To get involved in your community and The Alive Foundation’s creative revolution, get in touch VENUS via email at secondfromthesun@gmail.com.
얼라이브 (ALIVE)는 개개인의 삶 모든 부분이 중요하다 는 아이디어를 바탕으로 우리나라에서 지금까지 필요 했었지만 보지 못했었던 서비스를 중점적으로 제공해 본인이 원하는 방향으로 삶을 성장시켜 줄 5개의 핵심 요소를 가지고 있습니다. 여러분은 본인의 삶이 어떤 방향으로 나아갔으면 좋겠 습니까? 저희는 당신의 아이디어가 필요합니다. 이것보 다 어떻게 더 좋아지죠? 자살 방지 콜 센터인 SPCC는 우리나라에서 24시간 콜 센터를 열어 지금 현재 증가하고 있는 자살을 방지하고 자살 원인과 자살 관련 문제들을 다루는 것을 목표로 합니다. • 한국에서는 하루에 35명이 자살 합니다. • 자살률은 지난 10년 사이에 두 배 증가했고 경제 성 장국 (OECD) 중에서 1위입니다. • 자살은 우리나라 사망 원인의 4위를 차지하고 있습니 다. 이 말은 암, 뇌졸증, 심장 마비 이외로 사망하는 사람은 자살이란 뜻이고 여러분의 가족이나 친구 중의 누군가 가 자살을 고려하고 있을지도 모른다는 것입니다. 도움 을 필요로 할지도 모르는 여러분의 가족이나 친구를 도 울 수 있도록 저희에게 도움을 주시겠습니까? 시간? 프 로젝트? 이벤트? 그것도 아니면 아이디어가 있으신가 요? 당신의 기여는 어떤 것이라도 도움이 됩니다. 이것보다 어떻게 더 좋아지죠?
ALIVE is based on 5 core elements - all of which support the idea that every aspect of life is precious. Aware. Lead. Inspire. Vulnerable. Environment ALIVE will offer essential services & outlets in the lives and communities of South Korea where none have existed before. Those things you thought were missing will now be available. What would YOU like to see in Korea? We would love your input! The 24hr Suicide Prevention Call Center (SPCC) will be one of the first things we launch this year. This is a service that has never been provided in Korea despite the facts that: • 35 Koreans a day commit suicide in South Korea • This number has doubled in the past decade and is now the highest in the industrialized world. • It is the fourth leading cause of death overall, after cancer, stroke and heart disease. Which realistically means, someone closer than you think could be considering suicide. Can you help us to help them? Ideas? Time? Project Management? Events? What contribution would you like to be?
Looking to throw a party on your roof this summer? NEH has the ins and outs, ups and downs, and the dos and don’ts to make your rooftop party the highlight of your summer.
Korea’s answer to Hawaii. By Ashley Sheppard
An old school group of hardcore rock n’ rollers. By Kara Johnson | Photos by Dennis Kim
NEH’S HIPPIES PHOTOGRAPHED IN JUNG-ANG PARK BY LEN PAYNE
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NEH Magazine Founded January 2010 Bucheon, South Korea
C.J. Koster Kelly Williams Kristin Annable Chris White Sue Kim Harriet Bodkin Claire Armstrong Ryan Rutherford, Sally Anderson, Andrew Prange, Jamie Greer, JD Greer, Marcia Tyler, Aleesha Frume, Kara Johnson, Agony Ajumma Abby Michelsen, Kristina Mack, Jen Simpson, Ashley Sheppard Jen Semple, Len Payne, Dennis Kim, Michael Hurt Cynthia Adkins Igor Pachkevitch Jinah Kim nehadvertising@gmail.com C.J. Koster, Chairman Kristin Annable Jon Beaton, Ex-Officio Tim Luea Ryan Rutherford Doug Thompson Chris White Kelly Williams Jinah Kim, Chief Executive Officer CafÊ Nicolia Madigan’s Irish Pub Pub in the Park Rhythm & Booze Taco Ria www.nehmagazine.com nehmagazine@gmail.com
All content Copyright 2010 NEH magazine. No part of NEH magazine may be reproduced in any form by any means without written permission from NEH magazine
h summer! The smell of freshly cut kimchi, baking sunshine, breaking out those mouldy old shorts which have been festering at the back of the closet during the excruciatingly long winter months. There’s nothing we need more than some Summer Lovin’. The summer season is undoubtedly my favourite in Korea. It’s when all my most beloved things about this culture collide. In the evenings, the streets are lined with tables and chairs, beckoning every passerby to partake of some succulent street meat & beer: the summer staple. As I walk to and from work through the park, I find the benches occupied by ajusshis, either passed out or enjoying a breakfast of makkoli and shrimp chips. Families monopolise every open space on the weekends. All kinds of creatures crawl out of their holes and adventure taps its impatient feet around every corner. The freedom we enjoy in this country is never as evident as in this sweltering season. Sure, we have the monsoons to contend with, as well as the humidity climbing to epic highs, but, it’s nothing a trip to Busan or
hop over to the Incheon islands can’t remedy. Issue 4 is swimming in uniquely Korean summer pastimes. If your rooftop is unlocked, it’s simply crying out for a BBQ. Break out the burgers and make sure to read our ‘How to’ guide. Kristin Annable has compiled a well-sampled list of beverages available at your local convenience store, perfect for when you’re keen on a low budget night out. Now that the warm weather has finally arrived, have you considered getting frisky outdoors with your significant other? Sally Anderson’s saucy piece will give you the do’s and don’ts you need to know to avoid getting caught in a distinctly difficult-to-explain-to-your-coteacher situation. Our intrepid reviewers have focused on all things Korean this month so go ahead and dig up some new cultural produce. There’s no season like summer, so make sure to benefit from every humid, sticky, crazy moment. It’s all yours.
NEH out on the town at the A.M. P.M. Han River Boat Cruise hosted by The A.L.I.V.E. Foundation on Saturday, June 19th. The profits from the three hour cruise on the Han River benefited one of the Foundation’s maiden programs, The 24hr Suicide Prevention Call Center (SPCC) which will be launched later this year. The event brought together six DJs, 2 different venues, dancers, comedians, and a buffet of amazing Moroccan food. The cruise was followed up by an after party hosted at MU in Itaewon.
On Friday, June 25th, the MAD Bar in Hongdae celebrated the life of Michael Jackson with the Official MJ Memorial Party.
The event raised 650,000 won in support of the A.L.I.V.E. Foundation and brought together DJs from around Seoul and dance performances from Eshe and Navah while remembering the life and work of a global music icon.
1. -I'mfine!thankyou!andyou?--Korea is always surprising us! I (Abby) was craving ice cream and Kristina decided to treat us. A Korean girl, who obviously enjoyed her soju, started making faces at Kristina. She proceeded to come over and drip her ice cream on Jenn and give us her roses. So, if someone makes faces at you, return the gesture. Maybe they will give you a present! 2. As you've probably experienced, soju can be your best chingu, or your worst enemy. You know you've acclimated in this Korean-world when you can identify your favorite brand (Cool or Fresh?). Not to mention all the good decisions these green bottles lead you to make, whether it be ending up passed out on the noraebang floor or joining your favorite bar manager for a urinal-bonding sesh. 3. Some of our most memorable Korean experiences happen on the subway. We've all had strangers fall asleep on us after a long day (or too much soju). Koreans also see the subway as an ideal place to practice their English. I (Jenn) have had ajummas start petting my "yellow" hair. Not all of our subway experiences have been so friendly. Abby, Kristina and I were on the subway minding our own business when this old guy yells at us, ''Coffee! Hot!" and proceeds to throw his coffee on us. 5. There are certain advantages to having a door code as opposed to a key to your apartment. You can't lose your keys or lock them inside. Problems only arise after excessive amounts of soju. Although I (Jenn) would like to say I have never personally forgotten my door code (even when it was 11 digits long), there are few among us who can say the same. I'm still not sure how we got into Abby's house after practically carrying her home and calling all her coworkers to find out her code. Did you know if you put the wrong code in too many times it completely freezes and locks you out for a good five minutes. 6. Korean couples hit a new level of closeness with their matching clothes (down to their PANTIES!), couple rings, guys carrying their girlfriend's purses (along with their own), and popping each other's zits in public. Only in Korea...
7. Is there any other country where spitting in public is so acceptable? How many of us have heard, "When you've been here long enough, you will do it too." I'm sick of hearing the sound of it..... hhuuughkk! I've found spit on the floor of my classroom (they start early). I (Jennifer) was nearly spit ON in the subway. You know when it gets so crowded that you can't move? ‘Cause that seems like the ideal time to spit, right? 8. As foreigners, we get special opportunities because of our "yellow hair" and blue eyes. We were asked to participate in a KBS special about deokbokki, where we were to express our undying love for the spicy, red-pepper rice cake concoction. Although our 10 hours of reality-show labor was cut down to 5 minutes, we still got calls from friends saying they saw us when they climbed into their cabs. At a kimbab joint, an ajumma just so happened to turn on KBS just as our segment started. 9. Fourth of July BBQ in Korea? We were so excited! We brought our tiny BBQ to the park! It's perfectly okay for motorbikes to zip through the walkway, passing out BBQ delivery fliers (how do you describe your location in a park anyways? Next to the tree?). We got yelled at over and over while Kristina pretended not to speak Korean. We decided to do it the Korean way! We spiked our lemonade with soju and brought a pizza. 10. As you've probably noticed, writing names in red is a big no-no! One day, I (Kristina) wrote the word 'Korea', in red (red=death). I turned around to see the whole class drop to their deaths. Koreans also believe that if you eat your books, you will get smarter. Abby was looking through one of her student's books, only to find pages missing. When she asked where the missing pages went, the student replied, "I wanted to memorize the answers."
Around every corner in Korea lies a convenience store and beside 90% of these convenience stores stand my favourite thing about summer in Korea: the convenience store patio. Nowhere else in this country can you freely drink outside only steps away from the alcohol you desire. Nowhere else will you meet as many random people in one night, and nowhere else are you able to get “wasted” for under 20,000 won.
We began our mission at a Yes25 in Jungdong, Bucheon. With only 20,000 won between the five of us, we proceed to buy ten different drinks, kimbap, kimchi, plastic cups, and one big ass chaser (bottle of water). After mentally preparing our stomachs for this somewhat disgusting process, we proceed to drink. With a selection that ranges from Cass Lemon to the nightmarish Baeksaeju I realize this is not going to be a pleasant experience.
“The perfect combination of fermented plum and cellophane with a fruity surprise ending” Seoljungmae is a very sweet plum wine that our samplers deemed “middle of the road.” Not god awful (ahem…Baeksaju) not delicious (ahem… KGB), but drinkable – and it was damn fun trying to get the little plums out of the bottom.
“Smells like baby head” Of all the liquors tasted this one ranked as having the strangest odour. Literally made from trees (Chinese Hawthorn), Sansachun is a rare liquor to have both the taste and smell of baby powder, flowers, fruits, and perfume combined.
“Jimjibang feet” A bottle graciously donated to us by a random passerby, Baeksaju ranked the lowest of everything we tried. Classified as a medicinal wine it is made by mixing ginseng with 11 other foul tasting herbs. With a taste more “flavourful” than soju and a much stronger smell – we recommend it only for veteran Korean liquor drinkers.
“Fuckin’ tastes like cough syrup” The quote says it all, a sweet tasting wine with a very medicinal aftertaste. One sampler also stated “it made my pecker stand on end”.
“The drink that men buy women to get them to do bad things” A direct quotation from a Korean woman and her opinion of KGB, afterwards she also stated, “It’s because it’s so delicious you can’t stop drinking it!” KGB is a lemon vodka cooler, and clearly the least “traditional” of the drinks sampled and that is probably why it ranked the highest.
A drink we picked up due to the indiscriminate nature of its label. The second we opened the can we realized it was carbonated makgeolli in a can – and we liked it!
“If your mother drank a lot of soju, this is what your placenta would have tasted like” A ridiculously sweet wine in similar vain to most of the Korean “wines” out there. I use the term “wine” loosely as I feel any Korean produced wine would make vintner in the South of France cringe. Not palatable for anyone but someone who enjoys vast quantities of sugar-coated gummy bears washed down with Kool-Aid.
nyone looking for a surrogate mother and a bit of (Korean) homestyle cooking needs look no further than Kim Heui-sook and her ddeokbokki cart, located near the bus stop in front of the Sangdong Home Plus. With a dozen years of experience making ddeokbokki, you won’t find any better-tasting street food in Bucheon. Mrs. Kim operated a restaurant for three years before moving her business to a cart in order to avoid the extra fees and taxes that came with owning a storefront. “I decided to make ddeokbokki all those years ago because it’s something that everyone can enjoy, all year round, hot or cold,” she says. Unlike most vendors who simply buy frozen food, Heui-sook makes everything herself.
While the street cart business is technically illegal, the laws are enforced inconsistently. Still, Mrs. Kim has to move her cart to a safer location every night, and then back to the corner near Home Plus. The mother of three grown children (who work as a businessman, a hair designer, and a nurse), Mrs. Kim says her favorite part of this job is working with middle and high school students, who make up the majority of her customers. “Some people may think this is a tough job,” she says, stirring her vat of ddeokbokki, “but I’ll never complain because I feel a bit like a mother to all of the students that come here. It’s not good for business, but I usually give them extra food to make sure they’re not going hungry.” Her business is usually open from 1 pm until 1 am, so you might expect she
has to deal with a lot of drunk people coming from bars, but she says there aren’t too many at her location, “and besides, my face is a good weapon. They will usually decide to go bother someone prettier.” At an age where many Korean women stop working, especially with three financially independent children, Mrs. Kim continues to work to have more freedom in her retirement and because she doesn’t want to be a burden on her children later. With the freshest ddeokbokki around, genuinely friendly service, and a new menu of fresh fruit juice for the summer heat, there’s no reason not to stop by Mrs. Kim’s cart the next time you’re in the mood for a quick bite.
ONE ASPECT OF MUSIC THAT NEVER CEASES TO IMPRESS IS THE PANACHE THAT EACH BAND ABSORBS THROUGH THE INFLUENCE OF MUSIC, CULTURE AND MAYBE MOST IMPORTANTLY THROUGH THE COMPOSITION OF ITS PEOPLE. Every band harnesses a unique personality that lures listeners of music towards them. Music is at the center, though it isn’t necessarily what sets each apart. Rather, it’s the conglomeration of all three influences that determine the flavor. Bad Moon Band is one such entity that has attracted musicians who not only know how to play, but who also have heart, dedication, and individualism. Established in 2000 by a husband and wife duo initially seeking a good jam session with fellow musicians, the rockers eventually took it one step further. A moniker was chosen and they started entertaining for primarily military members stationed in Korea. James Tanner, having been former military himself, and his wife Nessie, saw a need for solid entertainment amongst the military crowd and made a go of it. The ebb and flow of expat living ultimately called the Tanners back to the U.S.; leaving current member, James Brown (JB), in charge of the solidly established Bad Moon Band. The present members are a quintet of highly qualified gentlemen who boast a respectable cumulative resume of 85 years of musical experience. James Brown on percussion; John Park and Jaeman Lee on guitar; Gary Jones on harmonica and rhythm guitar; Yunil Jung on bass and tossed vocals from 4 of the 5, give Bad Moon band it’s cry. Quite impressive, is their jamming experience. “We used to practice weekly at a local bar in Songtan but have gotten to the point where now if we want to learn a new song, we all get our parts down individually and try the song at the next
gig.” A round of applause is in order, I’d say. With a mix of individuals ranging from an Environmental Contractor for the U.S. Air Force, a University Teacher, an Engineer, a Manager of Ssang Yong Motors and an Information Technology Specialist for the U.S. Government, this veteran band is not one that will vanish at the rollover of a 12-month teaching contract. With all 10 feet firmly planted on Korean soil, they are here to stay. The long-term goal for this group is, “To one day write and perform our own music. Performing covers is what we do currently and hope to continue to do for many years to come.” Each show performed by this group is likely to be their best, at least if they have it their way. JB says, “We want every show to be our best. We strive for excellence every time we play and want to keep it that way. We play our hearts out whether there is 1 person or 1000 at a show.” Covering tunes from the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Eagles, anyone craving classic rock, country or blues can get their fix from a night out with the Bad Moon Band. “A typical night consists of getting to the venue, setting up, doing a sound check, and visiting a local restaurant for some samgyupsal and a few bottles of soju to get primed up and ready for the show.” I’ll take two, just like that. If you’re looking to catch this band in action, your chances are rather good. With gigs booked all over Korea and between 3-7 performances occurring every month, their fans, new and old, will not go hungry. Keep an ear out for upcoming shows by this group. The Seoul Club, Kabinnett Wine Bar, 700 Yacht Club, Rhythm and Booze, and The Park have all done well to have this band grace their stage. Warm weather and summer months will surely keep these guys rocking for many nights to come.
Jeju is known for being of a smaller community; less hustle and bustle than your everyday mainland activities and of course Halla Mountain – Korea’s largest mountain. However, there is a lot more to Jeju than a big ass mountain and some peaceful R&R. Jeju is packed with beautiful scenery, numerous beaches, cultural experiences and smiling faces. Take a trip to the southwest area of the island for a more touristy appeal. This is an area you wouldn’t want to forget your camera. Jungmun Beach ( ), in the city of Seogwipo, is a soft, white sand beach surrounded by atmospheric cliffs and lava rock. The water is a beau-
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tiful turquoise and is a great place for surfing and other water sports. Head into Seogwipo afterwards to check out the Jeongbang Waterfal l ( ). It is said to be the only seaside waterfall in Asia. Also around the southwest end of the island, rests the magnificent Yeongmori coast ( ). This place is an amazing shoreline that has been beautifully sculpted by wind and water over time. Standing in front of the high cliffs of unique markings while hearing the waves crash behind you makes you feel like you’re living in a postcard. On your trek along the shore, stop for a taste of the freshest seafood you will ever indulge upon. Jeju’s famous women
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divers, known as haenyeo ( ), dive in the sea to score some fine dining for you and your crew. Meters from the sea, these women will prepare some Jeju
you love or hate, you’re bound to wet yourself over the experience. An amazing aspect of Jeju is the lack of ridiculous traffic to fight through. Take full advantage of the situation: Ditch the cabs, walk past any bus stop and rent a scooter for a day or two. ) Mr. Lee’s Bike Shop in City Hall ( rents for the day. Ride around and enjoy the warm island breeze on your skin with an unforgettably scenic ride along the coastal road. Be sure to park your wheels and take in the atmosphere. Have you ever wanted to go to a place where you could see numerous statues in various titillating, graphic and sometimes questionable sexual poses? If your answer is yes, then you’re in for a treat. Jeju Loveland is a well-known tourist attraction where anything goes. It’s fun to go and pose with these statues as if you’re a naughty sexual deviant having your way with the inanimate objects. On the other hand, it’s just as fun watching the older, shyer Korean men and women do this while their children are six feet away playing in a bush (the non-sexual kind of bush hopefully). There happens to be a shop in the park where you can purchase all of your – eh hem – exciting souvenirs. If
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..titillating, graphic & sometimes questionable sexual poses. the weather isn’t working in your favour, the Jeju Racetrack is a fantastic place to hang out and bet on the ponies to win some cold, hard WON. There is a special foreigner room, where you can place your bets with virtually no line-ups. There is also a perfect view of the track and English help if you’re so inclined. Not only can you
..makes you feel like you’re living in a postcard. bet on the horses at the track, you can also go for a free horse and carriage ride, pose for photos with random Disney characters, or play some mini putt; right in the middle of the racetrack itself. If you manage to have a car, drive over to Mysterious Road for a long overdue science lesson. Put your car in neutral, turn the engine off and feel your car being pulled…UPHILL! The name of the road is certainly fitting. Jeju Island is loaded with a huge variety of hidden gems and cultural secrets. One of the best parts of the island is the people. The locals’ English isn’t up to par with those on the mainland by any means, but they want to try. They’re interested in foreigners; they want to get to know who you are and where you’re from. They will go out of their way to guide you, or just give you some homemade snacks they were saving for someone else when they pass you on the street. Signs all over Jeju say it, and it’s true: We love having you here. N
o those of you who have survived the Korean winter with your libido in tact, I applaud you. Being from California, I found the winter particularly rough and insulting. As the nights stay warm and the sky stays blue, I feel myself sink back into a more familiar rhythm. Summer sex? Yes, please. There is something about summer that makes everyone sexier. Even by modest Hangookin standards, I've noticed clothes getting skimpier and revealing some pretty toned bodies. There is nothing like doing the naughty in summer- glistening skin, sand in the sheets, four legs entwined in one steaming sleeping bag...With temperatures rising, hopefully your sex life is doing the same. Whether you are looking to add some heat to a continuing relationship, or you are hoping for a hot summer fling, my advice is this: take it outside. As it’s getting warmer, we are all spending a lot more time in the great outdoors, and what better place to continue your sex life? But before you strip down in the closest park or try banging in one of our suggested places, be careful. Indecent exposure is a crime here (surprise, surprise). Koreans may be commendably comfortable baring all in a jimjilbang or locker room (we all have stories about things we wish we'd never seen), but when it comes to the streets, modesty is key. Confucianism still plays a major part in upholding certain conservative mores, many Koreans believe that along with remaining chaste, a woman should conceal her body before marriage. I read in the Korea Times that last year Jeju Island was considering opening Asia's first official nude beach to “attract more foreign tourists.” Jeju may have the famed Loveland, a sex themed sculpture park where you can pose with breasts the size of a semi and drink from an ejaculating water fountain, but Jeju-do still remains one of the most traditional areas in the whole country. It's no surprise that to this day there are no official nudist beaches in Korea, or Northeast Asia for that matter. There are of course people who defy the social norms in Korea and still bare all. Take artist Morgan Tepsic, a 20 year old American who has been traveling the world taking pictures of himself...well, naked.
DISCLAIMER: NEH MAGAZINE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHATEVER TROUBLE YOU GET YOURSELF INTO.
He likes to jump naked into a shot that makes it look as if his nude body is superimposed on the backdrop. Recently he has been jumping in Korea, and knock on wood, he hasn't been caught yet. Though the Korean Government did put a ban on his link to pictures in Korea within two days of him posting, you can still check out his photos in other countries at www.morgantepsic.com. But buttocks, breasts, genitalia, what's the law? I asked every Korean I know (and don’t work with) and tried a multitude of things in Google, but I could find no real answers to my questions. So I called the Seoul Metropolitan Police Department. Though they giggled and ended up asking me a lot of questions, (Oh no, what have you seen?) in the end, I got the answers. The verdict is this: public nudity (displaying any “private areas” in a public place, i.e. people can see you) and being caught having sex in public, are misdemeanors in Korea. Though, depending on the situation, it can be a more serious crime. Punishment can include a fine of up to 5,000,000 won and/or up to a year in jail. So I am definitely NOT saying you should start streaking, make Dacheon your own personal nudist beach, or get caught having sex in public. BUT, if your apartment is sweltering and you can’t afford air conditioning, please experiment responsibly.
Dear Agony Ajumma I used to live in a pretty small town in Korea but then I moved to the big city of Bucheon. Even though I live in a large city back home, I felt like a real countrybumpkin when I moved here. I was used to practically assaulting any foreigner I saw in the street out of sheer amazement and relief at seeing a fellow waygookin. Even if we’d never met, it was understood that at least a nod was common courtesy. Of course I realise that Bucheon’s foreign community is fairly expansive but I was still expecting some kind of camaraderie or nod on the street. The weirdest thing for me is when someone you’ve actually had a conversation with, ignores you on the street. Am I just being a bit of a lame small town girl or is there something wrong there? Throw Me a Frikkin Bone Here Dear Throw Me I see your point. When you pass a fellow foreigner on the street there’s that awkward ‘togreet-or-not-to-greet’ moment. I’m personally in favour of the greet. A nod or smile doesn’t take much effort and leaves both parties feeling good. It fosters a friendly community. However, there’s a definite time and place. If I’m walking past Dunkin Donuts and there’s a waygookin drinking a cup of coffee I’m not about to go in and introduce myself. But if we end up in the same elevator or intersect at an intersection you can put man-won on it that I’m going to say hi. I guess there is an unspoken etiquette for bigger cities in Korea. Use your common sense and you should be fine. And pity the people who don’t have enough manners to acknowledge a previous acquaintance.
Dear Agony Ajumma I swore I would never join Facebook. And then. I came to Korea. So much for that resolution. The week I arrived I met a bunch of new people and the first thing they asked me is if I’m on Facebook. They were really nice and one of the girls was really hot so I joined up to keep in touch with them. It’s not like I’m likely to just bump into them and I didn’t have a cellphone. This mushroomed uncontrollably. I’m now a fully active member of Facebook, posting things like crazy and hating myself for enjoying it. Am I just another mindless drone or can I honestly justify my involvement in this ‘social networking’ phenomenon and actually look at myself in the mirror again? Facebook Fiend Dear Facebook Fiend Facebook: a priest and a prostitute, a tool and a weapon, a soothing nengmyeon on a hot day and nasty turnip masquerading as a soft potato floating in a red hot broth. With all these things, it’s the way that you use them that make the most difference. It’s a useful system for keeping in touch with far-flung friends but has the potential to start taking the place of actual human interaction. Check your ratio of Facebook:Human communication and if the scales are completely unbalanced then you may have a problem. Use it sparingly and wisely if at all possible but don’t let the stench of guilt hang around you like garlic on an ajusshi. Make it work for you instead of the other way around.
Dear Agony Ajumma Recently, I’ve decided to brave the inter-cultural dating scene. I met this gorgeous Korean guy at a club in Gangnam and we hit it off immediately..if you know what I mean. We had this instant connection despite his non-existent English and my non-existent Korean skills. We exchanged numbers and we’ve been seeing each other ever since. He’s a perfect gentlemen and literally worships the ground I walk on, which is nice. The only problem is we can’t communicate without a computer or dictionary on the table between us. So things tend to take a decidedly physical direction. I like him a lot but I’m starting to feel a bit cheap, he pays for everything and then we head back to my place. I want more but I don’t think it’s possible but I also don’t want to end it. What should I do? Lost in Translation Dear Lost Ah yes...I remember my first foray into the realms of intercultural romance. The exotic, intoxicating appeal of a mysterious stranger. The novelty of silent infatuation. But that’s all it was. Nothing deeper developed because it couldn’t. Without genuine communication it’s not really possible to really get to know someone. But, hey, it was a lot of fun. I don’t regret it for an instant. I think the key is to recognise it for what it is and enjoy it for that. Make the most of it while it works for both of you and then move on. N
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or nearly every foreigner, moving to South Korea can be a difficult and emotionally trying time as they leave the comfort and love of their families and head into the unknown surroundings of a new city and a new country. Many of us leave behind more than just our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers and leave also our adopted children; our pets. For those of us who are without our pets, the shock and discomfort of a new country can be exacerbated by an empty apartment and a cold side of the bed. Around Seoul, and in almost every part of the country, there are options for foreigners seeking temporary or permanent furred companionship through animal adoption or fostering. Animal Rescue Korea is an organization dedicated to bridging the language barrier between Korean shelters and foreigners. ARK works to find permanent homes for animals currently living in Korean shelters. ARK also has a strong network of foster parents, or people who are willing to house, feed and take care of an animal until a permanent home can be found. This can be particularly beneficial for those foreigners who wish to care for an animal while in South Korea, but who do not want to bring an animal back to their home. If your lifestyle in Korea consists of long days and late nights, but you still crave the constant companionship of a fluffy friend, adopting a cat may be an option for you. Cats require less maintenance and interaction than a dog, but will still reward you with the same amount of love and affection. There are a few feline spe-
cific organizations around Seoul that allow foreigners to adopt and foster. NABIYA, whose name is a term of endearment for cats, derived from the word “nabi” or “butterfly” in Korean, is a foster home located in Itaewon for rescued or abandoned cats. The entire organization, like so many others, is completely run by volunteers and supported through donations. NABIYA requires a fee of W70,000 to adopt, which includes the cost of vaccinations, spaying/neutering and also helps to pay the general expenses associated with running the shelter. Happy Kitten is another feline adoption and fostering organization located in Seoul. Happy Kitten focuses on fostering cats and kittens taken from the street and works to find loving and stable homes for them until they can be adopted into long term homes. They are a member of the Korean Organization for the Protection of Cats or KOPC which is a Korean language website with consolidated lists of adoptable cats from many shelters and organizations around Korea. Foreigners feeling the itch to adopt, should first consider their long-term plans and goals. Some animals can live for nearly 20 years, so a life-long commitment to your new fur-ball is essential. Pet immigration laws can vary from country to country, and fees associated with your pet’s entrance into a country can be quite costly in some cases. Airline tickets and fees can be expensive, and many airlines have blackout seasons in which animals are not allowed on the planes (typically winter and summer when weather conditions can be extreme). You can reduce these
costs by visiting your home country’s website for information regarding fees (some countries have no fees!) and by keeping an eye out for travel deals a few months before your departure date. Overall, a 110% commitment to loving an animal companion is essential. If you are still not completely sure about adoption, fostering is an easy and non-committal way to have a pet and still allow yourself the freedom to change your mind throughout the year. Giving a temporary home to an animal is a great way to help lower the animal populations in shelters and give adoptable animals a more comfortable life. It is also a wonderful way to meet new people and get more exercise (think dog park parties!). Annie Sauvageau, a foster coordinator for Animal Rescue Korea, feels that adopting or fostering an animal from a shelter is one of the best ways that “ ...you can make a difference in a pet's life. There are hundreds of abandoned pets in shelters. Most of them used to be house pets, but were left behind. These dogs are often already trained and just need a bit of love to blossom. If the breed or the age is what pushes you to a pet store, please know that there is every breed that you can think of in shelters, and yes, even puppies. Buying a pet from a store is taking a chance away from another pet who has been waiting for its turn for so long...”. You can be part of the solution. N If you are interested in adopting or fostering an animal while living in South Korea, please visit the Animal Rescue Korea website www.animalrescuekorea.org). Information on adopting a cat in Korea can be found at the NABIYA website cafe.daum.net/kittenshelter, the Happy Kitten website www.happykitten.org or at the KOPC website cafe.daum.net/ttvarm Information for immigration rules and guidelines can be found at www.pettravel.com.
July 9th & 30th — DJ Pandemic World Cup games on all five screens
EXP. 05/31/10