The Jeju Weekly Issue 77

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Jeju has 5 motions in front of IUCN members’ vote

By Darryl Coote

The Members’ Assembly, where International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) members vote on motions to be enacted, is arguably the most important aspect of the World Conservation Congress (WCC), running in Jeju, Sept. 6 to 15. In closed-door sessions, IUCN members establish the Union’s environmental policy to be followed for the

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next four years. It is also during these meetings when the IUCN president and its council are elected.

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has spent months preparing the motions they will present during this all-important assembly. What follows are the five motions that Jeju hopes will be passed, and with support and financial backing from the IUCN become conservation movements acknowledged by the world.

This motion will look to expand the issue of restoring the island’s Hanon Maar crater from simply a Jeju concern to a Northeast Asian project. Jeju’s Hanon Maar crater, at a diameter of over 1,000 meters, is the largest of its kind in Korea. It is scientifically important due to its Continued on page 2

Plenary, Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m.

Restoration and conservation of Jeju’s Hanon Maar crater

Publisher : Song Jung Hee Editor-in-Chief : Todd Thacker Assistant Editor : Darryl Coote Designer : Yun Seong Un Address : Rm. 306 Jeju Venture Maru Bldg. 217 Jungang-ro, Jeju City, Korea Phone : +82-64-724-7776, 702-8885 / Fax : +82-64-724-7796

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Vol. IV No. 77 THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

02 WCC 2012

The Jeju Weekly

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

INSIDE WCC 2012 SDJH

What would you like to say to the Congress world leaders?

Arts / Culture SDJH

Kim Young Gap’s windswept photo exhibition

Festivals SDJHV Photo courtesy -HMX 6SHFLDO 6HOI *RYHUQLQJ 3URYLQFH

Continued from page 1

9th Stepping Stone indie festival rocks out

13th Women’s Film Festival previewed

www.jejuweekly.com

My Jeju SDJH

NK defector finds ‘peace’ on Jeju

Scenes of Summer S

varved sediments, which accumulate yearly like the rings of a tree and preserve layers of organic matter. This allows for scientists to examine climate conditions for the region dating back between 42,000 and 68,000 years ago.

The reason for this motion is that even though farming has stopped in the area, the crater is still sustaining damage, as well as its wetland and crater lake are drying up. The area has also been severely damaged by “thoughtless� development.

With this motion, Jeju proposes for the IUCN to work with the hanon crater restoration project and then spread best practices learned from the experience throughout the world.

If this motion is approved then South Korea will create a comprehensive plan to conserve and restore the environment of conserved areas and operate “environmentally-friendly utilization programmes� to bring together a diverse pool of expertise with local residents.

It will also foster cooperation between governments and environmental organizations in China, Japan, and Korea — countries within the same climate zone that have maar creates — to exchange academic activities so as to better understand and predict climate change (particularly concerning monsoons) in the region.

Establishment of an integrated management system for UNESCO protected area in Jeju Island Contact group, Sept. 9, 1 p.m.

A lazy day at Hamdeok Beach

Traveller’s Guide S

WCC to discover Jeju’s natural wonders

If passed, this motion will consolidate all the various UNESCO conservation organizations on Jeju to better preserve and utilized the island’s designated protected areas.

The reason for this motion is two-fold: growing concern that Jeju’s burgeoning tourist industry will have a negative impact on the island’s protected areas, and that there are many and fragmented evaluation processes for each type of protection (World Heritage, Ramsar, Geopark, etc.) Both of these issues make it difficult to “establish a comprehensive management regime� to care for the island’s different designations.

The motion requests IUCN Director General (presently Julia Marton-Lefèvre) to join with interested parties to create a conservation

management manual as well as develop a standardized management system for protected areas and then distribute the model to IUCN members to establish an integrated management system for all protected areas the world over.

Jeju also requests support from United Nations organizations as well as nation states to legislate these “integrated management laws ... [for] systematic integration and management of national resources, such as Biosphere Reserve, World Natural Heritage, and Global Geopark Network.�

The Development of an Evaluation and Certification System for World Environment Hub Contact group, Sept. 9, 7 p.m.

With this motion Jeju is seeking to become the epicenter of environmental conservation at the local government level.

Formerly referred to as the World Environment Capital designation, the motion's sponsors — Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Bureau of Environment — believe Jeju is the ideal location to helm this project due to its Biosphere Reserve, Natural World Heritage site, and a Global Geopark designations, plus its selection as a New7Wonders of Nature, and its goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The motion asks for IUCN members to help construct and implement an evaluation and certification system for World Environmental Hubs.

The second phases is to create a “Working Group on World Environmental Hubs,� consisting of local governments and IUCN members.

The third phase is to gather the Working Group of World Environmental Hubs, with the Korean and Jeju governments, in Jeju to host the Assembly of the Working Group as soon as possible to formulate a long-term plan and construct the evaluation and certification system that will select World Environmental Hubs.

The reason for this motion is that though local governments are working to conserve nature, there are still threats from the growing urban populace. By making this collective, Jeju could establish an organization similar to the IUCN but on a regional and local government level.

Supports for conservation and sustainable use of Gotjawal forests in Jeju Plenary, Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m.

For Jeju residents, Gotjawal (a unique forest containing both temperate and tropical plants that grows on basalt rock) is not only important for hiking and leisure activities, it also acts like an aquifer. The basalt rock the forest grows from filters rainwater as it descends through the earth to collect under the island, which is then extracted and consumed.

According to the motion, 60 percent of Gotjawal is privately owned and is being developed as golf courses and other tourist attractions.

Though there was a previous motion passed during the Barcelona WCC in 2008 that saw the government to purchase forest land and place it under the National Trust Movement, there is still more needed to be done.

This motion is looking to improve upon its predecessor and solicit assistance from the IUCN, Korea and Jeju governments, and the business sector to actively take part in the Gotjawal Trust Movement with the purpose of concocting long-term plans to conserve the forest.

Supporting sustainability of Jeju Haenyeo as unique marine ecology stewardship Plenary, Sept. 14, 2:30 p.m.

The cultural and historical importance of the women divers (haenyeo) to the island is well known throughout Korea, but so is the plight of these iconic Jeju women. The fact that over the last few decades the number of active Jeju diving women has dwindled, sea pollution has decreased their incomes. All of this is well known throughout the nation.

Preserving this important aspect of Jeju culture becomes harder every year so this motion looks to members of the IUCN, its partners, and organizations to come together and “acknowledge and investigate the history, scientific importance, present condition, and unique cultural value of Jeju haenyeo ‌ in order to assist in the development of comprehensive plans for their preservation.â€?

The motion also looks to these same people and organizations, as well as all levels of the Korean government, to fashion development policies to protect the haenyeo community.

Check schedule for related sessions.

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

The Jeju Weekly

‘Local is global, global is local’: UN Sec-Gen $V D ZDUP XS WR WKH :&& D ORFDO JRYHUQPHQWV VXPPLW KLJKOLJKWV VXVWDLQDEOH JURZWK \HDUV DIWHU 5LR (DUWK 6XPPLW

By Todd Thacker WRGGWKDFNHU#MHMXZHHNO\ FRP

In what is being called “the warm-up to the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) 2012,� the World Local Governments Summit, a meeting by leaders of local governments and other officials, was held from Sept. 4 to 6 at the International Convention Center Jeju, in Seogwipo City.

Organized by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Public Administration and Security, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), and ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives), and hosted by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the theme of the summit was the role of local governments for sustainable future cities.

Some 300 local government leaders from Korea and abroad, as well as officials from the IUCN, UNEP, and other NGOs, were in attendance to share “information on policies aimed at sustainable development and environmental conservation,� stemming from the 1992 Rio Summit, according to an IUCN press release. “The road to sustainability is through cities,� said UN

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in a speech at the Rio+20 Global Town Hall, part of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this past June. “Local is global and global is local,� Ban stressed. “The country is the sum of cities. If cities do not work, then countries cannot work.� According to a UN report, seven out of 10 people in developing countries live in cities. “The road to sustainability runs through the world’s towns and cities. By building sustainable towns and cities, you will build global sustainability,� Ban said.

The goal of the World Local Governments Summit on Jeju was to bring local leaders together to discuss various topics as climate change, the challenges and successes of the implementation of Korea’s local green growth policies, and “the need for a new model [global environment model city] for constructing combined environmental, social, and economic systems.�

There was also a roundtable discussion with experts and government officials, keynote speeches, expert sessions, and presentations given by local leaders and government officials who are working towards the common goal of improving the quality of life of their people through conserving their local environments.

WCC 2012 03

Carbon calculation

WCC to offset its conference carbon footprint ,8&1 DFTXLUHV ,1)$352 FUHGLWV JDLQHG WKURXJK UHKDELOLWDWLQJ ZRUOGŇ‹V ROGHVW IRUHVW

By Darryl Coote

www.jejuweekly.com

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Roughly 5,000 people from all over the globe are flying to Jeju Island to participate in the World Conservation Congress (WCC), the largest and most important environmental symposium. Most people attending will require two to three flights to get here. On top of that, there are thousands of people already in Korea that will be flying from the mainland (10,000 people in total are expected to attend). That is a lot of flights.

More importantly, that is a lot of pollution. 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide to be exact.

On Aug. 3, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the organizing body of the congress, announced that they had come up with a plan to offset carbon emissions created not only by the flights to and from Jeju for the Congress, but also for emissions created in the running of the 10-day event.

According to an IUCN press release, the organization calculated the carbon emission cause by flights, even taking into account short and long-haul trips and the amount of flights from each region of the world to Jeju with the use of a carbon footprint calculator.

Concerning emissions generated while on Jeju, the IUCN estimated at 0.29 tons per person for 6,900 participants, a total of 2,000 tons.

To offset these emissions the IUCN has “selected� the INFAPRO project run by Face the Future, an organization that produces carbon credits for sale.

According to Face the Future’s Web site (Facethefuture.com), they have produce “2.3 million verified carbon credits.�

The INFAPRO project has been working to rehabilitate 25,000 hectares of logged rainforest in Borneo, Indonesia, since 1992. According to the IUCN, at 130-million-years old, it is the world’s oldest rainforest and one of few habitats left of the endangered Orangutan. “In recent years, the establishment of oil palm plantations and unsustainable logging practices have resulted in rapid rates of deforestation and forest

degradation, threatening the rich biodiversity of this island,� reads an IUCN press release.

Currently INFAPRO has regrown 12,000 hectares of the Borneo rainforest.

In rehabilitating the rainforest they use climber cutting, enrichment planting, liberation thinning (promotes the growth of seedlings), and preventative measures against re-logging the area.

This project is a part of the IUCN’s greater carbon offset policy, established in 2008 to achieve three objectives: to make the organization carbon neutral by 2012, to improve the IUCN’s ability to implement carbon offset plans, and to develop carbon offset plans that are innovative and meet conservation and sustainability objectives.

According to IUCN guidelines, to be selected as IUCN’s method to cover the cost of the Congress’ carbon footprint the INFAPRO project had to supply carbon credits verified by a third party, be inline with IUCN’s mission of being biodivers in their methods and not cultivate monocultures, contribute to eradicating poverty, adhere to standards set by the Climate Community and Biodiversity, and offer “good ‘value-for-money.’�

Payment for the carbon credits is transferred from the IUCN Climate Fund “directly to the developers of the project(s).�

The IUCN has calculated the amount of carbon credits needed to cover the footprint that will be left in the wake of the WCC. In a recent IUCN press release, the organization allocated the carbon footprint into countries, taking into account flights — including indirect, short haul, and long-haul flights — plus the amount to be generated per person in attendance during the congress.

The numbers are for each individual in attendance and largely based on the distance traveled to and from Jeju. This accounts for the fact that many countries in the same continent produce similar amounts if not exactly the same amount of greenhouse gasses. The countries that will create the largest footprint come from South America which will create 2.65 tons of carbon per person. Those who will create the least amount of carbon come from Korea (both North and South), China, and Japan at 0.09 tons, 0.23 tons, and 0.25 tons per person, respectively.

The following is a list of countries and the amount of greenhouse gasses each will generate in coming to, and participating in, the WCC. According to the press release, a number of 15 equals a ton of carbon dioxide.

Korea (North) 6 Korea (South) 6 China 8 Vietnam 16 Sri Lanka 18 Afghanistan 25 Fiji 28 Russia 29 Spain 29

Iceland 29 USA 35 Canada 35 Mexico 38 Zambia 39 Cuba 42 Colombia 54 Brazil 54 Argentina 58

04 WCC 2012

The Jeju Weekly

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

What would you like to say to Introducing world leaders at the 2012 WCC? the ‘nature+

By Kim Hyo Jeong LQWHUQ K\RMHRQJNLP #JPDLO FRP

In 2011, I participated in the 2011 Gwangju UEA UNEP Youth Forum held in Gwangju, Korea. The forum was held as part of the Gwangju Summit of the Urban Environmental Accords Cities hosted by United Nations Environmental Program. A total of 100 students (50 from Korea and 50 from outside Korea) interested in environment protection participated.

Even though the forum ended and each one of us went back to our homes in different parts of the world, we still actively share ideas and information through Facebook (Facebook.com/groups/277214988974991/).

To commemorate the 2012 World Conservation Congress (WCC) in Jeju, The Weekly asked these young people to share their ideas about the environment and some words for the world leaders. What follows are a selection of their responses, which are edited for length and clarity.

Richard Merritt Working for the environmental education fund Retrofit a Million. Graduated from Morehouse College with an international studies degree

www.jejuweekly.com

As the IUCN World Conservation Congress is set to take place I find myself skeptical of what achievements will come out of it. This is just my frame of mind that years in the youth climate movement have lead me to.

Day in and day out youth are on the frontlines of combating climate change. In their own homes, communities, and schools across the world, youth are taking action to protect what’s left of our precious Earth. Which leads me to this blunt question for those leaders; why is it ok to witness the youth of the world sacrifice to protect the world they will soon inherit while you remain idle?

What will it take to motivate these leaders in setting aside personal interests to protect the world they exploit? The youth have pleaded with leaders to rise up and take action during every major environmental gathering only to be disappointed each time. These leaders, more often than not, act as followers and steer away from bold decision-making that will ensure a sustainable future and planet.

Global youth understand how dire the situation is and will not tolerate being marginalized in this movement to combat climate change. It is time that

our efforts are met with the same commitment by those leaders we once looked up to.

So world leaders, will you continue to follow or are you ready to finally lead? It's not a choice, it's your responsibility.

Cris Raymund Viray British Council Global Changemaker and university student from Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines Every year approximately 20 typhoons come to the Philippines and this is a major problem especially when metro Manila floods. As a youth trying to help in building our nation, I have conducted environmental grassroots projects like a environmental childrens camp and youth training in different places in Luzon as well as in metro Manila. With these projects we teach young individuals to practice proper waste segregation.

To the different leaders around the world, please do not underestimate the initiatives of young people in protecting the environment. Also, please implement laws regarding environmental protection. To the leaders of the prosperous countries, please be responsible enough to implement green economy in your country and help other nations do the same. To all the leaders, it's good to become prosperous in economic wealth but never destroy and sacrifice the environment to do so.

Pedro Cunha Viva Hoje activist from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who is part of Jovens Universitårios Rio+20 We are all one — one planet, one future.

All of us are in constant change, voluntarily and involuntarily, and should always seek the highest possible welfare of the individual, environment, and society. So we feel and act increasingly integrated and environmentally conscious.

My request is that all who are reading, especially decision makers, see the world and fully represent the voices of other living beings who can not express verbally such as the flora and fauna! Everything around you is a single, great living being. Feel alive and that living is great, and that it can get better every day and more integrated than ever before!

Jeju Daily’

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By Todd Thacker WRGGWKDFNHU#MHMXZHHNO\ FRP

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has commissioned The Jeju Weekly to produce an eight-page, English and Korean daily newspaper for the 10-day World Conservation Congress.

In keeping with the Congress’s theme, the paper is called “nature+Jeju Daily.� It will provide roundups of the previous day’s events, in-depth reporting, photography, local and regional news briefs, program information, venue changes, and more.

Copies of the nature+Jeju Daily will be available all around the Congress venue of the International Convention Center Jeju in Jungmun, Seogwipo City, and online.

We hope you enjoy the Congress and our coverage.

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THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

The Jeju Weekly

Arts / Culture 05

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By Douglas MacDonald

www.jejuweekly.com

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It was a hot afternoon and the air dripped with humidity as I entered a maze of footpaths lined with volcanic rock and surrounded by lush greenery and manicured trees in Samdal village on the eastern side of Jeju Island.

Tiny clay figurines posed intermittently among the vegetation on either side of the path. I crouched in front of one hollow, almost circular chunk of roughly textured rock. Another of the figurines sat perched inside, its legs bent, elbows resting on its knees and its head tilted to one side as it stared at the building beyond.

Tourists poured out of the Kim Young Gap Gallery, cameras clicking as they took in the exquisite gardens outside.

While the park-like setting was indeed attractive, it was the work inside that I’d come to see. Kim Young Gap, a landscape photographer originally from the mainland’s South Chungcheong province, photographed the beautiful rural landscapes of Jeju Island for nearly 20 years before succumbing to Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2005. Seven years later, his art lives on in a new exhibition simply titled “Wind.”

I’m always excited to see the work of a landscape master, and the first photos on display did not disappoint. Printed large and completely unedited, the power of nature pulses through each image. The first two photographs bring together all the great natural elements Jeju has to offer: beautiful light, layers of clouds, long shadows, and crisscrossing lines punctuate the frames.

The next photo is a panorama of an

oreum (volcanic cone). Its S-shaped curves in perfect harmony with the dark, rolling clouds above is simply stunning and his best work in my opinion.

The final image of his exhibition, windswept pampas grass in late afternoon light, showcases the subtle blur that is a trademark of his photographs.

You can almost feel the power of the wind as it blows across the grasscovered hills.

As I leave the gallery I glimpse a portrait of the artist in his later years on the wall outside of the office where he worked until his death. I stand closer and look deep into the eyes of a man who could no longer do what he loved. I see a hint of sadness and it breaks my heart.

Philosophical by nature, Kim would spend hours, even days in the field waiting to capture the perfect light and

weather conditions. His subsequent photos were his attempts to understand the beauty of the land and yet, years later, he came to the conclusion that he never really understood it at all. It makes me wonder if he came to realize that he had spent too much time trying to understand nature and allowed other elements of life to pass him by.

Regardless, as pure art, his photos are magnificent and the latest exhibition of his work stands alone as a wonderful representation of a Jeju that is slowly slipping away as mass tourism and development take hold.

Douglas MacDonald is a Canadian-born freelance photographer. He has spent 10 years documenting life and landscapes in South Korea. He is a Getty Images Artist. You can see more of his work on pages 6 and 7, 10 and 11, and at Flickr.com/photos/dmacs_photos.

06 Festivals

The Jeju Weekly

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

9th Stepping Stone Festival goes off with a bang SHRSOH FURZG +DPGHRN %HDFK IRU D QLJKW RI LQGLH URFN

By Erin Myers FRQWULEXWRU#MHMXZHHNO\ FRP

www.jejuweekly.com

On an average day, Hamdeok Beach is a favorite spot for many Jeju residents and tourists. Now add to its picturesque landscape a concert stage filled with some of Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top indie rock bands, free flowing beer, and a firework display to close out the night and you have all the ingredients for what some call the best festival on Jeju Island.

Organized by SteppingStone Festival association, inc., a committee led by Kim Myung Soo, and co-hosted by Hamdeok village, the 9th Stepping Stone Festival kicked off on Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. with a volleyball tournament that lasted throughout the day.

An estimated 1,500 people came out to enjoy the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivities.

Kim, who describes himself as â&#x20AC;&#x153;made in Jeju,â&#x20AC;? has organized the Stepping Stone Festival since day one. According to Kim, the most important purpose for the event is to bring diverse music to Jeju. He said it is his hope to be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;stepping stoneâ&#x20AC;? in bringing culture to the island for the benefit of generations to come. â&#x20AC;&#x153;K-pop music is good for certain people, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just one style,â&#x20AC;? said Kim. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to show more diverse music. And these bands each have their own color. This festival is a good way for people to enjoy more variety, culture, and music.â&#x20AC;?

For no admission fee, festival-goers were able to set up camp on the beach to take in live musical performances by a medley of bands from Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mainland including The Moonshiners, Cado Project, Ankle Attack, and Bang Seung Cheol. In addition to this impressive lineup, Jejuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own South Carnival took the stage at 6 p.m., opening the evening with their upbeat, crowd pleasing horns. They were greeted with enthusiastic cheers and an energetically dancing audience who echoed their lyrics in Jeju dialect.

Photography by 'RXJODV 0DF'RQDOG )OLFNU FRP SKRWRV GPDFVBSKRWRV

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

The Jeju Weekly

The always growing ensemble that is South Carnival brought 10 talented musicians to the stage for their set. Lead singer Kang Kyung Hwan said the size of the band changes depending on venue.

Kang said he was excited to share the stage with so many talented musicians from Seoul.

A number of booths set up along the sand sold handmade arts and crafts, promoted local charities, and supplied cups of beer in exchange for a small donation. One popular stand decorated the heads of many with hippie-style hair bands made from twine and wild flowers — an appropriate accessory for both males and females frolicking about the beach.

All proceeds through donation from the festival work to benefit The Gotjawal Trust of Jeju. Established in 2007 by Jeju’s provincial government, this organization strives to protect the groundwater supply (used by water bottling company Samdasoo) and the plants of the Gotjawal Forest. The resources of this area are under threat from overuse by tourists and golf resorts in the area that destroy the natural environment.

“Gotjawal is a very a unique and special place. Some call it the lung of Jeju. Since I am from Jeju, working to help preserve Gotjawal is my way to give back,” said Kim. Past festivals were held in different locations on the island such as the Tapdong neighborhood of Jeju City, Jungmun on the south coast, and Jeju Tourism College. 2011 was the first year for Hamdeok to host the event. The beautiful setting paired with friendly residents makes Hamdeok an ideal location for future Stepping Stone Festivals.

“The town of Hamdeok and festival organizers have cooperated very well. It gives citizens something to look forward to, and next year it will be even better,” said Kim. The music lasted well into the night and capped off with a striking firework display behind the concert stage. The firework show was set to the “Star Wars” theme song, and seemed to captivate the audience who ceased dancing to admire the grand finale of the day’s festivities.

(Special thanks to E.J. Hong for translation work)

Tel: +82-64-726-9500

Festivals 07

08 Festivals

The Jeju Weekly

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

PREVIEW

Women transcending boundaries 7KH WK :RPHQŇ&#x2039;V )LOP )HVWLYDO LQ -HMX VKRZFDVHV ILOPV IURP FRXQWULHV 6HSW

By Erin Myers FRQWULEXWRU#MHMXZHHNO\ FRP

The 13th Jeju Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Film Festival will be held from Sept. 20 through 23 at the Sulmundae Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center, behind the Jeju Jungang Middle School in Jeju City. Hosted by the Jeju Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association NGO, the films are centered on the theme of women transcending boundaries.

Over the three days, 31 films from 17 countries will be showcased in an effort to share a diverse range of female perspectives from around the globe with people in Jeju. Festival coordinator, Ahn

Hye Kyoung, believes film screenings are an effective way to give a voice to women who might otherwise be ignored. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Only through films from a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view can we talk about our situations [as women] well enough, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why this festival is so important,â&#x20AC;? said Ahn. According to Ahn, the inspiration for a Jeju Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Film Festival stemmed from the Seoul International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Film Festival. Many of the films featured in Jejuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival were selected from Seoul archives. Others were chosen because they were relevant to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme, or more specifically women of Jeju.

To encourage participation, English friendly descriptions are available for all films and only three of the 31 features are without English dialogue or subtitles. For mothers wishing to attend, free childcare will be available.

A series of five sessions will be held with each one focusing on topics ranging from sexuality and coming of age to oppression of minorities and depression.

The final session makes way for emerging female directors who aspire to break into the film industry. Limited time slots made entry competitive for this new addition to the festival. Fiftyone films were submitted for the session, but due to time constraints only four pieces were selected.

One of two films to be featured in the opening ceremony will be a short animation about Jeju diving women, known as haenyo.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smart because they used a haenyeoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice, paintings (and artwork produced by haenyeo), and sounds (of the sea) â&#x20AC;Ś I really want to introduce this film to a lot of people, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very special.â&#x20AC;?

With this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme, Ahn said her goal is to not only bring attention to issues faced by women, but encourage a proactive attitude in overcoming limitations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women face so many different types of boundaries, but we are not locked within those boundaries. We should try to overcome these situations and blossom into a better place,â&#x20AC;? said Ahn. For more information on the event visit Jejuwomen.tistory.com. And for the complete schedule of films, please go to our Web site.

The 13th Jeju Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Film Festival Theme: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wo/man, Transcending Boundaries!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Section 1. Familiar Strangeness Although we live in a world where there is always going to be gender distinction, by looking at the situation with fresh eyes, we are privy to stories of women who talk of hope and healing at points of disasters and conflicts told to us through unique movies.

Section 2. Hot Explosion Movies seen through the perspective of situations surrounding womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phys-

ical bodies. In short, the films express an interest in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual desires, health, and appearance. A very interesting look at developments and maturity in girls which might have been considerably neglected compared to boys.

Section 3. Looking at the World through the Eyes of the Minority Queer movies dealing with lesbians who are even more neglected among the gay community. Women are still being discriminated in the name of religion and traditions and are required to continuously sacrifice themselves. In addition, the issue of immigrant women even in this day and age where boundaries are disintegrating are dealt with in extreme environments and youth education issues existing outside the system.

Section 4. This Year's Special Section Films selected with special interest in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Women gukgeuk (Korean musical), feminist revolutionary art history, and experimental art conducted by housewives.

Section 5. Non-Competitive Entries: Four Films Among a total of 51 entries this year, four films were selected. During the festival, a brief introduction and conversation with the directors will commence. The four selected films this year were especially impressive in their film direction, format, and acting.

Jeju Olle walking course No. 19 www.jejuweekly.com

By Steve Oberhauser FRQWULEXWRU#MHMXZHHNO\ FRP This is the final article in our Hike Jeju series assessing Jeju Olle walking trails. Please note that since Steve wrapped up this series and returned to the United States, Olle trail No. 20 opened in May and No. 21 is set to open in the middle of September.

For an index of the rating system, please consult our Web site (shortened URL: goo.gl/jkxO6). â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ed.

Course No. 19 Grade: 40.0 (11th overall) Route: Manse Hill (start, 0.0 km) - Sinheung Annex - Hamdeok Seoubong Beach - Seoubong Neobeunsungyi April Third Uprising Historical Site Gimnyeong Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Center (18.8 km, finish) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Course takes about seven hours to complete A

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Strengths: All parts of the course south of road 1132 are a complete surprise. Little is know about that stretch of land. It goes through some interesting

terrain of tight forest paths and overgrown areas forgotten years ago. The first half north of 1132 is expected and good. Hamdeok and Seoubong are always better than average.

Weaknesses: The brand new course could use some English, any English for that matter, along its way. It will take time for this route to garner a positive following.

English learning opportunities: Manse Hill (multiple), Bukchon Lava Tube Cave Quotable: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Olle walking trail No. 19 opened to dozens of enthusiastic trekkers after an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Sept. 24.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Todd Thacker, The Jeju Weekly â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hamdeok Beach is one of the best-known and most popular on the island. It is actually two adjoining beaches separated by a sand spit. The main, western beach seems a favorite with Korean visitors while the smaller, eastern cove is more popular with foreign residents and has a comfortable camping area.

Adjacent to the smaller beach is Seoubong â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the peak that is now part of the tourist spotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extended

name. A perfect way to start a day on Jeju is to climb to the summit and enjoy the views, then descend and cool off with a dip in the clear blue water.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tracie Barrett, The Jeju Weekly For the following links, please consult our Web site: The Jeju Weekly, Hike Jeju, Day 26 The Jeju Weekly, Jejuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest Olle walking trail No. 19 opens

The Jeju Weekly

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

My Jeju 09

North Korean defector finds â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;peaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on Jeju $Q LQWHUYLHZ ZLWK &RUHD 3HDFH 3URVSHULW\ &HQWHU 3UHVLGHQW .LP +\XQJ GHRN

By Elizabeth Holbrook FRQWULEXWRU#MHMXZHHNO\ FRP

For the full interview with Mr. Kim, please go to our Web site. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ed. The words â&#x20AC;&#x153;hope makerâ&#x20AC;? are written at the top of North Korean defector Kim Hyung-deokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business card. With his persistency and determination, Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s astonishing story of escaping to South Korea would make even the toughest critic believe in a glimmer of hope. Now as the president of the Corea Peace & Prosperity Center, Kim channels his energy towards bringing peace to North Korea and believes a less forceful approach than what has been applied in the past should be used to enact change. â&#x20AC;&#x153;North Koreans donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the opportunity to communicate with other foreign countries,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They dislike and have fears about foreigners and South Korea because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a chance to meet them. If we give them this chance, they will change.â&#x20AC;?

What was your life like in North Korea?

During my childhood, the economy and almost everything was good, but after 1985, the economy crashed and life in North Korea became very bad. Many people were hungry.

How did your first thoughts of defecting originate?

I was taught two different rules in North Korea: societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rule and my familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rule. At school I learned about North Korean policy, like Communism, but in my house, my father taught me about freedom and to be against Kim

Il-sung. He gave me his permission to leave, and was always pushing me to go.

He would say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can leave this country any time.â&#x20AC;?

My father thought differently because he had worked outside of the country as a driver in Russia. He always said the North Korean economy would crash because the country didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any creativity or freedom.

What finally pushed you to defect?

When I was 19, I was in the North Korean army. We were in charge of building the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infrastructure, such as bridges, stadiums, and roads.

The country was so poor the army lacked basic construction supplies, and soldiers were ordered to steal materials from villages. Even though we were forced to steal supplies and were doing it for the country, if we were caught, we were punished.

I was caught stealing material and was sentenced to one year in prison. I thought to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will start a new life after jail.â&#x20AC;? I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see anymore hope in North Korea.

What were your first thoughts of South Korea when you arrived in 1993?

I thought the infrastructure was good, better than North Korea and China at the time. Also, the color of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothes and faces were very bright.

What was it like adjusting to life in Seoul?

For six months I learned about South Korean culture in an education system for North Korean defectors. It was a program set up to help me adjust but it also served as an investigation period.

www.jejuweekly.com

Community Calendar Exhibitions Kim Young Chul, Kim Yon Suk, and Kim Nam Heungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jeju Story

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Mt. Halla and Ilchulbong, the exhibition

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Jeju Scenery, Nature, and Humanity, the exhibition

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The Golden Kingdom of the Equator, Indonesia

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Seogwipo Culture Art Market & Lee Jung Seopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walking trail

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During this time the Korean, American, and Japanese CIA interviewed me before releasing me in South Korea freely.

What did you do with your new freedom?

I needed to earn money, so I worked as a ball boy at a golf course. I also worked other labor jobs like construction because I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any education in South Korea. After two years of this kind of work, I decided to go to university. I studied business administration at Yonsei University in Seoul.

Can you tell me a little bit about the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission?

The center consists of members who are interested in Korean peace. North Korea is not a good country, I admit it, but we need to lead the country to the world.

South Korea has that kind of mission.

South Korea was once a dictatorship, but changed in the process of trading and interacting with other countries. I think North Korea should have that chance with South Korea, the US or China. We need to help the country to go out and enjoy freedom. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not good to push them with food.

What does your job as president entail?

I go to seminars, teach, and give speeches. I speak my opinion on North Korea or relations between North Korea and China or South Korea.

I want to be a messenger between North Korea and South Korea. Many times, the South and the US use North Korea for their political purposes. In the process, there is a lot of false information. I want to clarify this false information through the center, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m con-

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Seogwipo City Announcements Midsummer Night Saeyeon Bridge Concert

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tinuously researching about North Korea. I want to share the true information with others.

Why did you move to Jeju?

Jeju is a very peaceful island and a good match for my center. Many North Korean defectors love Jeju and dream about the island because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very warm compared to their cold country. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of like people in the US who live in the main states and love to go to Florida in the winter.

What is your ultimate hope for North Korea?

Right now the US and South Korea are pushing North Korea and blocking economic activities. Because of this, many North Korean people are dying of hunger. This kind of policy is disappointing because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not working. I think reunification step by step is the best choice, not quickly or immediately, until both Koreas are economically bound.

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Jeju City Announcements Visit reasonably priced restaurants

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www.jejuweekly.com

10 Scenes of Summer

The Jeju Weekly

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

THURSDAY, September 6, 2012

The Jeju Weekly

Scenes of Summer 11

Photography by 'RXJODV 0DF'RQDOG )OLFNU FRP SKRWRV GPDFVBSKRWRV

WCC participants to discover Jeju’s natural wonde

By Song Jung Hee HGLWRU#MHMXZHHNO\ FRP

www.jejuweekly.com

The volcanic island of Jeju is a UNESCOdesignated World Natural Heritage site and home to a Biosphere Reserve, a Ramsar Wetland, and is part of the Global Geopark Network, among many other environmental distinctions.

These cherished attractions will be on display when more than 10,000 participants in the field of environment conservation convene for the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC), Sept. 6 to 15 under the theme of Nature+.

As part of the official tour program on Sept. 13, participants will have a “day off” from the congress to travel the island. This exciting opportunity will allow them to explore Jeju’s natural wonders like its Gotjawal forests, mountains, wetlands, beaches, and villages.

The Jeju provincial government has selected a total of 51 tour courses and refurbished them for international visitors, aiming to put the island on the global eco-tourism map. About 19.1 billion won (US$16 million) has been set aside for the development of 51 trails and the installation of signs in multiple languages including English and Spanish.

The 51 eco-trails are divided into three categories; the first consists of trails that explore Jeju’s natural beauty and its world-renowned

WCC Official Tour Program (organized by theme) Mt. Halla: Course No.1~4

(*) Course No.1 is the only program in which you can reach the top of the Mt. Halla (Baengnokdam Crater).

Oreum Colony: Course No.5~10

UNESCO World Natural Heritage: Course No.11~12

Biosphere Reserves: Course No.13~14

Ramsar Wetlands: Course No.15

Global Geopark Network: Course No.16~19

Gotjawal Forest: Course No.20~23

Forest Trails: Course No.24~25

Seashore: Course No.26

Half-day Courses: Course No.27~28

Adjacent Islands: Course No.29~31

Buddhism: Course No.32~33

History: Course No.34~38

Olle Trails: Course No.39

Folk Culture: Course No.40~45

Stone Culture: Course No.46~47

Jeju’s Culture of Stone, Wind, and Women: Course No.48

Carbon-free Island: Course No.49

Smart Grid: Course No.50

Environmental Recycling System: Course No.51

environmental heritages; the second focuses on the island’s historical and cultural sites; and the third aims at introducing the island’s efforts to go green. Some of the trekking courses take participants to oreum, or parasitic volcanic cones, that dot the entire island.

Geomun Oreum is a must-see for eco tourists.

Only by trekking along the Geomun Oreum Lava Tubes will you come to understand why it deserves its UNESCO designation.

Another World Natural Heritage site, and one of the most scenic landmarks of Jeju, is Seongsan Ilchulbong, known as Sunrise Peak in English. It is an important site geologically, even among numerous craters on this volcanic island, for having been formed from the eruption of an undersea volcano some 100,000 years ago.

ers Jeju Horse Pasture

Jeju horses are small but vigorous, patient, and resistant to disease. The Jeju horse pasture, located 600 meters above sea level, was designated as a Natural Monument. The scenery of the green vistas and meandering horses attracts the attention of passing tourists.

Geomun Oreum (UNESCO World Natural Heritage)

Geomun volcanic cone is named so because its dense forest looks black. The Geomun Oreum trekking course harmonizes a 5 km Lava Path with the 8 km Taegeuk Path. It is where you can walk through a natural forest with wildflowers like hydrangea serrata, raspberry, and thistle by going around nine peaks along the ridge of Geomun Oreum.

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

A quiet trail leads the way to the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.

The path, which meanders through a thick forest and utilizes stepping stones to cross a stream, makes Cheonjiyeon Waterfall a popular romantic outing for young people and newlyweds. The waterfall, which formed in a valley of hardened lava, is 22 meters high and 20 meters deep. The valley near the waterfall is home to Elaeocarpus sylvestris var, ellipticus, camellia, and other subtropical trees.

Daepo Columnar Joint (UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Global Geopark Network)

It looks like a piece of art that has been sculpted delicately with a sharp burin. This is the result of lava, which has flowed from the volcano’s crater, rapidly cooling when met by the ocean and contracts. The place is full of wonders of nature and is surrounded by hexagonal rock pillars that stand above each other like stairs. The waves that hit the pillars are also interesting to see, and when the tide is high, they jump up to 20 meters high.

Bulmi Crafts

In the old days, Jeju had only occasional contact with other places so people had to produce their daily necessities themselves. Among the traditional crafts which developed through the self-sufficient process was ironware making called bulmi. At a yard of the bulmi craft festival site, you can see the traditional ironware craft being produced.

Manjang Lava Tube (UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Global Geopark Network)

At 5,296 meters, Manjang Cave is one of the longest lava tubes in the world. It is part of the 300,000-yearold Geomun Oreum Lava Tube system. Manjang Cave was formed 200,000 years ago, making it comparatively young.

There are in fact two floors to the Manjang Cave. The upper level – which is too low for human visitors – is 2,120 meters long, while the lower floor – which is only partially open to the public – is 5,296 meters long.

Manjang is home to a plethora of geological structures including lava stalactites and stalagmites, a lava column, flowstone, cave coral, lava rafts, lava bridges, shelves, ropy lava, and grooved lava striations.

Baengnokdam Crater, at the peak of Mt. Halla (UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark Network)

As the peak of Mt. Halla is made of diverse volcanic characteristics, depending on the angle of one’s view, one can feel its uniqueness. To the west of Baengnokdam Crater, a steep shape which was formed by basalt lava of high viscosity is found and to the east, low viscosity basalt lava formed a gentle plateau.

The south slope is so beautiful that it is captured in a folktale which states the story of immortals who played in the crater’s lake.

Mulyeongari Oreum (Ramsar Wetlands)

The 1100 Altitude Wetland, located at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level on Mt. Halla, is an environmentally important water-bearing area which is vital to the preservation of flora and fauna. The wetland is termed an “eco-treasure” as it is home to various rare plants, including the Japanese quillwort, and some endangered species that usually live at altitudes of 1,400 meters or higher.

Seongsan Sunrise Peak (UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Global Geopark Network)

On the coast of Jeju is situated the 179-meter Seongsan Sunrise Peak which looks like a grand old castle. It was formed 5,000 years ago by an underwater eruption on the shallow seabed. With the background of the sun rising in the east beyond the horizon, the beauty of Seongsan Sunrise Peak is beyond description.

Yongmeori, Dragon Head Cliff (Global Geopark Network)

Situated at the base of Mt. Sanbang, the cliff was named Yongmeori (or Dragon Head Cliff in English) as it resembles a dragon jumping into the ocean with its head high. As it was formed from an underwater volcanic explosion, there are a number of great sights to see in the area like caves caused by marine erosion and lithoid crab holes. Another interesting thing is that you can see haenyeo (woman divers) right before your eyes. Also, don’t miss out on the fresh seafood sold on the coast.