But also don’t push yourself too much.

If you find that it is difficult or you’re have a hard time, be gentle with your body and your practice. A

lot of [meditation] is being sensitive to what you need as a human being and not following some idea.

Q: What should people do physically and mentally during mediation? How should meditation be done?

It’s good to sit in a comfortable posture. Most people have to sit in chairs but [use] whatever posture you can sit in so that your back is straight and your chin is tucked in [so] the crown of the head is like a line pulling your head up. You want to keep your eyes half open and look about a meter ahead of you. A good way to start is by being aware of your breath. Wherever your breath is, be aware of the in breath and the out breath and a very basic technique that people start with is counting the breath. But that is not actually a Zen practice. Zen practice means having this question ‘Who is breathing?’ and ‘Who is experiencing this right now?’

This fundamental question in our lives of ‘What am I?’ originally, that is Zen practice.

Q: How often should people meditate? How often do you meditate?

When we live at the temple we do it twice a day everyday. There is nothing else. During the summer and winter we have retreats where we do eight or nine hours a day. But I think for most people in their daily lives, just trying for once a day is a good goal to have. If possible I recommend twice a day. In the morning before you get busy, just sit down and meditate and don’t do too many activities because your mind will get busy. Then again [meditate] in the evening before you go to sleep.’

Q: Where is a good place to meditate?

Anywhere that is a quiet place that is good for introspection. I think home is fine if you can find part of your home or a time when there is a not a lot of talking and not a lot of noise going on.

Q: Where can people go to join classes or get involved in meditation?

Coming here (The GIC) is a great place. Jenny wants to make a meditation group. What I mentioned before is the Musangsa Temple. It is located in Chungcheongnamdo.

Take the train from Gwangju to Gyaeryong Station.

Then get off and take a taxi. It’s an amazing community of monks and nuns basically intended for foreigners. It’s really a very wonderful place. The website is www.musangsa.org I would encourage anyone who is interested in meditation to go there.

Q: How is Korean Buddhism similar and/or unique?

Gwangju News September 2010

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GIC Talk

Well, all Buddhism is talking about investigating your true self. But Korean Buddhism has this technique called the ‘Hwadu’ which basically means ‘Great question’ A lot of people feel that [Korean Buddhism] is really one of the most pure forms of Zen Buddhism in the world. There are many different types of Buddhism around the world and techniques, but they are all pointing back to our true nature.

following books at the end of the interview. Myong Haeng Seunim will be in Korea at Musangsa Temple until the end of September. The scenery and the company promise to make it a good trip.

I thank Myong Haeng Seunim for his time and his insights. For those of you interested in learning more about Buddhism, the Seunim recommended the

By Warren Parsons Photo by Kim Dong-yoon

Dropping Ashes on the Buddha by Sung Sang Seunim Compass of Zen by Sung Sang Seunim Zen Mind Beginners Mind by Suzuki Roshi

10-year Anniversary of Musangsa Temple Please join us for a celebration for the 10 year anniversary of Musangsa.

Sept. 12, 2010 10:00 - Chanting 11:00 - Dharma event 12:30 - Lunch 14:00 - Culture event stablished in March 2000, Musangsa is an international Zen temple where anyone from around the world who is interested in meditation can easily learn about and practice Zen in Korea, a country that has maintained a deep-rooted legacy of Zen practice and a strong Buddhist tradition since the 4th century.

E

At Musangsa Temple, we support a community of foreign monks, nuns, and laypeople who want to practice Zen following the teachings of Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn. Many students come to practice or train here and later return to help the Zen Centers in their own countries.

Like all Korean Zen temples, Musangsa Temple hosts two three-month intensive meditation retreats (Kyol Che) a year, in summer and winter. Koyl Che is a time when one can completely devote oneself to meditation practice away from worldly distractions. At other times of the year, we organize short weekend retreats and hold weekly Zen Meditation Classes on every Sunday.

Our temple is located on Kye Ryong Sahn, a mountain famed for its strong mystical energy in Korea. Other great temples are also located on this mountain, such as Donghaksa, Kapsa and Shinwonsa. Many great Korean Zen Masters, such as Kyong Ho Seunim and Man Gong Seunim have also practiced on Kye Ryong

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Gwangju News September 2010

Sahn. Zen Master Seung Sahn carefully viewed many sites over a period of five years before finally choosing the present location at the end of 1998.

Musangsa Temple sits directly beneath Kuk Sa Bong (National Teacher's Peak), where long ago an eminent master predicted that 800 Great Dharma Teachers would appear to help this world.

The temple consists of three buildings, the Main Buddha Hall, a Zen Hall and the Residence building. The Main Buddha Hall, or Dae Ung Jon in Korean, sits on a small rise above the Zen building. It is has an inspiring view of the valley of rice fields below and the mountains in the far distance. The Buddha Hall is clearly visible from the valley and bids an impressive welcome to visitors as they approach Musangsa Temple.

There is the American Zen Master Dae-Bong Seunim, who has stayed at Musangsa Temple since the very beginning of the construction, practicing and teaching in a run-down prefab house in order to uphold his teacher's wishes, and who was the pioneer in the history of Musangsa Temple. Also the American abbot Dae Jin Seunim, who made the most of his more than twenty year's experience living in Korea, constructing the Main Buddha Hall and meticulously carrying on various projects around the temple.

By Musangsa Temple

Useful Korean Phrases

~기로 했어요.

~ 기로 했어요

Grammar

유진: 존씨, 이번 주말에 뭐하세요?

[Jon ssi, ibeon jumale mwohaseyo?]

Jon, What are you going to do this weekend? 존: 토요일 오전에 친구하고 수영하기로 했어요.

[Toyoil ojeone chinguhago suyeonghagiro haesseoyo.]

I am going swimming with my friend this Saturday. 유진: 그럼 일요일 오후에는 뭐하세요?

[Geureom ilyoil ohueneun mwohaseyo?]

I see, what are you going to do in this Sunday afternoon? 존: 오후에는 제니씨하고 영화를 보기로 했어요.

[Ohueneun jenissihago yeonghwareul bogiro haesseoyo.]

I am going to watch a movie with Jenny in the afternoon. 유진: 주말에는 항상 약속이 많아요?

[Junaleneun hangsang yaksoki manayo?]

Do you always have many appointments during weekends? 존: 네, 주말에는 주로 바빠요.

[Ne, jumaleneun juro babbayo.]

Yes, I am mostly busy during weekends.

Meaning: ‘~기로 했어요’ is used to express an appoinment or a promise with someone else. It has the same meaning as ‘to promise to do (something)’.

This form is usually expressed in the past tense because it describes an appointment made with someone in the past, although the plan being discussed will take place in the future.

Form ‘~ 기로 했어요’ is always attached directly to the end of a verb stem.

Example: 하다 -> 하기로 했어요 먹다 -> 먹기로 했어요

Vocabulary 주말 수영 오전 오후 약속 영화

[jumal]: weekend [suyeong]: swimming [ojeon]: morning [ohu]: afternoon [yaksok]: appointment [yeonghwa]: movie

By Kim Min-su

Reference: 서강한국어

2010 GIC 5th Korean Language Class Saturday Classes

Weekday Classes Level

Days

Textbook

Level

Textbook

Beginner 1-1

Tuesday & Thursday

서강한국어 1A (Pre-lesson ~ Lesson 1)

Beginner 1-1

서강한국어 1A (Pre-lesson ~ Lesson 1)

Beginner 1-2

Monday & Wednesday

서강한국어 1A (Lesson 2 ~ Lesson 6)

Beginner 1-2

서강한국어 1A (Lesson 2 ~ Lesson 6)

Beginner 2-1

Tuesday & Thursday

서강한국어 1B (Lesson 1 ~ Lesson 4)

- Period: Sept.11 - Oct.23, 2010

Tuesday & Thursday

서강한국어 2A (Lesson 1 ~ Lesson 4)

- Class hours: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

(2 hours) - Tuition fee: 50,000 won (GIC membership fee: 20,000 won/ year and textbooks excluded)

Intermediate

- Period: Sept. 13 - Oct. 28, 2010 (Twice a week for 7 weeks) - Class hours: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (2 hours) - Tuition fee : 80,000 won (GIC membership fee: 20,000 won/ year and textbooks excluded)

Note

(Every Saturday for 7 weeks)

* The tuition fee is non-refundable after the first week. * A class may be canceled if fewer than 5 people sign up. * Textbooks can be purchased at the GIC (29,000 won: Student Book, Workbook included.)

To register, please send your information: full name, contact number, working place, and preferable level to gwangjuic@gmail.com GIC is located on the 5th floor of the Jeon-il building, the same building as the Korean Exchange Bank, downtown. The entrance is located immediately to the north of the bank. Contact GIC office for more information.

Phone: 062-226-2733/4 E-mail: gwangjuic@gmail.com Website: www.gic.or.kr

Gwangju News September 2010

21

Living Tips

Tips on Banking t is sometimes overwhelming for foreigners in Korea to use bank machines, or go to the bank by themselves to do bank transactions such as checking bank balances or printing bank account information, depositing money, wiring money (transferring money to another account, paying bills such as electricity bill, gas bill, cell phone bill, etc. through ATM or bank tellers).

I

Doing these things may be difficult especially for someone who does not know Korean very well, but the truth is you do not need to be an expert in Korean to do these tasks. All you need is to try it and you will be fine.

Also, there is no need to worry because even though you may make mistakes, you can cancel the transaction and repeat whatever kind of bank transactions you want.

Bank Machines Bank machines are widely available and almost all of them have the option to conduct the transaction in English. But it is better if foreigners can also do the transaction in Korean, just in case the English option is not available.

Banks are usually open from 9 to 5 or 9:30 to 4: 30 Monday to Friday. Also bank machines located inside the bank are available until 10 or 11 p.m. Bank machines located in convenience stores are available 24 hours. However, note that all banks “shut down” for a short period of time around midnight (check with your own bank for their times) in order to update their system. This means that you will be unable to access your account during that time.

The transaction fee to use bank machines varies. It is cheaper to use your own bank when withdrawing money through bank machines. When you withdraw money or send money using your own bank during bank hours, no transaction fee will be deducted from your account. If you do the same transaction after bank hours, there is a charge of 500 won when you use your own bank.

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Gwangju News September 2010

The transaction charge is more expensive if you use other banks. The transaction fee is around 800 to 1,200 won for withdrawing money, and 1, 200 won to 1,500 won for transferring money. It is much more expensive to use ATMs that can be found in convenience stores. Bank charges for transaction range from 1,000 won to 1,200, and for transferring money, it costs between 1,200 to 1,700 won.

Useful Terms in Korean in Checking Balance Account and Printing Bank Account Information If you want to conduct a balance inquiry and print your bank account information on your bankbook, you can insert your bank book in a bank machine. You also have to remember that the PIN (비밀번호) of your bank book and ATM card differ. You can only check your bank account history with your own bank.

ATM cards are more flexible and can be used in any ATMs available in your area. The first thing that you will see on the screen of the bank machine is 거래 (transaction)선 택 (choice), it means choose a transaction. When you press it, you will see different kinds of entries such as 예금인출 (savings withdrawal),

Living Tips

after you input the bank name and amount of money.

If you think that the information is right, press 확인 (confirmed), get your receipt, or you can insert your bank book to print your bank account information.

2. When you deposit money to you own bank account, press 입금 (deposit), you will be asked if you want to deposit 현금 (cash) or 수표 ( cheque). Press your preference.

Bank Machine for Paying Water and Electric Bills Top: Bankbooks, ohmynews.com; Facing page: ATM Machine.,Woori Bank

which are usually on the top of the other entries; below are 예금조회 (inquiry), 계좌이체 (account transfer), 입 금 (deposit), 통장정리 (bankbook update), 명세표 (receipt), 종료 (end transaction), 기타 (others), 취소 (cancel), 비밀번호 (PIN).

For balance inquiries the following choices will appear: 잔액조회 (balance inquiry),입출내역 (withdrawal breakdown), 입금내역 (deposit breakdown), 취소 (cancel). Simply choose and press the transaction you prefer.

For withdrawing money, simply press 예금인출‚ (withdrawal). Your PIN will be asked – simply input it by pressing the numbers on the machine, then there will be some cash amounts (e.g.: 3 만원, 5만원, 10 만원, 70 만원 – that is 30,000, 50,000 etc) that will appear on the screen. Just press the amount that you like, and the money will come out. Note that sometimes you will be asked to choose if you would like to have cash or gift cheques, or the denomination of the money (in 10,000 or 50,000 notes, or in 100,000 cheques (수표) for large amounts)

Bank Terms in Korean That You Should Remember When Transferring Money Using an ATM 1. When you want to transfer money to another account use 계좌이체 (account transfer). You will see different names of banks, choose the bank that you will transfer the money, input the bank account no, and the amount of money you want to transfer. Sometimes, you will be asked for your PIN again, so simply input your PIN. There is a record that will appear on the screen

There is an ATM in the bank that is used for paying electricity and water bills. You can see terms in Korean like 공과금 (직접남부) utilities, 아파트 관리비 (남부) apartment management, 입출금내역 (조회) account deposit/withdrawal breakdown, 국고/국세 taxes and 전자통장. Simply press the transaction that you want, insert your bank card or swipe your bankbook, insert your bill, and enter your phone number.

By Marie (Mheng) Pascual Igwe

Cut-out-and-keep banking terms: Bring it everywhere you go! 거래 선택 확인 기타 비밀번호 예금인출 예금조회 계좌이체 입금 입출내역 입금내역 출금내역 (조회) 통장정리 잔액조회 현금 수표 명세표 처리중 취소 종료

Transaction Choose Confirm Others (Banks, transaction, etc.)

PIN Number Savings Withdrawal Inquiry Account Transfer Deposit Withdrawal Breakdown Deposit Breakdown Account Deposit/ Withdrawal Breakdown Bankbook Update (Print Bankbook) Balance Inquiry Cash Cheque Receipt Processing Cancel Transaction End Transaction

Gwangju News September 2010

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PHOTO CONTEST W I N N E R

Photo by Mesa Schumacher

Umbrellamen

Lonely lady in her food truck in Mokpo.

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Gwangju News September 2010

Photo by Meghan Reynolds

Submit your best shot of Korea!

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

Korean woman

Photo by Leroy Kucia

Girl waiting for the light to changet

Photo by Wendy E. Perkins Gwangju News September 2010

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Photo Essay

l l A t I t e "L " e s o o L g Han o d u j e J on C

onfucius, conservative, and repressed are some of the cliche words expats use in describing Korean relationships and... "sex" (taboo topic). There are truths to this (hence, the love motels), however, it seems to me now that it's a prejudicial mindset as I see many foreigners with their Korean partners around the city. Motels exist for a reason and serve a purpose (for me when I need an affordable place to stay on my travels). It's not my place here to judge any of it, but rather to state the facts that from here on the Korean mainland with their palatial style accommodations with erotic vending machines to the sex museums and lavish hotels around Jeju Island, the attitudes regarding sex and relationships are as vast as its history. Both had its shock value on me, yet, both are very Korean. Jeju is one place in Korea where everyone and everything can "hang loose".

"An Island of Pure Romance "... quoted from my consummate Korea Sparkling’s Welcome to Jeju tourism book on page 28. Since the Korean War, Jeju, the Hawaii of Korea, is considered as one of the top places for newlyweds but not like it used to be. Joo, a Korean colleague, will be heading to Paris for some romance after her traditional wedding vows in October. Because of the many arranged marriages in past decades, Korean honeymooners flocked to Jeju to learn about "the birds and the bees". There are two sex museums on Jeju that I am aware of. In the northern province, Jeju City, is Loveland, more like a phallic theme park with its likewise souvenirs that is geared towards tourism. In the southern province, Seogwipo, is the Sex and Health Museum. Vacationing in Seogwipo, I headed to the

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Gwangju News September 2010

latter choice. A bus (the 600 Airport Limousine Bus to the Teddy Bear Museum stop) and then a cab found me there. On arrival, the lustful sculptures welcome you to the modern glass exhibition hall. Entrance is well worth the 9,000 won for adults. A life size Marilyn Monroe in her most famous pose in a white dress from the movie, "Seven Year Itch" greeted me into the first gallery hall. Much information is in Korean, though the rules about "Rights to Sexual Equity" is in both Korean and English. The various statistics about lovemaking (Korean vs many other civilized countries) were quite staggering to me. Still, the visuals through the museum speak universally to all. Simulated displays with posed mannequins to teach about porn or S&M are good for giggles.

From Japanese anime figurines to thought-provoking African totem poles, an education will be had by all. I enjoyed seeing a young Korean couple with their baby in stroller passing through. It's never too late to pick up a few new tricks or some toys to spice things up. This is another experience where an expat can say, "Only in Korea".

My trip to Jeju was far from a honeymoon or romantic getaway nor does it need it to be. The cultural experiences are rich and abundant with the dolharubang – the most distinguishing symbol of Jeju, acting as guardian at every entrance. Its beautiful scapes and festivals can be appreciated all year round (though Spring and Fall seem to be the most colorful and entertaining times). The natural wonders of Cheonjiyeon and Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, Manjanggul – among the world's best lava caves, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) with Jeju women divers down below, Mt. Halla, the highest peak to climb at 1950 m. will put you in awe. Whatever your fetish, it is to be found and then some on Jeju.

If you'd like a copy of the Korea Sparkling tourism book of Jeju (I strongly suggest it, it has everything!) with a map, or need any assistance with your travels, call 064-740-6000.

Also, you can use the 24 hour Korean Travel Hotline Cellphone: Area code + 1330. The Official Korean Tourism Guide Site: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto Story and photos by Debra M. Josephson

Photo Essay

Gwangju News September 2010

27

Art

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wangju is known as a city of culture, and so there are many places to enjoy art, such as Biennale, art museums, art centers, streets of art etc. This is one of the attractions of Gwangju. and recently, we have heard the happy news that new place called “Woonlim-dong Street of Arts” has been added to the list of attractions in Gwangju.

“Woonlim-dong Street of Arts” is burgeoning as a new street of arts in Gwangju. It’s close to Mudeung mountain, so it’s expected that many people will visit.

It offers an additional place to experience and enjoy art in our city. The “street” features five art galleries, namely Uijae Art Gallery, Mudeung Hyundai Art Gallery, Woojaegil Art Gallery, Gookyoon Art Gallery, and Woonlimjae (fan museum). Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Gookyoon Art Gallery Address : Sotae-dong 722-70, Dong-gu, Gwangju Phone : 062- 232-7335 Opening time : 10:00 ~ 18:00 Holiday : Every Monday Entrance fee : 2,000 won Gookyoon Art Gallery is a private gallery run by artists Hyo Gook-joong and Wor Yoon-young. This gallery seeks to own, preserve, research and exhibit the works of Hyo Gook-joong and Wor Yoon-young as well as works of representative Gwangju artists. The gallery collects and conserves lots of paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, crafts, engravings etc. The gallery also has frequent exhibitions, and aims to be an exhibition space for both their own work, and for people of Gwangju. Whenever you go, Gookyoon Art Gallery will make you feel happy. Go there and enjoy it.

Mudeung Hyundai Art Gallery Address : Woonlim-dong 331-6, Dong-gu, Gwangju Phone : 062- 223-6677 Opening time : 10:00 ~ 18:00

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Gwangju News September 2010

Holiday : Every Monday Entrance fee : 2,000 won Mudeung Hyundai Art Gallery was established in July 2007 by western-painting artist Jeong Song-gyoo. The gallery has been holding lots of exhibitions as well as contributing to the culturally neglected class of people in our society; children, women and old aged, to satisfy their cultural desires. Cultural diversity coexist with extensive beauty of art in Mudeung Hyundai Art Gallery.

Woojaegil Art Gallery Address : Woonlim-dong 647, Dong-gu, Gwangju Phone : 062- 224-6601, 6599 Opening time : 10:00 ~ 18:00 Holiday : Every Monday Entrance fee : 2,000 won Established in April 13, 2001, this is a private art gallery owned by Woojaegil. By running some education programs for children or disabled people, symposiums or workshops, it has tried to develop their

Art

Top left: Woojaegil Art Gallery, Naver, Top right: Woolimjae Fan Museum, Daum; Facing page: Uijae Art Gallery, Naver

cultural life. In Woojaegil Art Gallery, you can see the life and works of the artist Woojaegil.

Woonlimjae (Fan Museum) Address : Woonlim-dong 455, Dong-gu, Gwangju Phone : 062- 226-5900 Opening time : 10:00 ~ 18:00 Holiday : Every Monday Entrance fee : 5,000 won In Woonlimjae Fan Museum, you can see fans from both East and West, brought together. There are more than 700 fans which were collected by Kim Myeonggyun, as well as a well-kept garden, dignified hanok (Korean traditional house). Visitors can also see the hanbando (Korean peninsula-shaped) yard made by trees and flowers, and experience the tea ceremony called dado. You can see all kinds of fans here, ranging from tiger skin fans to fans for keeping warm.

masterpieces. He also organized the Yeonjinhoe to contribute to culture and art in Gwangju. He was not only intent on painting but also tried to promote agricultural society by establishing schools and other activities. At the gallery, you can drink green tea that was made in Mudeung Mountain.

All these galleries were established privately and this one is a kind of endeavor as Gwangju tries to make itself as a City of Art. Nowdays lots of people try to spend their time with art, and this is becoming a kind of trend. Surely, this is very good news that galleries such as these are located nearby our area. Through this, we can more easily enjoy our time with art in Gwangju.

By Roh In-woo and Jang Yong-hoon In-woo is a sophomore in Chonnam National University and Yong-hoon is a home-schooled student.

Uijae Art Gallery Address : Woonlim-dong 85-1, Dong-gu, Gwangju Phone : 062-222-3040 Opening time : 10:00 ~ 18:00 Holiday : Every Monday Entrance fee : 2,000 won How to go : by bus; 35, 50, 51, 54, 76 and 09 by subway : Get off the subway at Jeungsimsa station and transfer to bus.

Uijae Art Gallery was established to commemorate Uijae Heo Baek-ryeon. He was a master of a Chinese painting of the southern school in the 20th century. He lived in Mudeung Mountain and completed many

Gwangju News September 2010

29

Food and Drink

In Search of Gwangju’s Perfect Coffee ometime between my first sip of coffee – sitting at a kitchen table with my grandpa, trying to act like I enjoyed the drink he had brewed using grounds from a gallon-size bucket – and today, I became a true coffee snob. I was a content snob when my wife worked at an excellent specialty coffee shop, where highquality espresso drinks and single-origin coffees were a daily (and free) happening.

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Moving to Gwangju earlier this year was a rough shock to my caffeine-laced system. I spent many mornings huddled over a cup of Maxim, guzzling down the sugary and foreign-tasting concoctions that seemed to lack the caffeine needed to make it through the morning.

And then I decided to find a solution to the problem, to find a way to satisfy my cravings for quality coffee. In my six months in Gwangju, I have sat down at many coffee shops, chain-stores and individual stores, testing out all kinds of drinks in search of a coffee shop worthy of returning enough times to fill up a punch card. I have found three coffee shops suitable for such an honor. These shops, very different experiences except for the common factor of excellent coffee, stand heads and shoulders, and probably a few more body parts, above every other coffee shop I’ve been to.

For starters, the focal point of Brown’s Cabin is the large shiny coffee bean roaster in the middle of the shop. The roaster is lit with bright spotlights, making it stand out in what is otherwise a dimmed atmosphere.

Housed in a large glass box on a pedestal, the roaster emits a pleasant smoky smell throughout the coffee shop.

The roaster is also where organic green coffee beans, imported from around the world, are transformed into the dark brown coffee beans used to brew drinks.

Meticulously brewed coffee at Brown’s Cabin Mesa Schumacher

Brown’s Cabin Brown’s Cabin, located just across the street from the YMCA downtown, focuses on making coffee production into a spectator activity. That’s not to say the coffee is a secondary priority; it’s just that the layout of the shop and the decorating details make it an ideal place to go to experience coffee.

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Gwangju News September 2010

A small hand drip coffee bar is the clear highlight of Brown’s Cabin. Customers can choose from 15 or so varieties of coffees from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Hawaii and Cuba.

The drip coffee prices are high but considering the show, it’s reasonable. A cup of coffee ranges from 5,500 won to 11,000 won, but most of the coffees are at the lower end of this range.

Sitting on barstools pulled up close to the action, patrons of the hand drip bar can watch their coffee being made one meticulously prepared cup at a time.

Food and Drink

The hand drip process is fun to watch and the results are consistently excellent.

There are no coffee pots involved; no stale coffee sits over a warmer, waiting for a customer to come along.

When coffee is ordered, the barista grinds the beans and heats the water. The ground coffee is poured into a small paper filter lining a ceramic funnel, and the hot water is poured over the coffee, a few drops at a time.

This process ensures that the coffee is fresh and flavorful. When it’s done right, no sugar or milk is needed to enjoy a nice, strong cup of coffee.

Coffee drinkers with equipment at home can buy bags of freshly roasted beans for home brewing. Prices start at 15,000 won for a 200 gram bag of beans.

Friendly staff at Dutch&Dutch

The staff makes Brown’s Cabin worth checking out as well. Cho Yeon-sang is one of the four partners who opened Brown’s Cabin last fall. Cho, nicknamed Brown, is the usual person manning the drip coffee bar.

University’s back gate, the atmosphere of the shop is nothing to write home (or to the Gwangju News) about.

Formerly a Golden Rabbits, not much has changed in the coffee shop’s appearance since the ownership changed five months ago. In fact, some of the shop’s decorative plants are growing in Golden Rabbits mugs (with the Dutch & Dutch logo glued on).

He is an excellent source of coffee knowledge; ask him a question about the coffee you’re drinking, and he is likely to show you some strange coffee-making equipment or what a coffee bean looks like before it is roasted. Beer fans tour breweries to learn more about how beer is made, coffee drinkers can visit Brown’s Cabin to find out how their drink of choice is made.

It’s the quality of the drinks and the consistency of the baristas that really set this place apart from the many coffee shops scattered elsewhere in the city. I make it a point to stop in at Dutch & Dutch every time I go to the back gate, and I have yet to receive a bad drink.

In terms of atmosphere, there aren’t many better places than Brown’s Cabin. The shop is in an old building that has survived the changes in downtown Gwangju. It has walls of exposed bricks and darkstained wood ceiling beams. Two loft spaces provide cozy spaces to sit with friends and enjoy coffee.

The atmosphere alone makes Brown’s Cabin a place I would like to spend a lot of time. Add the coffee to the atmosphere and this becomes a place I would like to live.

Open: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily Directions: Brown’s Cabin is located near the Culture Complex subway and bus stops, across the street from the YMCA.

Dutch & Dutch At first glance, Dutch & Dutch doesn’t look like much.

The small coffee shop is located on the ground floor of the Cinus movie theatre near Chonnam National

Kyle Johnson

The menu consists primarily of espresso-based drinks.

The espresso macchiato (2,800 won) and the cappuccino (3,300 won) are my favorite drinks.

Dutch & Dutch is proof that good coffee stands by itself. The espresso macchiato and cappuccino are made of just two ingredients, espresso and steamed milk. The same with an unflavored latte. Made with perfectly steamed milk and top-notch espresso, these drinks have a good coffee flavor with just a bit of sweetness from the milk mixed in. No sugar is needed here.

Espresso drinks seem simple to make, but the difference between a bitter, burnt tasting shot of espresso and one with subtle flavors and a smooth aftertaste is literally a few seconds of running water through the coffee grounds. It’s the same with the milk; good steamed milk and bad steamed milk, the latter smelling kind of like popcorn, are only separated by a few seconds of steaming.

At Dutch & Dutch, the baristas are what makes the Gwangju News September 2010

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Food and Drink

drinks stand out. Manager Park Hyeon-chan and baristas Seo Dong-cheol and Im Do-yeon can often be seen practicing their craft in between serving customers by trying out new techniques or latte art styles. If I was opening up a coffee shop, I would do everything I could to hire Dutch & Dutch’s baristas for my own.

The Dutch coffee (4,000 won) is also worth mentioning. This coffee is made slowly, with cold water dripping one droplet at a time on finely ground coffee.

The Dutch coffee equipment, perched on the counter, looks like a science experiment.

After a prolonged brewing process of several hours, the Dutch coffee is collected and chilled. The end result is a pretty good iced coffee that packs a huge caffeine punch. Try out the Dutch coffee when you don’t feel like sleeping for a while.

Open: 9 a.m. – 12 a.m. daily Directions: Dutch & Dutch is located on the ground floor of the Cinus movie theatre near Chonnam University Back Gate. If you are at the Back Gate facing the campus, the Cinus building is a few blocks to the left. The nearest bus stop is Jungheung Community Police Center.

Joe Espresso A newcomer to Gwangju’s downtown, Joe Espresso has already established itself as one of the best coffee shops in the city after about two months of being open. Joe Espresso offers a relatively small menu of three hand drip coffees and all the usual espresso drinks.

The drip coffees and the espresso drinks are equally good. The beans are roasted in-house, with a flavor quite unique to Korean coffee.

Cho Shin-kyu, owner of the shop, said he has focused on using a medium roast, unlike the dark roasts of many coffee chains. This medium roast minimizes bitterness and highlights the unique flavors found in each variety of coffee.

Espresso drinks are a bit stronger than usual at Joe Espresso, with a more pronounced espresso flavor leading the way and the well-steamed milk chipping in.

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Barista’s at Joe’s

Joe’s Espresso

The flavor of the coffee is the clear focus, which is a great idea when the coffee is this good.

One of Joe Espresso’s best features is the price. Drip coffees are 4,000 or 5,000 won, and espresso drinks hover mostly in the 2,500-4,000 won range. Bags of coffee beans for home brewing are also relatively cheap (6,000 won for 100 grams).

Joe Espresso seems to be a hip counterpart to the typical cutesy Korean coffee shop. No stuffed animals on the shelf or lacey decorations to be found, this place is a sleek two-story structure. With poured cement floors and walls, it doesn’t feel like home (unless you live in a basement with dimmed lighting), but it’s a good place to drink coffee and hang out for a while.

There is nothing complex about Joe Espresso. Coffee is not a show here; the only thing that matters is producing delicious coffee.

I look forward to getting to know Joe Espresso better on my future visits downtown.

Open: 8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. Saturday and Sunday Directions: Joe Espresso is near the Culture Complex subway and bus stops downtown. If you are facing the YMCA, turn right and walk a few blocks down the street. Take a left on the narrow road after Woori Bank.

Joe Espresso is on the left, a block after Club Volume.

By Kyle Johnson

Local Scene

Gwangju Blog wangju is home to an English news magazine, an English radio station, and a number of English websites and blogs.

opportunity to interview the bass player of a band called Incubus – Ben Kenney – and I had the time of my life doing it.

Most of these news sources help Gwangju’s English speakers share useful information with one another.

“Ever since then I decided that I’d like to write and I’ve been working to gain experience doing it.

Most of these news sources also work to encourage understanding between Gwangju’s different English speakers.

“I like writing for Gwangju Blog and other news sources like it – the Gwangju News, for example – because in doing so I can express myself differently than I normally do, and additionally, I can also keep working towards accomplishing my goal of being a writer/journalist – while I’m here in Korea.”

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A newer blog working with these two principles in mind – sharing information and promoting understanding – is Gwangju Blog.

Conceived of and initiated in April 2010, Gwangju Blog features daily posts about Korean life and about life in Gwangju.

Earlier posts described interesting places to visit inside and outside the city; promoted various local events; detailed various current affairs; and examined different Korean films and books.

Now, several months later, Gwangju Blog also features local weather and local news reports (in audio format from GFN 98.7 FM); restaurant reviews; interviews; Korean cooking tips; weekly features about communitybuilding expats; contests encouraging participation from blog readers; and much, much more.

Local expat Mark Hayden – 24 years-old and originally from Nebraska, U.S.A – contributes to Gwangju Blog regularly. He explains why: “A couple of years ago I had an

Furthermore: “Many of the articles I write are about the various people I meet in Gwangju.

“I think that there are a lot of interesting people here and that we should try to learn more about each other.

“Those of us who are expats in Gwangju – and especially those of us who are English teachers – sometimes forget that we’re pretty privileged and that by travelling and working here we are doing something that not a lot of people in the world ever get a chance to do…

“So why not communicate with each other? Why not learn about each other? Why not give back to the community and learn ways to help each other and other people too?

“Our lives are only going to get better if we do.”

By Hughie Samson

Would you like to get involved?

Gwangju Blog is always looking for new contributors and it hopes to find new and better ways to encourage contribution also.

Please visit www.gwangjublog.com, click ‘Write’ in the right-hand column, register, and a blog administrator will get in touch!

Gwangju News September 2010

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Restaurant Review

금성냉면

Keum Seong Naengmyeon

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n this sweltering heat I find myself seeking sources of refreshment on a daily basis, just like everybody else in Gwangju. Ice-cold water, ice-cream, and batbingsu (밭빙수) are my personal favourites.

However none satisfy me quite as much, as that wonderful, simple Korean dish naengmyeon (냉면) Three or four months ago, a couple of Korean friends of mine mentioned a ‘really famous’ naengmyeon restaurant within walking distance of my house. I’ve only eaten the said dish a couple of times at this point and it was still spring, not nearly hot enough to enjoy its full potential, or so I was told by Korean co-workers and friends. Naengmyeon I was told, is to be enjoyed in summer, so my Korean friends kept mentioning how they would take me there once the weather became hot enough.

The weather gradually rose in temperature, with my anticipation of going to this “really famous” restaurant increasing along with it. It was getting to the point where I couldn’t wait any longer, as I enjoy food on an elevated level. Finally the day came where my friends took me to Keum Seong naengmyeon, located in Bongseon-dong.

It lived up to all expectations. I got a bowl of bibim naengmyeon (비빔냉면, spiced noodles) while my friends ordered bowls of mul naeng-myeon (물냉면, ‘water’, plain noodles). Was it delicious? Yes, yes it was, or rather, it was amazing. On looks alone, it looked standard but when I took the first mouthful after dissecting it with that obligatory Korean kitchen implement – scissors – I knew that this was perfection.

If the gods had to eat a bowl of naengmyeon this would be it. Bursting with flavour and all too easy to devour with its perfect texture of noodles – just enough bite, not too soft, not too chewy – I tried to eat at a civilised rate but failed miserably.

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Gwangju News September 2010

The restaurant is tucked away down a small side street – look for the large yellow sign

I have had the mulnaengmyeon and it is also fantastic, but I prefer the bibim. It has more flavour, and as the name suggests, mulnaengmyeon is well, more watery.

Depending on your preferences this could be a good thing though as the mul (water) is a little more refreshing.

I was delighted even further to find that Keum Seong serves handmade mandu. We ordered a bowl of six

Restaurant Review

Left (and below): A bowl of mouth-watering bibim naengmyeon; Right: The small but busy restaurant offers a limited menu, which allows it to specialize on naengmyeon dishes.

between the three of us and unsurprisingly these were also a taste of perfection. The mandu were a decent size, and two plus a bowl of naengmyeon is plenty. The filling had a delicious, strong flavour and I savoured every mouthful. The thing that makes them so great at Keum Seong is that while one is sitting down they can watch a couple of the women who work there, sitting on the floor at a table with a mountain of meat filling, and a gargantuan bowl of dough beside them, making mandu as if it is second nature to them.

I have been to Keum Seong nearly 20 times, sometimes by myself, sometimes with friends. I think it is a testament to how good it is that I only eat naengmyeon there because I don’t want to waste potential opportunities to eat it by going to other restaurants. If one goes there at lunch or dinner time, it is jam packed with couples and entire families. At these two times there is guaranteed to be a small line out the door. If one goes in the mid-afternoon or later in the evening around 8 or 9 p.m., the crowds are not too bad. If you

want the full experience though, it is fun to go at peak time. There is a staff of about ten and they go flat out.

They are really nice and provide great service. I’ve been there enough now that they recognise me. The menu is simple; this place essentially only serves naengmyeon and mandu, though you can choose between 칡 (chik) and 오파기 (ohpagi) noodles. This is probably why the food that they serve is so good because they don’t try and do 30 different dishes. Instead they keep their menu small and thus everything on it is a master class in how to make that dish.

Buses 28, 37, 48, 75, and 98 stop at Bongseon Police Office (봉선파출소) from which it is only a 30 second walk to Keum Seong. When you get off the bus, walk back in the direction the bus came about 25 metres, then you will see an alleyway on your left and the sign of the restaurant. Failing that, ask someone on the street and they will probably be able to tell you where to go.

If you only eat one more bowl of naengmyeon before summer reaches its conclusion, please do pay a visit to Keum Seong naengmyeon.

Story and photos by Gabriel Ward

금성냉면 Keum Seong Naengmyeon Address: Bongseon-dong 457-4, Nam-gu, Gwangju 광주 남구 봉선동 457-4 Tel: 062-676-6393 Bus direction: 28, 37, 48, 75, 98 (Bongseon Police Office 봉선파출소bus stop)

Gwangju News September 2010

35

Recipe

Korean Easy-Cook Recipe

송편

Songpyeon

here are two big traditional holidays in Korea.

They are New Year’s day (Seollal) and Chuseok, which this year is from the 21st until 23rd of this month. Chuseok is often referred to as the Hangawi. ‘Han’ means the biggest thing and ‘gawi’ means the middle of something. So Hangawi denotes the biggest day in August. (Chuseok is August 15 on the lunar calendar.) Most countries have the holiday related to harvests. Chuseok also serves ancestors in a traditional ritual with newly harvested fruits and crops – Haetgwaoil is after the autumn harvest. Therefore, Chuseok is based on the holiday of gratitude about harvest, and so in some ways is similar to American ‘Thanksgiving Day’.

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In Korea, there are a few festive foods that you eat each day. As Korean people eat tteokguk in Seollal, we also eat special rice cake called songpyeon on Chuseok. Songpyeon is also related to jeong as with other Korean foods. Family members who live away from their hometown come back home and stay with their family for Chuseok. The day before Chuseok, all families traditionally get together to make songpyeon. Because of jeong, Korean people return to their hometown, despite traffic jams, for their family. That’s the reason why Chuseok is the best opportunity to experience traditional Korean culture and jeong.

Story and photos by Kim Mi-so Kim Mi-so is a sophomore majoring in English literature at Chonnam National University.

How to make Songpyeon (serves 2 - 3 people)

Photos are from http://blog.naver.com/mimi03063

Things to Prepare: steamer (pot), blender, bowl, five cups of rice, two teaspoons of salt, sugar and half a cup of sesame, two cups of red bean Cooking Method: 1. Wash the rice and soak it in the water for a while. Grind the soaked rice adding salt.

2. Mix ground rice and water to make dough.

3. Divide the dough into several parts and pat down divided dough until it is about 1-2 centimeters thick.

4. Fill in the dough with red bean and sugar (mix sesame) and fold dough in half (half moon shape) 5. Steam songpyeon in the pot (streamer) and spread sesame oil.

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Gwangju News September 2010

Film Review

Duelist 형사 Directed by: Lee Myeong-se Starring: Ha Ji-won, Kang Dong-won, Ahn Sung-kee Running time: 111 mins

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ith impressionistic fight scenes embellished by vivid colour contrasts and comedic action, the Duelist (형사, Hyeong-Sa) is an exciting animeinspired detective story.

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In early September of 2005 the film debuted to a mixture of opinions. Some shunned the film’s dramatic and impressionistic fight sequences as outlandish or even annoying while others exalted the same as groundbreaking and powerful. In actuality the Duelist can be both guilty as charged or worthy of affectionate praise depending on the background knowledge and interests of its viewers. And yet while a viewing of the Duelist often inspires new controversy, the film is definitively, for its select audience, as a must-see within the realm of Korean cinema.

The film opens and centers around two Joseon Dynasty detectives patrolling a market place, wherein Namsoon (Ha Ji-won) a feisty young female detective and her elder partner namely Detective Ahn (Ahn Sung-kee) soon bear witness to a masterful midday robbery of a coin-casting block taken for the purpose of counterfeiting coins. This beautifully choreographed opening criminal act is carried out by a masked-white-wig-wearing swordsman known as Sad Eyes (Kang Dong-won). From here the film develops into a struggle to divulge the identity of the masked and talented swordsman while determining the full extent of the motives behind the theft of the coin-casting block. For good measure a tumultuous love affair between the spirited young detective Namsoon and the epically portrayed Sad Eyes is mixed in to ensure a marked amount of romance and comedy. Truthfully, the plot of this movie is somewhat underdeveloped, yet the film’s plot is not the reason for its significant place in Korean cinema; rather it is the film’s daring and stylized cinematography that secures its distinctive position.

Visually, the Duelist might best be described as a live action anime. The film’s fight sequences, shot angles, lighting, and even the movie’s slower scene progressions are very much anime inspired. Unfortunately such stylization negatively results in the alienation of audiences who have no interest in or background knowledge of anime. On the flip side for those viewers who do, the film can be enjoyed as a bold real-life anime with all the accompanying dramatic action, visual stylizations, and comedic idiosyncrasies that are common place to the animated art form. The film even goes so far as to mix in gestural comedy into normally serious dramatic fight scenes and chase sequences. Such gestural comedy is common place in many popular animes and is often depicted through playful, jittery, and sped-up action intending to insight humour.

Anime stylization carries through into the film’s characters and their line delivery. The characters of Namsoon and Sad Eye are prototypical of anime characters. Namsoon is a classic feminine anime character who holds within her seemingly unlimited power and fighting skills, yet for all her skill and mastery she can be subdued to a stuttering and harmless state by the seductive look of a favourable mate.

Concurrently, Sad Eyes is a prototypically powerful male anime character where his every action is portrayed on an epic and grand scale. The interchange between these two characters sets the stage for much of the impressionistic action and enjoyable comedy present in this film.

The climax and accompanying impressionistic fight scenes are what make this movie unique and watchable. These moments in the film are not likely to disappoint even the seasoned action film connoisseur.

As a whole, a love of anime is really quite necessary for the Duelist’s comedy and stylized action to be thoroughly and properly enjoyed. For the anime enthusiast the film delivers a daringly constructed live-action spectacle, and it is due to the film’s daring to be different that it uniquely secures its place as a must-see in Korean cinema. However, for its difference the film fails to reach a broader audience and will likely ever remain a lesser-known production of interest. A quick look for anime in your background should let you know if this film is right for you.

By Justin Palamarek Gwangju News September 2010

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Upcoming Events

Also, there’s a Special Exhibition for Asia Culture Forum being held at GIC Gallery till September 4 (Sat) and an onsite exhibition at the Kimdaejung Convention Center on September 8 (Wed). Come and enjoy art works from professional and amateur artists!

inally, after the long wait, Asia Culture Forum 2010 is just around the corner. During the hot days of summer, the ACF 2010 office was also hot with much work and so many people busily moving around. However, the fruits of these labors are just about to bloom. It would be a great opportunity for many citizens and international residents to come to ACF 2010 as a participant, since international events of this stature are not that frequent in Gwangju, and also as this forum mainly discusses “New Asia”, investigating the changes as international residents become more common in Asian countries. Additionally, there are numerous possibilities for participants to interpret the definition of “New Asia” in their own way. It will be an invaluable opportunity to listen to and participate in brisk discussion among renowned scholars and cultural professionals from a dozen countries.

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How can you take part? Please come to the Kimdaejung Convention Center on September 8 and 9 and talk to our staff at the registration desk!

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Gwangju News September 2010

By Ahn Hong-pyo, Hong-pyo is in charge of External Affairs at the secretariat for Asia Culture Forum 2010

Overview

Asia Culture Forum 2010 Theme: New Asia Period: Sep. 7 (Tue) – Sep. 9 (Thu), 2010 Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center Hosted by: Gwangju Metropolitan City Organized by: Gwangju International Center Sponsored by: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Presidential Committee for the Hub City of Asian Culture Korean National Commission for UNESCO Collaborated by: Chonnam National University Chosun University Gwangju Development Institute

Upcoming Events

Title of Presentations

Top: From left: Vo Van Sen, Ito Abito, Andrea Heiss, Julie Fox, Robert Grotjohn, Doan Hong, Austin Yip , Ravinder Gargesh Bottom: From left: Jaya Arjuna, U Thant Sin, Liu Zhaohua, Kagami Haruya, Sali Sasaki, Chung Jeong Sook, Park Geun Tae, Park Hee Kwon Session

Speaker

Topic

Keynote Speech

Vo Van Sen

The Significance of Vietnamese-Korean Cultural Exchanges to the Development of New Asia

Session I: New Perspective of Asian Culture

Session II: Cross-over Culture

Ito Abito Andrea Heiss Julie Fox

Special Seminar: The Role of Gwangju for Facilitation of Network among Cultural Cities

An Overview of Selected Contemporary Korean Artists: Innovators in a Brave New Global World Is East still East and West still West?

Park Hee Kwon

A Global Hybrid

Robert Grotjohn

"More Light: Korean Changes since 1981"

Doan Hong

Vietnam Contemporary Fine Arts' during integration

Austin Yip

Exchange of Multicultural Musical Ideas in Asia

Ravinder Gargesh Session II: Cross-over Culture

Cultural Traditions in Contemporary Asia

New Asian: The Indian Facet

Jaya Arjuna

The Harmony of Economic Development Through Cultural Roots Strengthening

Liu Zhaohua

Net Generation in China and its Rising Impactss

U Thant Sin

New Step Movement of Myanmar Artists

Kagami Haruya Chung Jeong Sook Sali Sasaki Park Geun Tae

Kanazawa City Government policies for cultural conservation and development The Possibility of Strategy for Rational Practice of Vision for ACC The Role of Creativity and Design in Shaping Local Culture Another story behind 2008 European Capital of Culture: NewcastleGateshead

(For more information, you can refer to previous issues, July and August issue, of Gwangju News.)

Gwangju News September 2010

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Upcoming Events

Exhibition and experience programs are also available throughout the festival.

For more information on the festival schedule and transportation, please visit

Festival International Art Fair -Art Gwangju 2010 September 1 – September 19 Kimdaejung Convention Center For more Information: www.artgwangju.com Gwangju, widely anticipated to play a central role in the development of the Asian culture, is famous for being the city of the Biennale. Now, the city once again opens its doors to its visitors by hosting Art Gwangju 2010.

www.maskdance.com

Exhibitions Compound Words, Ventriloquism – Taiwan Modern Art Fair August 19 - October 3 Gallary3 and 4, Main Hall 2nd floor, Gwangju Museum of Art This exhibition is a joint exhibition between Korea and Taiwan. Through this Gwangju Museum of Art not only introduces Gwangju’s art to the world but also introduces the world’s art to Gwangju citizens.

Imbangwool Gukak Festival September 3 – September 6 Gwangju Nam-gu Citizen Center More Information: http://imbangul.or.kr/index.htm?file=d oc3_01 Gukak is Korean classical music and visitors can feel the traditional music.

This festival will be held from September 3 and continue till September 6. There will be talent shows visitors can enjoy.

Andong International Mask Dance Festival September 24 - October 10 Maskdance Park Main stage, Hahoe Village, Andong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do This annual festival showcases performances and traditional mask dances from Korea and overseas.

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Gwangju News September 2010

Kimdaejung Convention Center, Culture Hanmadang June 12 - September 25 Outdoor Performance Hall, Kimdaejung Convention Center This exhibition provides a showing of a movie every Saturday.

Gwangju Biennale - 10000 Lives September 3 - December 7 Biennale Exhibition Hall, Gwangju Museum of Art, Gwangju Folk Museum This exhibition shows an aesthetic discussion on the life of images.

E t o y Exhibition August 31 November 7 Kunsthalle Gwangju (In front of Asian Culture Complex construction site) The first

complete show of the international art group “etoy.CORPORATION” and its first in Korea.

For more information: www.kunsthalle-gwangju.com Dessert August 31 December 11 Gwangju Museum of Art T h i s Exhibition is a special exhibition of Gwangju biennale.

Performances

Ensemble Ditto Recital September 7, 2010 from 7:30p.m Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do (Moakdang) Admission: 44,000 – 66,000 won Ensemble DITTO, a project chamber ensemble started by violist Richard Yongjae O‘Neill, began with hopes of more actively inviting a wider and more diverse audience into classical music. Ever since their beginning, DITTO has received great attention not only for their wonderful performances but also for their differentiated marketing tactics and innovative attempts that no other classical musicians have made before. DITTO has succeeded at bringing people in their teens and twenties to the concert halls for chamber music.

Russia Ice Show September 10 from 8:00p.m September 11 from 3:00p.m,

Upcoming Events

7:00p.m September 12 from 3:00p.m, 7:00p.m Gwangju Namgu Yumju Gymnasium Admission: 33,000 - 77,000 won 15th Anniversary Cultwo Show October 2 from 15:30p.m, 19:00p.m October 3 from 15:00p.m Mokpo Citizen Culture and Physical Center (Grand Theater) Admission: 55,000 – 77,000 won Brave Brothers September 4 from 19:30 September 5from 19:30 Suncheon Art and Culture Center Admission: 7,000 – 20,000 won (5,000 won for student)

Movies Gwangju Theater Chungjangno 5-ga (two blocks back behind Migliore) Phone: (062) 224-5858 Movie info from: http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju .cafe (only in Korean) Films change weekly to bi-weekly.

Shows films from several different countries. Korean subtitles available for all international movies. Check online for calendar and prices.

Admission fee: 7,000 won, 18,000 won for 3 films Showing Period: It depends on the movie.

The following movies will be shown in August: 1. Intangible Asset Number 82 Genre: Documentary Director: Emma Franz Starring: Simon Barker, Kim Seokchul Language: English 2. Les Amants/ The Lovers Genre : Drama, Romance Director : Louis Malle Starring : Jeanne Moreau

Language : French 3. Paris Nous Appartient/Paris is Ours Genre : Mystery Director : Jacques Rivette Starring : Betty Schneider, Giani Esposito, Francoise Prevost Language : French 4. La Baie des Anges/Bay of Angels Genre : Drama Director : Jacques Demy Starring : Jeanne Moreau, Claude Mann, Paul Guers Language : French 5. Pierrot le Fou Genre : Drama, Crime Director : Jean-Luc Godard Starring : Jean Paul Belmondo, Anna Karina Language : French 6. Les Amants du Pont-Neuf/The Lovers on the Bridge Genre: Romance Director: Leo Carax Starring: Juliette Binoche, Denis Lavant, Julie Delpy Language: French

Buses: 16, 38, 51, 53, 58, 89, 95, 98, 151 get off Mudeung Stadium bus stop Taxi direction: Go to 무 등 경 기 장 (Mudeung Gyeonggijang gajuseyo.)

For advance Purchase: www.ticketlink.co.kr or 1588-7980 Ticket Price: Adults 7,000 - 12,000 won Students (13-18 years old): 4,000 - 9,000 won Children (under 13 years old): 2,000 - 6,000 won Date

Match Team

Time

2nd 3th 7th 8th 14th 15th 16th 17th

Lotte Lotte Hanhwa Hanhwa Doosan Doosan Samsung Samsung

18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30

Gwangju Sangmu Soccer Team Match Schedule

Venue: Gwangju Worldcup Stadium (광주월드컵경기장)

7. La Naissance de l’amour/ The Birth of Love Genre: Drama Director: Phillippe Garrel Starring: Lou Castel, Jean-Pierre Leaud Language: French

How to get there: Buses: 6, 16, 20, 26, 47, 74 get off Worldcup Stadium bus stop Taxi direction: please go to 월드컵경기 장 에 가 주 세 요 (Woldeukeop Gyeonggijang-e gajuseyo.)

Advance Purchase: ticketlink.co.kr

8. La Peau Douce/The Soft Skin Genre: Drama Director: Francois Truffaut Starring: Jean Desailly, Francoise Dorleac Language: French

Ticket Price: Adults 6,000 won (Advance Purchase 5,000 won) Students (13-18 years old): 3,000 won (Advance Purchase 2,000 won) Children (under 13 years old): free

Sports

Date 12th 26th

Match Team Incheon United FC Suwon Samsung FC

Time 15:10 15:10

KIA Tigers Baseball Team Match Schedule

Venue: Gwangju Mudeung Stadium (Baseball Field) 무등경기장 How to get there: Gwangju News September 2010

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Cartoon

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Gwangju News September 2010

Community Board

The Gwangju Guidebook “Living in Gwangju” website is now up and running!

The Gwangju Guidebook website is compiled to provide information on anything you want to know about living in Gwangju.

The information ranges from daily life to travel within Gwangju and Jeollanam-do to law matters to work information. Volunteers are hired to make this website run.

If you are interested in becoming one, simply join our Facebook group ‘Gwangju Guidebook Volunteers’.

We need volunteers for these positions: - Page/ Sector Editors - Moderators - Fact Checkers - Encouragement Gatekeeper (Host) - Decision Making Supervisors We are looking forward to your participation!

Check out the Gwangju Guidebook website in two languages: www.gwangjuguide.or.kr (English) and www.gwangjuzhinan.or.kr (Chinese).

Gwangju News Mailing Dear GIC members, We are sending Gwangju News to each of you every month but some members do not receive it because of incorrect address or no address at all.

If you wish to update your mailing information or if you do not receive Gwangju News, kindly send your current mailing address to gwangjuic@gmail.com Gwangju Artist Collective We are a group of artists and art lovers. We meet up about once or twice a month at the GIC for workshops, discussions and community art events. Look for us on Facebook or send an e-mail to gic artist-collective @googlegroups.com Sung Bin Orphanage Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for

creative/ active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic long-term volunteers to join in our regular Saturday program.

We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month. As well as being a friend, you will be asked to teach basic English to girls aged 7 to 14.

Meet every Saturday at 1.30 p.m. in front of downtown Starbucks.

All are welcome.

For more volunteering information please contact Al Barnum at: al_barnum@yahoo.com.

Gwangju Men’s Soccer The Gwangju international soccer team plays regularly most weekends. If you are interested in playing, e-mail: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com.

Apostolate to Migrants Center Address: 969-10 Wolgok-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Phone: 062) 954-8004 Buses: 18, 20, 29, 37, 40, 98, 196, 700, 720 Get off at Wolgok market bus stop.

Mass: Every Sunday at 3 p.m. at Wolgok-dong Catholic Church Gwangju Ice Hockey Team Looking for men and women of all ages to join us every Saturday night from 7:30 to 9 at Yeomju Ice Rink near World Cup Stadium.

If you are interested, contact either Andrew Dunne at atdunne@gmail.com or Chris Wilson at kreeco@rogers.com Gwangju Chaoreum Taekwondo Address: 1187-3 Chipyung-dong Seo-gu, Gwangju.

Phone: (062) 384-0958, 010-56730958 Location: Chaoreum Taekwondo Gym is located on the third floor of Jeong-yeon(k-1) building. (just beside the bus stop) Buses : 62, 63, 64, 518 (bus stop: 상 무 대 우 아 파 트 sangmu daewoo APT) Taxi directions: "Sangmujigu

Kumho Daewoo Apart ro gajuseyo".

Method of instruction is in English Weekday Classes 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.(from Monday to Friday) Tuition fee: 90,000 won Sunday Classes 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuition fee: 30,000 won Taekwondo uniform : 30,000 won The 1st Asian Arts and Culture Workshop Date: September 7~11, 2010 Venue: Convention Hall, Chonnam National University Subcommittee: Traditional Dance, Music, Film, Literature, Traditional Performing Arts Opening to the public: Opening(Sep. 7 10:00~14:00) & Closing performance (Sep. 11 10:30~14:00), offering lunch for preregistrators Organizer: Chonnam National University, Korean National Commission for UNESCO Sponsor: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Republic of Korea (Presidential Committee for the Hub City of Asian Culture) Contact: 062-530-5036 The 16th Gwangju International Community Day The 16th GIC Day will be held on Oct. 9, 2010 in the Kimdaejung Convention Center.

The event will incude a world food festival, performances and a flea market. More information will be posted in our Facebook Group.

Interested parties please contact: gwangjuic@gmail.com

Gwangju News September 2010

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GIC Talk - September Schedule Time & Place: Every Saturday, 15:00-16:30, GIC office (5th floor of Jeon-il Bldg) For more information, visit www.gic.or.kr or contact Kim Sing-sing at: gwangjuic@gmail.com Check out pictures from previous GIC Talks http://picasaweb.google.com/gictalk

September 4 Topic: Kunsthalle Gwangju Speaker: Yujin Jung Kunsthalle Gwangju is the new cultural hot spot in town. With a location just directly in front of the old provincial hall the impressive container construction can hardly be missed. The doors were just opened at the end of August with an exhibition of the renowned Swiss art group “etoy.CORPORATION”.

Visitors of this GIC talk will have an opportunity to hear how the “Kunsthalle Gwangju” started and what it is all about. They will also be able to hear more about the ongoing exhibition and after the talk is over a visit at the Kunsthalle (just a 100 meters from the GIC) is possible and visitors can meet the artists of “etoy.

CORPORATION” and experience their art work first hand.

September 11 Topic: F1 coming to Korea!

Speaker: Anton Scholz (Senior Consultant at KoreaConsult) In October this year the first of seven F1 races will be held at the Yeongam Circuit in Jeollanam-do. Anton Scholz (Senior Consultant at Korea-Consult) has been working for the government of Jeollanam-Do as advisor for this project since

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Gwangju News September 2010

2006. His company also supports many of the F1 professionals (racing teams, media, sponsors, etc.) who will come to Korea for the first time this year. Anton Scholz will give a brief introduction about F1 and talk about his work related to this project over the last years and how F1 will impact Jeollanam-do and Korea as a whole. People who might be interested in experiencing the F1 event not just as spectators should come as Korea-Consult is still hiring staff to help out during the race week.

September 18 Topic: Opening of the Asia Culture Forum 2010 Special Exhibition 'Artistic Inspiration in Korea' Speaker: Debra Josephson (Artist from USA) Debra Josephson will introduce her artworks which feature her special experience in Gwangju. She got her B.F.A. in Studio Arts, specializing in Drawing & Painting at The Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus, Ohio and her M.A. in Studio Arts at New York University (NYU) in New York City. Since 2005 she's been living abroad to explore her art. As a member of Gwangju Artist Collective she participated in many art workshops such as “My Life in Gwangju” and “Artist Way”.

September 25 No talk due to Chuseok holiday

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