ISSUE 04 January/February 2014
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JAN/FEB 2014 INSIGHT
FOOD & DRINK
2 – 3 – 4 – ¶
27 – Food: ዻ௵ஃ 29 – Drink: Huckleberry
No Country for Old Men: Korea's Vulnerable Generation History Textbook Controversy Then and Now: Countryside 0U[LY]PL^! /\THU ;YHMÄJRPUN
COMMUNITY
ON LOCATION
31 – Expat Diaries: Falling in Love Fish Tanks 33 – LiNK 35 – On The Web: From Korea With Love
7 – Staycation 8 – Staycation: Juwanna go to Juwangsan? 11 – Staycation: Ice, Ice Baby 13 – Staycation: Hapcheon Image Theme Park 15 – Staycation: Gwangju
CULTURE
MUSIC & ARTS 17 – Dogstar 19 – Picasso Absoluto 21 – Old School: My Sassy Girl
36 – Talk Like a Native: Wining and Dining on Valentine's Day 37 – Daegu in December
PLATFORM 39 – Directory 40 – Staff & Contributors
HEALTHY LIVING 22 – Ayurveda Yoga Academy 23 – Resolving Lameness in 2014 25 – The 8th Wonder of the World: Lotus Root
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Interview: Dogstar
33 Cover photo by
LiNK
INSIGHT
No Country for Old Men: Korea’s Vulnerable Generation Story by Nathan Ouriach
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popular and well recycled topic in South Korea concerns the high suicide rate among its younger generation. Yet, recent statistics show that it is not the youth but the country’s pensioners that are becoming vulnerable in an increasingly crowded and indebted country. With a population growing faster than any other developed country, South Korea is fostering a population that by 2040 will have a [OPYK VM [OL JV\U[Y` V]LY [OL HNL VM ZP_[` Ä]L In 2011, more than four thousand South KoYLHUZ V]LY [OL HNL VM ZP_[` Ä]L JVTTP[[LK Z\Pcide. A generation of baby-boomers, born after the Korean War, have witnessed South Korea’s YHWPK J\S[\YHS HUK ÄUHUJPHS HZJLU[ I\[ OHK MHPSLK to prepare for the new pension rules established in 1988. South Korea appears to be suffering from its own rise and its own rabid investment in their education system. With a higher graduation rate comes a higher demand for jobs, resulting in large companies like Samsung and Hyundai acquitting themselves of “older” workLYZ [V OPYL UL^S` X\HSPÄLK OHUKZ 5L^ JOHUNLZ in Korea’s social structure contradict their rich Confucian tradition. Instead of being cared for and protected, the country’s elderly populace is becoming susceptible. Life outside of leviathan’s like Samsung and Hyundai appears fragile and futile. When reaching South Korea’s established retirement age of ÄM[` LPNO[ 2VYLHUZ ^P[OV\[ H WLUZPVU [V YLS` VU are forced to spend their crepuscular years laboYPV\ZS` ^VYRPUN PU ZTHSS Z[VYLZ VY ZO\MÅPUN JHYKboard around markets. In 2010, the Small and Medium Business Administration revealed that small businesses employ 30% of the country’s labor force and, of those 30%, 27% were either PU KLI[ VY \UHISL [V THRL H WYVÄ[ PU [OL JHSLUKHY
`LHY 0UKLSPIS` PUKLI[LK ZLUPVYZ PU [OLPY ÄM[PLZ HYL at risk of accumulating an average debt of 68.95 million won ($60,400) per household. The government is aware of this devastating imbroglio and is making efforts to ameliorate the situation. President Park Geun Hye has promPZLK [V YHPZL [YPSSPVU ^VU V]LY OLY Ä]L `LHY tenure to alleviate the suicide rate, as well as offering improved treatment for four major diseases including cancer and cardiac disorders. Whilst electioneering last year Park initially promPZLK HSS ZLUPVY JP[PaLUZ HNLK ZP_[` Ä]L VY HIV]L a monthly allowance of two hundred thousand won, regardless of their income level. However, 7HYR .L\U /`L OHZ ZPUJL YLÄULK OLY WSLKNL HUK will provide the money only if the recipient falls under strict economic boundaries. Instead of investing in social welfare and ensuring a comfortable life for its senior citizens, the government appears to have favored an alternate path and is now facing the consequence. To advocate a statement made by a sociologist at SNU, Eun Ki Soo, the Korean government has ¸JOVZL [V ZHJYPÄJL [OL MHTPS`¹ HUK JYLH[LK H ZVcial paradox that rebuffs old Confucian values of hard work and reverence for the elderly. In Seoul, there is a digital display that reads: “Tomorrow’s sun will rise”. The fact that this sanguine sentiment resides along the Mapo Bridge (a notorious suicide spot) epitomizes South Korea’s relationship with suicide. With an estimated 3.1 million baby boomers planning to retire over the next decade the government needs to prepare and empathize or face the fallout. They need to aim for a day when rendering bridges with optimistic sentences is an excessive quirk rather than a necessity.
INSIGHT
History Textbook Controversy Many of us are no doubt familiar with the frustration of devising lesson plans or the struggles of using a sub-par textbook. :\JO KPMÄJ\S[PLZ ^P[O [OL J\YYPJ\S\T HYL UV[OPUN JVTWHYLK [V the problems currently facing the Korean Ministry of Education, however, as conservative and progressive elements in the Na[PVUHS (ZZLTIS` HYL LUNHNLK PU ÄLYJL KLIH[L V]LY [OL OPZ[VY` textbooks set to be issued to high school students next year. Story by Kieran Duffy
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revious disputes over the curriculum occurred in 2008, but the issue was once again brought to the fore when progressive lawmakers objected to what they saw as a right-wing bias in one of the eight books which were approved for use in schools across the nation. Conservatives responded by claiming that there was a left-wing bias in other books, and a resulting government inquiry demanded that 829 corrections take place before the books were issued to students. Among the most controversial topics were the partition of Korea, the resulting Korean
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War, and the military dictatorship, which ruled until 1988. Although many changes were made, 41 contentious sections remain and seven of the authors involved in the dispute are pursing legal action to prevent what they see as unfair censorship. With the books due to be issued in February, it is unclear how the government will resolve this issue in time. Such political disputes over school textbooks have become a problem in Korea as of late, but they have also occurred in many other nations. Japanese politicians have frequently debated the depiction
of the Second World War in school history classes. In the United States, disputes over textbooks are frequent, with one notorious case in 1974 West Virginia resulting in the bombing of a school. Indeed, my own parents have often told me that their teachers refrained from talking about the Irish Civil War, as [OL TLTVYPLZ VM [OH[ JVUÅPJ[ were still too fresh for it to be discussed objectively in classrooms. While it may it be little consolation to the teachers or students caught up in the debate, it would appear that it is not only in Korea that history is open to debate.
INSIGHT
Then and Now: Countryside
Story and photography by Stephen Schuit, from the blog koreanbookends.blogspot.com
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h, the sweet countryside beckons. Its villages and meandering lanes humbly escort us to the past. If we listen to its whispers, we may also hear stories about our future. Not surprisingly, Daegu’s countryside has melted in all directions. Once, the walls of Dalseong Park marked the city’s edge. More recently, Yeungnam, a university built in the countryside, a long, tedious bus ride from the city center, is now just another Daegu subway stop. In the 1960’s and 70’s, developing the countryside was a key strategy of then president, Park Chung Hee. His New Village Movement (ູൠၕဪ) spread the values of diligence, self-
help, and cooperation. It was intended to establish an entrepreneurial spirit in Korea’s rural communities. These days, however, thatched roofs, mud walls, clean streams, and the hard calloused hands of the Korean farmers have given way to paved roads and the faster pace of a wireless world. Between cities and the ribbons of highways that wrap this peninsula ever so tightly, VUL TH` Z[PSS ÄUK [OL 2VYLHU JV\U[Y`ZPKL VM KH`Z gone by. The old white crane, standing with digUP[` PU [OL KPZ[HU[ YPJL ÄLSK RUV^Z [OL ZLJYL[Z VM Korea’s past. The romantic lure of the countryside still calls those few who will listen.
INSIGHT
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INSIGHT
Human ;YHMÄJRPUN 3LL )\ :LVI OHZ ILLU JHSSLK [OL O\THU [YHMÄJ SPNO[ MVY OPZ ]VS\U[LLY LMMVY[Z HZ H N\LYYPSSH [YHMÄJ N\HYK -VY `LHYZ 3LL OHZ assisted  pedestrians  anywhere,  and  at  anytime,  in  Daegu.  Story  and  Photography  by  1\UL 3LMÅLY
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is  longtime  commitment,  self-aware  image,  and  personable  attitude  have  made  him  a  model  citizen  of  Daegu.   Lee  follows  his  own  eccentricity  while  promoting  traditional  communal  responsibility  in  Korea. What  exactly  is  it  that  you  do? 0 ]VS\U[LLY HZ H [YHMÄJ N\HYK MVY HU`^OLYL PU +HLN\ 0 ZV\NO[ V\[ WSHJLZ ^P[O UV THQVY [YHMÄJ lights  when  I  started. Why  did  you  start  doing  this? A  child  was  hit  and  killed  by  a  car  in  the  street  in  1972  here  in  Daegu.   That  changed  everything  for  me.   I  had  a  business  at  the  time,  but  since  that  accident  I've  only  been  volunteering.   I'm  75  now,  so  I've  been  at  it  for  40  years. (YL `V\ HMÄSPH[LK ^P[O HU` NYV\W VY NV]LYUment  project?  No,  I  work  alone.   But  over  the  years,  organizations  have  recognized  me  and  asked  me  to  volunteer  for  their  events.   I  never  imagined  volunteering  with  other  people,  but  I  was  invited  to  festivals  and  events  as  an  honorary  citizen.   I  ILJHTL H YLWYLZLU[H[P]L ÄN\YL VM ]VS\U[LLYPUN in  Daegu,  and  people  eventually  sought  me  out.   Frankly,  this  is  how  I  get  some  cash  to  support  myself  and  what  I  do.
You  have  a  distinctive  look.  Is  there  a  purpose  behind  this? It  has  been  a  natural  progression  for  me,  but  I've  realized  it's  helpful  in  creating  a  symbol  of  myself.   My  long  beard  is  kind  of  a  throwback  to  the  noblemen  of  Joseon.  I  want  people  to  see  me  and  say  I'm  the  'right'  man. Have  you  seen  progress  in  40  years? Yes,  for  sure.   At  least  around  me,  people  seem  to  spot  me  and  know  not  to  jaywalk  and  follow  the  rules. What  has  discouraged  you  along  the  way? It  took  about  ten  years  for  people  to  recognize  me  and  what  I  was  doing.   So,  before  then  I  had  some  problems  with  people  who  just  didn't  understand  what  I  was  doing.   That  isn't  the  case  now.   I  think  my  work  brings  joy  to  people. Do  you  have  a  wife  and  children? Yes,  I'm  married  with  two  sons  and  several  grandchildren. Do  you  have  advice  for  those  wanting  to  spend  their  lives  volunteering? Love  you  parents  and  your  country.
ON LOCATION
STAYCATION Story by Mallory Gonia
It’s a new year! What are your New Year’s Resolutions? They are notoriously hard to keep but
that’s often because people set vague and unrealistic goals for themselves. How realistic are yours? Are they measurable? What obstacles may be in your way? If you are like me, one of your hopes this year is to spend more free time travelling and learning about the culture and people around you. One obstacle to travelling is the weather. As winter deepens, and in all likelihood, lingers, many may be more reluctant to venture far from home. If they do leave home it’s only to work or relax at the nearest jjimjilbang. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with this but it is limiting. If you are among those who love travelling and DOING things, watching winter pass with so little variation causes you to churlishly complain about the intolerable waste of time. As I see it, you have two choices: learn how to hibernate or compile a list of worthwhile trip destinations. Since hibernation is not yet a viable option, you are stuck with the latter choice. Instead of perfecting your surly bearish grumble, start this year with a list of places that pique your interest and then resolve to visit them.
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ON LOCATION
Juwanna go to Juwangsan? (ba-dum-tsch)
ON LOCATION
Story and photography by Winnie Ku
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anuary: one of my favorite times of the year. What used to be one of my most dreaded months back home in Canada (brutally cold, barely able to see daylight, broke from Christmas, and did I mention brutally cold?) has now become one of the most-anticipated times of my year. Why? No classes for nearly two months, and us waygooks are up and away on vacation! For those of you opting to stay in Korea for the winter vacation, however, fear not; you need not spend your winter vacation sulking in Banwoldang. Just a two hour bus ride from Daegu, you can visit a place full of such stunning beauty and UH[\YL `V\»SS KLÄUP[LS` MLLS SPRL `V\»YL VU HU L_otic vacation. Located in the eastern region of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province is the rural, yet quaint and charming county of Cheongsong. As it is only reachable after crossing over several hills, the nature in this area is relatively untouched and hence remains beautiful and incredibly scenic. Cheongsong County is home to Juwangsan National Park, Korea’s smallest national park. Don’t let the title fool you though; what JuwangZHU 7HYR SHJRZ PU ZPaL P[ KLÄUP[LS` THRLZ \W MVY in beauty. In addition, as Juwang Mountain is not very steep, it is ideal for those looking to visit the mountain, while still being able to relax and take in the scenery without overexerting themselves. Another perk: unlike a weekend visit to Apsan or Palgongsan in Daegu, this mountain is surprisingly not body-to-body-packed with a million
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visitors all looking to take a picture in front of the same statue. You can actually enjoy the park in peace. To get to Juwangsan from Daegu, you can catch a bus to Cheongsong from Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal (located near Dongdaegu Station). The two hour journey is approximately 16,000 won one-way, and you get to ride in one of the “airport limousine” style buses with the wide reclining leather seats. After arriving in Cheongsong, you can then take a city bus, for about 2,300 won, for a 15 minute bus ride to Juwangsan National Park. Be warned, however, that these buses don’t run very frequently in the winter, so should you miss one bus, you are potentially waiting upwards of 40 minutes for the next bus; as we did. Every cloud has its silver lining though, and as we had just missed the previous bus to Juwangsan, we had the opportunity to venture into town (read: one main street), and wound up in what appeared to be an ajumma’s house that doubled as a chicken restaurant. Initially skeptiJHS [V NV PUZPKL 0»T NSHK 0 KPKU»[ SL[ ÄYZ[ PTWYLZsions fool me, as she served some of the most delicious fried chicken I have ever had in Korea! If `V\ ÄUK `V\YZLSM PU [OL ZHTL WYLKPJHTLU[ HZ ^L did, and are craving some fried chicken, look for ൠ൘ ᆳሢ (Dumari Chicken), about a 5 minute walk down from the bus terminal. Their ganjang soy-sauce chicken (ၿቛ) is highly recommended.
ON LOCATION 6UJL ^L OHK ÄUHSS` THKL P[ [V 1\^HUNZHU 5H[PVUHS 7HYR ^L PTTLKPH[LS` ZL[ VMM [V ÄUK out how to get to the famous Jusanji Pond. For those of you who have never heard of this pond, it is literally breathtaking, possibly one of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen of a place in Korea, and the original inspiration behind us visiting Juwangsan National Park. Unfortunately, however, after 20 minutes and an intense sign language conversation with three elderly ahjummas, we deduced that we were too late to go to Jusanji, and that the most ideal time to go (and also the only times that the buses ran there) were at about 8:00am in the morning. From what I gathered from one of the ahjumma’s repeatedly pointing at her eye and a water bottle, the most scenic time to “see the water” is in the early hours of the morning, when there is a layer of fog over the pond. So to those of you wishing to visit the famous pond, be sure to plan your trip so that you can spend one night in Cheongsong the night before, and then wake up early to catch the morning bus to the pond. Mildly disappointed that we couldn’t see the pond, we nevertheless set off to take in Juwangsan National Park. I am so glad we did, as it turned out the park itself was unbelievably beautiful, and different to any mountain I had ever been to in Korea. If I could describe Juwangsan National Park in one phrase, I might call it a miniature version of Taroko Gorge. For those of you who have been to Taiwan and visited the gorge, or have seen photos of it, you can imagine how beautiful this place must have been. The huge rock mountain almost appeared to have been sliced in strategic places, so that people could walk through it and admire the mountain walls around them. Surrounding the mountain are also many waterfalls, a cave, temples, and hermitages. Needless to say, many a snapchat were sent from here, especially of the beautiful Yongchu Waterfall, with its icy emerald-green waters, pooling into what looked like a mysterious lagoon. The snapchats (and my DSLR shots) were beautiful, and inspired many “OMG – where are you?” responses, yet as is always the dilemma, they never quite do
justice to the beauty that is actually around you that you wish you could capture and show to your family and friends. So what’s the next best thing then? Visiting the park yourself! I highly recommend anyone staying in Korea this winter that is looking for a change of scenery from the usual Daegu lifestyle to visit Cheongsong and Juwangsan National Park. And, if you can, I’d highly suggest Jusanji 7VUK HZ ^LSS 0 ^PSS KLÄUP[LS` IL THRPUN H [YPW back there myself sometime soon!
ON LOCATION
Ice, Ice Baby! As we turn on the ondol and don our puffy jackets 24/7, the arrival of subzero temperatures and icy roads isn’t really something that we celebrate. Story and photography by Adam Fletcher
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et, the cold weather can bring opportunities to do things that in warmer weather, you can’t. For those that are not interested in skiing, but still want to see something different, I turn your attention to the Biseulsan ( ๗༽ຮ) Ice Park. Biseulsan is a mountain range just south of Daegu. This means getting there won’t take long and the park could be enjoyed in a day.
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During this season, the area is transformed into a winter wonderland where families, couples, and explorers can enjoy the various attractions. The Ice Festival 2013 runs from late December until mid-February, so we all have plenty of time to pay a visit. During the evening, the various ice sculptures are lit by colored LED lights, which create an attractive atmosphere.
ON LOCATION
In the park you will notice that the icy river has been used to form sculptures, shapes, and mounds. There’s an ice cave, ice wall, and the opportunity to sledge on the ice: a kid’s (and adults) favorite. You can see objects and mazes made from ice, as well as a ‘pre-historic tiger’ in a block of ice. The sculptures run all the way up the river. The entry fee to the park is free and you’re able to go wherever you like. This makes for an interesting, quirky, and fun day out with fresh air and opportunities for photographs. The ice festival is situated a short walk from the Biseulsan parking lot and to get there you need to take the 600 bus from the end of the red line, Daegok station. There’s a small temple with a stone bell that greets you as you enter. So, why not go and get some fresh air, take some pictures, and do something special during the win-
ter months! For those of you who are looking for more than a day in the mountains, there are some wonderfully homely wooden cabins situated in the hills that can accommodate you and your family or friends for a weekend. These come in a number of sizes and can accommodate up to 16 people. They also come fully equipped with kitchen, stove, bedding, pans, hot water, TV etc. Pictures, prices, and options can be viewed on the Daegu Dalseong-gun website at: http:// sports.dalseong.daegu.kr/bisulsan/about/ about_04_02.html. So bring some food, drinks, marshmallows, hot chocolate, and some comfy clothes and spend a night with nature after checking out the illuminated ice sculptures at Biseulsan, your home away from home.
ON LOCATION
Hapcheon
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ON LOCATION
Image Theme Park Story and photography by Mallory Gonia
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f you love history, or architecture, Korean dramas and movies, or architecture you may want to consider the following location. South-west of Daegu is little place called Hapcheon Image Theme Park. It doesn’t seem to be incredibly ^LSS RUV^U KLZWP[L ILPUN [OL ÄSTPUN ZP[L MVY H variety of movies and TV shows, including the popular 2012 drama, “Gaksital” ("Bridal Mask”). The story takes place during the Japanese occupation, which, to my understanding, is an uncommon time period for historical dramas. The phrase “Theme Park” is a little misleading since this combination of words often gives people images of rides and roller coasters. It is UV[ [OH[ RPUK VM WHYR 9H[OLY P[»Z H SHYNL ÄSTPUN studio comprised of several streets and buildings, which are reconstructions of important landmarks in Seoul as it was between the 1920s and the 1980s. It's not particularly expansive, but any visitor interested in history, architecture, or Korean movies and dramas can easily spend several hours exploring and appreciating the level of detail put into these reconstructions and re-imaginations. A few buildings offer further educational experiences. The theater there lets visitors watch ÄSTZ HUK VSK UL^Z JSPWZ HUK JVTTLYJPHSZ ;OLYL PZ HSZV H YL[YV HYJHKL H WVZ[ VMÄJL T\ZL\T HUK a replica of the Kyungsung Train Station. I didn’t have time to go into any of these buildings when I was there, so I can only tell you that they exist. Instead, the war street took up most of my time and interest. The buildings on the street are in
varying levels of destruction and all have been [V\JOLK I` ÄYL The Park has a few small restaurants, including a Japanese-style restaurant that serves Udon. The only drawbacks to the park are its location and the lack of a guided tour in English. Granted, guided tours don’t generally appeal to me, but the background information provided can be quite helpful, especially when visiting WSHJLZ VM OPZ[VYPJHS ZPNUPÄJHUJL When I went to the Hapcheon Image Theme Park, I went with a small group in a car. It obviously takes longer to get there by bus, but it is possible. It’s also not particularly close to any other notable places, which may be the reason it is not more popular. On the upside, this means there are no irritatingly large crowds to navigate through. If you plan your trip wisely, the theme park can at least be an interesting and restful stop along the way to someplace else - perhaps Hapcheon’s famous Haeinsa temple. Haeinsa is a large Zen Buddhist monastery. Visitors to Haeinsa can learn about Buddhism or look at the Tripitaka Koreana - wooden printing blocks that, together, make up the most complete and accurate version of the Buddhist scriptures. The temple stay there is an interesting experience involving meditation, a 3am wake-up call, and plenty of bowing. Are you writing your list of "places to visit" yet? Start now if you haven't already, and consider adding the Theme Park or Haeinsa to that list!
ON LOCATION
Gwangju Gwangju, the city of light, boasts a vibrant and diverse community, ripe with culture, history, and exciting experiences. Story by Kaley LaQuea Photography by Joel Sparks
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wangju holds a plethora of things to do HUK ZLL I\[ HU LZZLU[PHS ÄYZ[ Z[VW PZ [OL Gwangju International Center. The GIC is a powerhouse within the Gwangju community, and its volunteers are nothing short of a wealth of information about the city, whether you just need a bus map or want some information on historical hot spots. The center is located right downtown, across from the YMCA. Maps and contact information can be found on their website at gic.or.kr. <WVU ]PZP[PUN H UL^ JP[` VUL»Z ÄYZ[ PUJSPUH[PVU is probably not to stick around the bus station too long, but for Gwangju an exception should be made. U-Square, or the Gwangcheon terminal is home to several great restaurants, a relaxing sauna, coffee shops, a movie theater, and a few art spaces that always have something fresh and exciting going on. The Kumho Gallery and art hall often has weekly art installations ranging from sculpture to painting, as well as live performance pieces, musicals, and plays. Downstairs holds a treasure trove of small mom-andpop Korean traditional restaurants that serve up delicious staples like dolseot bibimbap, kimchi jjigae and kimbap. Part of Gwangju’s vivacious spirit lies in its his-
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tory. The democratic uprising, also known as the May 18 uprising, is embedded in the minds of Gwangju citizens as a prominent piece of his[VY` PU [OL JP[`»Z ÄNO[ MVY KLTVJYHJ` VUL [OH[ is commemorated both at the Gwangju 5.18 Memorial Park in Sangmu, and also at the May 18th National Cemetery, located at the front of Mt. Mudeung in Buk-gu. The complex holds the cemetery, memorial tower and museum that are must-sees for anyone curious about this integral part of Gwangju’s culture and history. Another great place to check out in Gwangju is the Yangdong market, which was voted the best tradi[PVUHS THYRL[ PU [OL JV\U[Y` ;OL THYRL[ ÄYZ[ opened in 1975 and is now Gwangju’s biggest traditional market. One prominent area that offers a little bit of everything is the Chonnam National University back gate. The campus itself is beautiful, with a nice park and pond to relax by. The surrounding area caters to the university clientele, with many coffee shops nestled between cute independent boutique stores and an array of restaurants with various cuisines, including tasty Tex-Mex at Corona. Their menu offers all the staples like burritos, enchiladas, and chimichangas, plus some of the most attentive and friendly staff in the city.
ON LOCATION Of course, no Korean university area would be complete without hof bars and noraebangs. This area is great for bigger groups of people, as many bars and restaurants have large portions of food and drink meant for sharing with friends. If the college scene isn’t your cup of tea, head KV^U[V^U [V ÄUK ZVTL M\U HUK NVVK NY\I The First Alleyway has yet to be dethroned as the reigning champion of Western food in Gwangju. Offering a little taste of everything, from pizza to poutine, The First Alleyway has something for everyone. The menu includes vegetarian options, delicious sandwiches, burgers, and a great craft beer selection. On Sundays a Western-style breakfast is also served until 4 p.m. After you’ve chowed down and are ready for some liquid fun, start out the night at Bling, a fun cocktail bar with great drink specials. Twenty thousand won will get you an all-you-can-drink pass for two hours. Popular expat haunts in the downtown area include Speakeasy and German Bar. Both venues occasionally host live music and different events on the weekends. Downtown Gwangju also holds some tamer hidden gems. Kino, a small and relaxed space just around the corner from the downtown YMCA,
promises a playlist of great classic rock and friendly staff. In the Groove, a swanky jazz bar right near the Megabox Theater is also home to a laid back atmosphere. The club has great live jazz performances on Friday and Saturday nights. If you feel like dancing without paying a cover charge, Mix is the place to go. It holds friendly and upbeat bartenders, a moving and shaking crowd with decent drink prices. If a bigger nightJS\I MLLS PZ ^OH[ `V\Y UPNO[ OVSKZ OLHK [V 7HUÄJ where a 20,000 cover will get you a drink, great +1Z HUK H OV[ KHUJL ÅVVY HSS UPNO[ After an action-packed day, it’s always nice to have a comfortable place to lay your head. Local friendly face Pedro Kim’s guesthouse can provide just that. Kim, a Gwangju native and Lonely Korea tour guide, Pedro hosts travelers from all over. The staff is both friendly and wellversed in the city’s happenings. The hostel pro]PKLZ HTLUP[PLZ Z\JO HZ IYLHRMHZ[ HUK ^PÄ HUK guests of 2 nights or more can take advantage of laundry and shuttle services for a small additional fee. Contact information and directions can be found online at pedroshouse.com For more information about the city, go to the GIC’s Gwangju Guide (gwangjuguide.or.kr)
MUSIC & ARTS
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MUSIC & ARTS
ةӓञఌ/Dogstar Story by Ali Safavi Photography by Stephen Elliot
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irst off, I know what you’re thinking: isn’t that the name of A-list actor Keanu Reeves’ band? Well, it is, but more importantly, it’s also the name of a wicked local Daegu band. Our Dogstar have been on the scene for a while, consisting of a brother, a sister, and a Hawaiian. They’ve supported a number of interna[PVUHS HJ[Z OLHKSPULK [OL ÄYZ[ 0 3PRL 4HU` -LZ[P]HS in October, and have obviously made an impact in Seoul too, as I’m constantly asked about what [OL IHUK HYL \W [V ;HRPUN PUÅ\LUJL MYVT SH[[LY day Sonic Youth, The Pixies, and various other similar 90’s rock bands, they’ve just released, in my opinion, one of the best albums of the year. What I love about them is their ferociousness, not in that faux-make-up-and-metal way, but instead in the constant pounding of thrashy guitars, solid bass lines, and controlled chaos drumming, all with a slew of hooks to hang your coat off way. Both live, and on record, their sound wraps itself around your ears, hugging it, punching it, and tending it better, but rarely letting go. Dogstar don’t do build-ups and creZJLUKVZ" [OL` HYL M\SS VU MYVT Z[HY[ [V ÄUPZO Quite simply, they are spectacular to watch and enthralling to listen to. Be sure to do both. Dogstar’s new album, ‘GhettoBounce,ON’ is available via Korean music site Hyang Music, or from the band at one of their shows. Online digital purchasing will also be an option soon, I’m told. We spent some desk warming minutes with drummer Matthew Ormita about all things Dogstar and Daegu... So, what's Dogstar all about then? How did you come together to make music?
Sun Mi (Guitar) & Jun Hyung (Bass) formed the band in 2003. Members have come and gone since then, but they are the core. Sun Mi and I used to play in another band called ‘Tak Ryu Han’ a long time ago. She left that band after a couple years, but we remained friendly. I joined Dogstar in 2011, after their drummer took an extended break from live performing. How's the state of Daegu music at the moment? You guys seem to have been around for a while, has anything changed/gotten better/worse in that time? Daegu has always been a small scene, but we always have some good bands. More variety would be nice, but overall, we'd say that things have improved. There are more places to play, and more people collaborating and trying to make shows and different events happen. Is it harder getting noticed as a band coming from Daegu (as oppose to being a Seoul/ Busan band)? We're not really concerned with that. We just focus on making and putting out music that we like. People can pay attention or not. Finally, what's in the future for the band? Any plans for touring, more releases etc? Just to keep on rehearsing, writing songs, and playing shows whenever we can. Work and personal schedules are preventing us from being able to really do anything at the moment, but hopefully we'll free up some time around February/March to start playing more shows, locally and outside of the city.
MUSIC & ARTS
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MUSIC & ARTS
Picasso Absoluto “If I paint a wild horse, you might not see the horse, but you will surely see the wildness!” Story by Brittany Gamble
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his wildness Pablo Picasso speaks of has ILJVTL Z`TIVSPJ VM [OL WYVSPÄJ :WHUPZO artist whose works are on display at EXCO here in Daegu until February. Picasso is best known for his abstract paintings and is credited with pioneering the Cubist movement. However, `V\ ^PSS UV[ ÄUK [OVZL MHTV\Z VPS WHPU[PUNZ VU KPZWSH` OLYL >OH[ `V\»SS ÄUK PUZ[LHK HYL V]LY 200 etchings, prints, and ceramics that span his career and provide a look into Picasso’s inner world. The exhibit is divided into four parts: Picasso’s women, introspection into man, still life and fauna, and Picasso as an illustrator. The exhibit is less of an art display and more of a story about the evolution of the painter, a behind the scenes look at how Picasso thought and from where he drew his inspiration. The exhibit also includes a lot of information about Picasso’s childhood, something we rarely, if ever, hear about. Of particular interest to me were the drawings of Francoise Gilot and Jacqueline Roque, two women ^OV ^LYL ]LY` PUÅ\LU[PHS PU 7PJHZZV»Z HY[ ;OL former his lover and the latter his second wife are known to the world as a very creative collection of shapes in Picasso’s paintings. The works were selected out of 800 pieces from the Picasso Foundation in Malaga, Spain. This is the 30th Picasso exhibit to tour Korea,
I\[ [OL ÄYZ[ [V OH]L ZV THU` \UPX\L WPLJLZ MYVT the artist’s life. If you’ve ever asked yourself how Picasso arrived at his bizarre and occasionally VMM W\[[PUN SH[LY WPLJLZ WLYOHWZ `V\ JHU ÄUK [OL answer at EXCO. As the name Picasso is now often equated with masterpiece, it is very interesting to see some of his early drawings. As you move through the exhibit from the scribbles to his later works, you can see the recklessness and precision, daring and creativity that would later come to characterize Picasso and his art. So as you enter the exhibit, try not to be disappointed by the lack of oil paintings, and don’t be put off by the black and white scribbles and YV\NO KYH^PUNZ VM [OL ÄYZ[ ZLJ[PVUZ VM [OL L_hibit. Instead, let yourself be taken along for a ride with the famous painter, and consider his beginning and his inspired ending. And the next time you hear someone proclaim that they’re ‘no Picasso’, take solace in the fact that when Picasso started, he was not either. The exhibit is showing until February 23rd at the Daegu EXCO. It is open from 10am - 6pm daily and admission is 12,000 won (7-18 years admission is 10,000 won).
MUSIC & ARTS
Old  School My  Sassy  Girl  Story  by  Jasetyn  Hatcher
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his  gross-out,  sweet,  romantic  comedy  of  2001  became  an  international  hit,  with  remakes  being  made  in  several  countries,  inJS\KPUN ;HP^HU HUK [OL <:( ;OL Ă&#x201E;ST PZ IHZLK on  the  true  story  made  into  a  series  of  web  articles  by  writer  Kim  Ho  Shik. The  outrageous  and  lovely  characters  Kyun  Woo  (Cha  Tae  Hyun)  and  â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;that  Bizarre  Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  (for  in  the  movie,  she  is  never  given  a  name)  meet  at  a  chance  encounter  in  a  subway  while  the  girl  is  very,  very  drunk.   As  she  commits  social  faux  pas  after  social  faux  pas,  Kyun  Woo  watches  in  disN\Z[ ([ [OL WLHR VM OLY KLĂ&#x201E;SPUN THUULY [OL NPYS barfs  all  over  a  retireeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  toupee,  and  then  passes  out  on  the  train,  but  not  before  she  drunkenly  looks  at  Kyun  Woo  and  calls  him  â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;honeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.   The  train  erupts  in  angry  treatment  of  Kyun  Woo  for  not  taking  care  of  his  girlfriend  until  he  is  forced  to  take  her  off  the  train  and  care  for  her.   A  long  series  of  misfortunate  events  abound  as  Kyun  Woo  is  arrested  for  rape,  beaten  half-to-death  by  his  egregious  mother,  and  embarrassed  repeatedly  by  the  girl  with  no  manners. As  quirky  and  lovely  as  the  story  is,  it  drifts Â
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PF  January/February  2014
slightly  in  and  out  of  being  interesting.   Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  clear  MYVT [OL ILNPUUPUN VM [OL Ă&#x201E;ST HUK [OL [P[SL [OH[ [OPZ PZ TLHU[ [V IL H Ă&#x201E;ST HIV\[ HU L_HNNLYH[LK and  strange  girl.   Although  Jeon  Ji  Hyun  plays  the  JOHYHJ[LY PU H THUULY ILĂ&#x201E;[[PUN [OL ^LI ZLYPLZ at  times  the  â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;awkwardnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  seems  very  forced.   ;OL Ă&#x201E;ST ILNPUZ NYVWPUN MVY SH\NOZ MYVT [OL ZHRL of  shock  factor,  and  in  2013  frankly,  there  isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  much  shock  to  be  had  from  her  behavior. Still,  one  would  be  mistaken  to  give  up  on  the  Ă&#x201E;ST HZ H WHZZt J\S[\YHS IP[ VM PYVU` OLYL ;OLYL are  solid  reasons  why  Bizarre  Girl  canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  seem  to  get  herself  together;  the  same  reason  why  Kyun  Woo  develops  a  seemingly  deep  sense  of  care  MVY OLY (Z ^L ZSV^S` Ă&#x201E;UK V\[ [OYV\NOV\[ [OL Ă&#x201E;ST Bizarre  Girl  suffered  a  tragedy  in  her  life,  possibly  explaining  away  the  insensitive  and  inappropriate  behaviors  she  has  had,  and  so  begins  the  [Y\S` YVTHU[PJ HUK SV]LS` HZWLJ[ VM [OL Ă&#x201E;ST 0[ PZ Y\KL HUK Z^LL[ PUUVJLU[ HUK Ă&#x201E;S[O` SV]PUN and  bizarre.   â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My  Sassy  Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  is  now  a  classic  Korean  comedy  and  simply  for  that  reason,  should  not  be  looked  over  for  newer  or  less  well-known  cinematic  treats. Â
HEALTHY LIVING
Ayurveda  Yoga  Academy Story  and  photography  by  Megan  Deutsch
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VNH ILULĂ&#x201E;[Z [OL ^OVSL IVK`TPUK Z`Z[LT as  a  science  of  the  spine,  as  a  tool  for  coming  to  the  moment,  the  state  of  hapWPULZZ HUK HZ HU HY[ VM Ă&#x201E;YL \ZPUN HSJOLT` [V transform  and  purify. As  a  tool  for  enabling  you  to  experience  the  TVTLU[ `VNH HSSV^Z `V\ [V Ă&#x201E;UK `V\Y OHWWPness.   People  are  always  feeling  as  though  they  are  living  in  the  past,  feeling  sad,  or,  in  the  future,  worrying  about  what  is  to  come.   There  are  only  Ă&#x2026;LL[PUN TVTLU[Z VM MLLSPUN HSP]L @V\ JHU WYVIably  think  of  at  least  a  few  times  when  everything  felt  right  and  there  was  no  sense  of  time.   That  is  being  fully  present  in  the  current  moment.   Yoga  allows  you  to  grow  this  presence,  from  a  few  passing  seconds  to  every  moment  of  every  day.   In  the  moment  there  is  no  sadness,  no  anxiety,  only  celebration. @VNH PZ HSZV JHSSLK [OL ÂşHY[ VM Ă&#x201E;YL Âť 0[ PZ HSJOLT` of  the  bodymind,  experienced  through  changing  your  postures,  breath,  and  thoughts.   This  alcheT` Z[PT\SH[LZ [HWHZ PUULY Ă&#x201E;YL [OH[ I\YUZ H^H` `V\Y PTW\YP[PLZ PUZPKL HUK V\[ ;OPZ Ă&#x201E;YL YPKZ `V\
of  excesses  like  unnecessary  thoughts,  pounds,  and  toxins.   Through  this,  you  automatically  start  to  practice  vairagya;  non-attachment/letting  go. Ayurveda  Yoga  Academy  provides  an  opportunity  to  explore  this  alchemy  more  deeply  by  integrating  it  into  your  daily  life  with  the  Healing  Alchemy  Leadership  course.   The  19th  semester  of  our  teacher  training  course  begins  in  February.   Through  a  supportive  community,  you  can  gain  the  tools  for  healing,  growth,  and  happiness,  ^OPJO SLHKZ `V\ [V ^HSR JVUZJPV\ZS` HUK JVUĂ&#x201E;dently  on  your  life  path.   This  course  is  open  to  anyone  interested  in  becoming  a  teacher,  therapist,  healing,  or  searching  for  happiness.  ;OL Ă&#x201E;YZ[ Z[LW PZ NL[[PUN VU [OL TH[ ZV JVTL along  to  the  studio!  Part  of  yoga  is  Abhyasa  (continuous  daily  practice).   Walk  in,  and  watch  what  happens.   As  you  experience  changes  within  HUK HYV\UK `V\ `V\ ^PSS Ă&#x201E;UK `V\YZLSM JVTPUN [V the  mat  more  consistently.   With  this  in  mind,  Ayurveda  Yoga  is  offering  a  12-month  membership  for  the  New  Year  for  just  850,000won  (original  price  1.2  million  won).   Make  sure  to  sign-up  by  the  end  of  January  to  enjoy  this  great  opportunity! Megan  Deutsch  is  a  teacher  at  Ayurveda  Yoga  Academy.  With  locations  in  Siji  and  Manchon,  classes  run  from  6:30AM-8:50PM,  and  there  is  a  9AM  class  on  Saturdays.  Email:  megan.deutsch@gmail.com Facebook:  Ayurveda  Yoga  Academy Blog:  ayurvedayogastudio.blogspot.com
HEALTHY LIVING
Resolving Lameness in 2014 Story by Kevin Maynard
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ith another year in Korea behind us, [OLYL»Z ZV T\JO [V YLÅLJ[ VU HUK [V be thankful for. Hopefully your holiday hangover has worn off and ideas have started popping up about how make the most of the year ahead. It’s around this time that one might utter something like: ;OPZ `LHY 0»T NVPUN [V NL[ Ä[ This year, I’m going to lose some weight. This year, I’m going to be healthier. Oh, the magic of January! Excited and motivated, most people join a gym, buy a workout DVD, or take some other action in the general direction of their resolution. Then, for about a month or two, gyms and Facebook statuses are buzzing with inspired masses of people determined to bring sexy back. Sadly, by the time March hits, things are back to business as usual. .`T [YHMÄJ ZSV^Z YLTHYRHIS` HUK HSS [OH[ 5L^ Year’s mojo slowly fades into the couch. It’s not that being healthier or losing twenty pounds aren’t worthwhile goals, but rather they don’t mean anything just because the calendar ticked over to Jan 1st and a few words were said in the back of the mind. Unfortunately for a lot of us, that’s as far as most goals get. Unquestionably, vague statements without written reinforcement end up void of structure and ultimately fail. Scientists have already proven that people who
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write down their goals have much higher success rates. So what can be done to make this year THE year that change happens? Allow me to share a few more R’s to go with your resolution this year. 9LÅLJ[ Look back on 2013 and put it to rest; the closure will be empowering. This can be as simple as becoming aware of how you feel when you think about 2013 or as complex as writing out everything you accomplished over the past twelve months. Record Now the fun begins. Create a 2014 Goals Sheet (see next page). You can choose any topics you want. Here are some examples: Health, Personal Development, Savings, Fun, Family, Spiritual, Luxuries, Charity, Relationships, and Household. Then create an identical wheel for just January and write down one or two things you want to do under the topics you’ve chosen. Keep it simple and always ask yourself, “On a scale from one to ten with ten being a resounding YES, how likely am I to do this?” If your answer is anything less than a seven, then change the goal until it’s above a seven and a no-brainer to get done.
HEALTHY LIVING
Example of a 2014 Goals Sheet
Example of a January 2014 Goals Sheet
Review At the end of the month, check off what you’ve accomplished. Don’t worry if you don’t get everything done; perfection is not the goal. Repeat Put January behind you, and start February’s checklist! Bring this year to life by writing out small intentions each month, and then give those intentions a little awareness. That way when March arrives, you’ll still be movin’ and shakin’. Cheers to 2014, the best year yet!
Did you enjoy this article? Follow my blog www.kevinTH`UHYKÄ[ULZZ JVT for more ways to become the healthiest person you know. Source: Summary of Recent Goals Research, by Gail
Matthews, Ph.D., Dominican University http://cdn.sidsavara.com/wp-content/ uploads/2008/09/researchsummary2.pdf
HEALTHY LIVING
The 8th Wonder of the World: Lotus Root Story and photography by Erica Berry
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id you know that the lotus plant is the only plant that can live in water, earth, and air simultaneously? Did you know that its root is also delicious and super cheap? Well, now that you’ve been schooled on lotus and its many wonders, you can see why it’s a staple on my grocery list. Lotus root is everywhere in Korea, you’ve probably seen it, eaten it, loved it, and still have no idea what it is. It’s a white, starchy vegetable that looks sort of like a wheel. The root is JY\UJO` HUK JYPZW ^P[O H TPSKS` Z^LL[ ÅH]VY and a water chestnut texture. You can buy it pre-sliced in most supermarkets for about 3,000 won or go wild and get it in its natural state at the market. If you opt for the latter, be sure to choose a hard tuber without any brown spots.
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In traditional Korean cuisine, lotus root is found in soups, stir-fry’s, and side dishes, but as usual, I like to go off the beaten path and try new M\ZPVUZ VM ÅH]VYZ :V VU [OL TLU\ [OPZ ^LLR is Baked Lotus Root Chips and Salsa – aka Asian nachos!
HEALTHY LIVING Baked Lotus Root Chips & Salsa Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes +PMÄJ\S[`! ,HZ` Serves: 2 people Lotus Root Chips Ingredients kilogram lotus root 2 tablespoon of your favorite spice blend (I used cumin, coriander, pepper, and cayenne – all can be found online or at specialty Indian markets around Daegu) 1 teaspoon salt or to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon vinegar Directions 1. Preheat toaster oven to 220°C 2. Drain pre-packaged lotus root or wash and peel the root, removing any brown bits and cut into thin slices
Salsa Ingredients 3 ripe tomatoes white or red onion 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 tablespoon leek (or cliantro if you can ÄUK P[ 2 hot peppers 1 teaspoon salt [LHZWVVU OV[ WLWWLY ÅHRLZ 1 teaspoon black pepper Squeeze of EasyLime (available at most supermarkets)
3. Place the sliced lotus root in the bowl of vinegar water for about 5 minutes 4. Pat dry using paper towel 5. Add lotus root and oil to a Tupperware container. Put on the lid and shake it until the slices are covered in oil 6. Add spices and shake again 7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the slices out in a single layer 8. Bake for 15 minutes 9. Start making your salsa! 10. Turn chips and bake for another 15 minutes or until brown 11. Remove and let cool – the chips will crisp up as they cool down
Directions 1. Dice tomatoes, hot peppers, and onions 2. Add garlic, spices, and lime 3. *V]LY HUK SL[ [OL ÅH]VYZ TLSK MVY TPUutes
FOOD & DRINK
ŕł&#x;â&#x20AC;Ť×&#x2122;â&#x20AC;ŹŐ§â&#x20AC;Ť×ľâ&#x20AC;Ź Story  by  Maxwell  Shellabarger,  Translation  by  Ӥâ&#x20AC;Ť×Żâ&#x20AC;Źŕ§&#x2122; Photography  by  Karen  Melton
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rom  what  I  have  seen,  it  would  appear  that  most  foreigners  living  in  Korea  eat  very  similar  foods.   Outside  of  the  occasional  return  to  western  food  and  barbecued  meats,  a  staple  of  the  expat  diet  is  ŕ°&#x2018;ŕŠ&#x;ŕš&#x2014;  (dakgalbi).   This  dish  of  grilled  chicken  rib  meat  and  vegetables  in  a  ZWPJ` YLK ZH\JL PZ KLĂ&#x201E;UP[LS` VUL VM T` WLYZVUHS favorite  discoveries  since  moving  here.   There  are  a  variety  of  restaurants  downtown,  but  I  think  I  might  have  found  the  holy  grail  of  galbi.   I  made  [OPZ Ă&#x201E;UK [OHURZ [V H 2VYLHU MVVK ISVN 0 Z[HY[LK following  (ŕ°?ŕŤ?ྪá&#x192;ľá Šŕ¸&#x17E;);  Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d  recommend  following  it  too  if  youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  interested  in  local  cuisine  and  want  to  practice  your  Korean  reading. The  name  of  the  restaurant  is  á&#x2039;ťŕŻľŕŽ&#x192;ŕ°&#x2018;,  which  I  think  translates  to  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sky  Day  Chicken.â&#x20AC;?   I  went  with  two  friends,  and  we  ordered  three  servings  of  the  dakgalbi,  two  servings  of  double  cheese,  and  two  servings  of  fried  rice  for  after  the  chicken  was  gone.   This  wound  up  being  a  mountain  VM MVVK [OH[ ^L OHK KPMĂ&#x201E;J\S[` ]HUX\PZOPUN ;OL chicken  and  vegetables  were  delicious,  albeit  quite  spicy,  despite  ordering  the  â&#x20AC;&#x153;normal  (ŕ¸&#x17E;á&#x2030;&#x203A;)â&#x20AC;?  level  of  heat.   The  cheese  was  the  real  star  here;  ordering  double  cheese  resulted  in  an  oceanic  pool  of  molten  cheese  in  the  middle  of  our  pan.   It  was  decadent.   The  fried  rice  was  a  perfect Â
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PF  December  2013
ending  to  the  meal,  soaking  up  all  the  leftover  sauce  and  grease.  The  restaurant  itself  is  pretty  small.   Expect  to  ZP[ VU [OL Ă&#x2026;VVY HZ [OLYL HYL UV JOHPYZ (SZV WLYhaps  bring  someone  who  is  at  least  moderately  WYVĂ&#x201E;JPLU[ PU 2VYLHU ;OL ^HP[ Z[HMM KPK UV[ HWpear  to  be  able  to  speak  much  English,  but  this  was  not  a  problem  for  us.   As  for  the  pros  and  cons,  there  are  a  few  of  each.   On  the  plus  side,  the  dakgalbi  is  the  best  I  have  ever  had.   It  was  perfectly  spicy,  there  were  copious  vegetables,  and  the  cheese  added  creamy  richness.   On  the  other  hand,  the  fact  that  this  place  is  so  good  attracts  customers  accordingly.   We  were  lucky  to  be  seated  the  night  we  went  there;  we  saw  many  groups  either  get  turned  away  or  told  to  wait  for  up  to  an  hour  to  get  a  spot.   Another  possible  downside  of  this  restaurant  is  its  loca[PVU >L JV\SK UV[ Ă&#x201E;UK HU` I\Z Z[VWZ [OH[ ^LYL particularly  close,  and  it  was  a  15  minute  walk  from  the  nearest  subway  (Yongsan).   Regardless,  I  would  still  recommend  this  restaurant  for  anyone  looking  for  the  best  dakgalbi  in  Daegu.   Copy  and  paste  this  address  into  smart  phones  and  enjoy  your  chicken!  ŕ°?ŕŤ?ŕ˝&#x192;ŕ°?ŕť?ŕŤ?á&#x20AC;§ŕşŽŕą?92014(á&#x20AC;§ŕşŽá&#x192;Žá&#x2039;ťá&#x2026;?ŕą&#x2026;ิ૱)
FOOD & DRINK ዽ ະધ ၰ௴ ဘၨ౹ၕ พ ඓ ఝิึ ൯ဨ ๗ཁዽ ၗངၕ ൾ௴ ઇၒച พၨఋ ಕಕച ൾ ௴ ࿅ၗངၦ ๗ሕၗངၕ ႞ဘዻඓ ဘၨ౹ၡ ဠངఎ ၔ ๗ၦఋ ൯ဪ ࿅ஸ ๗ધૺဉ ᅘ ႁဪ ፎ ૐဲ ൾ௴ ၦ ဠ൘௴ ఝૐ ၦ೭ ൾ࿌ ม ၗང თ ੭ ၨ႕ၒച ਜ਼ၿ ൨ ௴ ઇ౹ თ ዻၦఋ ఝૐ གྷஏ௴ ఋ࿅ዽ ၗང႙ ౹ၦ ၰხൢ ࿌ᄒඓ ௴ ૯ ྦ ༝࿌ၰ௴ ᆊધၡ ๗ჵ ᅗ ྤတప ઇ ੪ఋ ၦ ක౷ ઇၦ ዽ ၨၡ ൪ჵ ๓ച૯ నึၦ࿘ఋ ጎቔၗང શཉၦ ൣ ዽ ࿌ ၪૺ ཀዻધ ཌྷၒཅ ึၦ ೡඓ ൪ჵ ๓ച૯ ር෮ዻ௴ ઇၕ ᆓᅩጄ൘ધ ཌྷఋ ၦ ᆓᅩዾ ၗང႙ၡ ၦၔ ዻ௵ஃၨవ ஏ ແੜၒച௴ ང ఙ ၦၡ ၡු௴ Œ.TaQVO +PQKSMV QV \PM ;Saœၩ ઇ ੪ఋ ၡ ᆵૐ౹ ਜ਼ ๗ ၨึ ధ๓ ᆳღ ၨึၕ බዻધ ધૺ ఋ ൾၔ ፎ ภၗ෬ ၨ ึၕ ವ බጋఋ ภၗ෬ၡ ࿅ ၔ ஞඳ ൣྤ ஆ࿖ၦ ൾૺ ௴ ࿌ီၕ ઘ࿘ఋ ધૺဉ ᅘ௴ ൯ဪ൪ၡ ႜ Ŕพቛŕ ၒച බጋ௴వ ൯းხൢ ൪ၰ࿘ఋ ၦ ၗངၡ ჰ჻ พම ၔ ᆳღఋ බዽ ధ๓ᆳღ ਜ਼ አၡ თิሽ ீྤ ఝ ዽ ᆳღ ජၕ ൢ౹࿌ఋ ૯ ઁ თెໜၦ ၰၕ ൢም ፑൌጋ ఋ ภၗ෬ၔ ඈၨ ဠ൘ ൾધ ፎ ஆၔ ࿅ஸ ૺၕ ၦဧ
ዽ ဋดዽ ൠხൡ ᇬ༺ఋ ངఙၡ ૬ක௴ ၵၔ ኻၦ ఋ Ⴚ໐ၔ ක Ⴚངၒച ૐໜ ࿌ ၰఋ ૯൘ધ ྤൠ ႕ఙ ᎁ ዽ ዽ ຫ ጀନ ௴ ઇၦ Ⴙၕ ౽ጋఋ ၦ ၡ Ⴖ࿕ဴ౹ၔ ࿌ ૯ఋხ ዽ ઇᅧ พၦხ௴ ྨྰၒ ဨ൘ ௴ ૯ఋხ ማ ࿌ီၔ ࿖࿘ ఋ ၿఎ႙ ఝጄ ዻၴඓ Ⴙၔ ႙ၔ ૯ ൪ၔ ხଥ ൾ࿌ ม ઇ თ ᆊધఋ ဋดᎁ ൯ဪ൪ఋ ᅘ ෮ఝዽ ࿅ ၦ࿘ધ ᆳღ௴ ሙ൜੪ၦ ዟิዽ ൪ၕ ధጋఋ ఋ൏ ዽ ኻၒച௴ ၦ ၗངၦ ႜ ൪ၰૺ ಕබ ૯ ൢም ધ੮ၕ ୬ఋ௴ ႙ၦ ఋ ဨ൘ਜ਼ ੦ప ૯ ႔வ௴ ၴ ൘ ၼၕ ༘ ၰ௴ ઇ ၴᅰਜ਼ ጌ
ဪၦ࿘ఋ ဨ൘௴ ၴ൘ ၼၒ ඓ ዽ གྷ ႜ௴ ૺఋ ዽ ఋ௴ ၕ ౸ધ ྤ௴ ൣၔ ඳ൘ၡ ຫ౹ၕ พૺ ጋఋ ၦ ၗང႙ၡ ವ ఋ൏ ఎ႙ၦೡඓ ၁ᆳၦఋ ဨ൘௴ ችถᎁ ၗང႙ ਜ਼ଆဪ ༺ ႜၿၕ ᅗၕ ༘ ࿖࿌ ૯ ૱ᅧ ਜ਼ଆဪ ხዻ ᅪၨ ဧຮ ึ ႜ ઃ࿌ਜ਼ ጋఋ ዻხൢ ૯ ุૐዻધ ႖ᎁ ఝૐ ਜ਼ၿ ൪ၰ௴ ๗ჵၕ ᅗ௴ ึ ௴ ၦ ၗང႙ၕ ᆓᅩዻધ ཌྷఋ ༺ൠቼ ၦ ฟຫ ฿பૺዻધ ൪ၰ௴ ๗ གྷ૾ ೦ఁఋ ఝૐགྷఐૐ ဧຮ! ဧຮხዻᅍ ิ૱
FOOD & DRINK
Huckleberry Story  by  Matthew  Stroud,  Translation  by  ŕ§&#x2030;â&#x20AC;ŤŮ&#x201A;â&#x20AC;Źŕ¨&#x2DC; Photography  by  Matthew  Stroud  and  ŕŞ&#x20AC;ŕ§&#x2022;ਸ
O
n  a  cold  winter  night,  I  pulled  myself  [OV\NO [OL [YHMĂ&#x201E;J KV^U[V^U PU ZLHYJO of  Huckleberry  bar.   I  didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  know  what  to  expect  from  Huckleberry,  other  than  it  would  probably  be  different  from  the  usual  bars  that  pepper  the  streets  of  the  trendier  areas  of  Daegu.   In  this  respect,  I  was  not  disappointed.   Huckleberry  is  styled  in  an  outdoors/camping  theme,  which  makes  this  bar  stand-out  from  regular  downtown  spots,  although  I  nearly  walked  past  it.   It  is  small.   Like  a  tent.   That  being  said,  this  makes  it  a  more  intimate  spot  for  evening  drinks.  ;OL KtJVY PZ KLJPKLKS` TPUPTHSPZ[PJ ^P[O IHsic  chairs  and  tables  throughout.   On  the  walls  there  hang  various  camping  paraphernalia,  lending  unexpected  warmth  to  the  room.   The  name  Huckleberry  brings  to  mind  the  mighty  Missis-
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sippi  river,  reeds  along  the  riverbank,  and  steamboats,  but  while  the  bar  has  the  name  Huckleberry,  the  interior  styling  reminds  one  more  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  or  the  Appalachians.   They  should  hang  a  bearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  head  on  the  wall  for  effect.   Seriously.   Bears  are  cool. >OPSL [OL Z[`SPUN HUK KtJVY VM [OL IHY PZ KLĂ&#x201E;nitely  unique,  it  would  be  great  if  their  minimalistic  leanings  would  carry  over  to  their  prices.   I  found  that  paying  6000  won  for  a  bottled  Hoegaarden  was  a  bit  much,  especially  when  you  can  get  a  pint  of  the  stuff  for  less  at  other  bars,  in  more  convenient  locations  that  arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  â&#x20AC;&#x153;off  the  beaten  trackâ&#x20AC;?,  as  it  were.   The  draft  beer  is  surprisingly  delicious,  however,  and  costs  just  4,000  won.  Choice  of  alcoholic  beverages  is  limited  at  Huckleberry.   The  one  thing  Huckleberry  has  plenty  of  is  Absolut  vodka,  bottles  of  which  line  the  exterior  of  the  bar,  in  stark  cosmopolitan  contrast  to  the  sleeping  bags  and  gas  lanterns  that  hang  from  the  walls.   If  you  are  someone  who  indulges  in  tobacco  inhalation  then  you  can  enjoy  your  cigarette,  pipe,  or  cigar  in  true  camping  style;  outside,  in  camping  chairs,  watching  [OL [YHMĂ&#x201E;J NV I` In  all  honesty,  the  only  thing  about  Huckleberry  that  would  lure  me  back  would  be  Huckleberry  itself.   It  is  quiet,  warm,  and  unlikely  to  be  anything  but.   If  you  would  like  a  calm  drinking  experience  without  the  threat  of  being  bothered  by  an  annoyingly  drunk  foreigner,  then  Huckleberry  is  a  place  you  should  look  into.   Indeed,  if  you  hate  people  and  want  to  drink  alone  then  I  daresay  the  place  is  made  for  you.   They  also  give  out  Huckleberry  stickers  which  you  can  slap  onto  your  skateboard,  as  I  did,  assisting  you  in  living  your  rebellious  lifestyle.
࿌௲ ᆓဪ ખါ ෫ ௴ ၴཅ ၕ གྷஏၡ ၨኒ ጘᅸ ጏሜฉ ൘ ᅎጋఋ ௴ ጏሜฉ൘ ඳ࿗ၕ ૺఝዾხ ඞ೨ხ ൢ ၦ႙ ௴ ཇ൫ዻხ ྨ ྰఋ ጏሜฉ൘௴ ဘ ᇉዺ ቇൠ ༺ረၩച ૯ ༺ረၩၔ ၦ གྷஏၡ ၉ዽ ၩ ၿ౹ ᅍ ถጷጄ࿘ఋ ๗ഛ ௴ ၡ ༺ ᅸხጋხൢ ቼ੪ ၦ ၵఋધ ዻ ხხൢ ၦઇၔ ႔வ༜ၴ൘ ᆵ༙ዽ ၿച ൢ ౹࿌࿘ఋ ཇஏၿངၔ ጸཇᎁ ૺม ᅙື ቇၦ๓ၦ ႖ᅰ႕ၒച ුఁ ൘ცၦ࿘ఋ ด௴ ఋ࿅ዽ ᇉዺ ဧዜၦ ၰ࿌ ືᆳජዽ ಋጀ ၦ ෮ ௲ମხഛ ጋఋ ጏሜ ฉ൘ೡ௴ ၦၔ ၿዽ ුགྷགྷ ዳ ၦ ਜ਼ ጏሜฉ൘ೡ௴ ၦၕ ਜ਼ჰ ඓ ၨቇ൘࿌ ༺ረၩၔ ഛ ሠຮ൰ၦ ྩኒೡᆳྦຮ൰౹ ၕ ಞ൘ዽఋ ૯౹ၔ યၡ ൽ ൘ ดఋ ፉ ၁ጄ ఐྤ ዽఋ ၡ ༺ረၩൟ వᇬഅၦ ၦ ႜച ెችጋხൢ Ⴎ૯ൠዽ ၿངၦ ਜ਼ગఝ ൬ᆓૺ ᆚึ ጋఋ ௴ ጭਜ਼౷ၶၕ ဴ
ხุዻ௴ ઇၦ ແ൰௴ ூ೦ ൪ၰ࿘ხൢ ਜ਼ગၔ ဴၦ࿘ఋ ጏሜฉ൘ ྩᇬၗഭ ໓ሳዻ௴ ઇၔ ႞ዽ႕ၦ࿘ఋ ጏ ሜฉ൘ ൣၔ ઇთ ዻ௴ ྐྵ ളቼ พᆽച บ౹ ၦ ბხ࿌ၰ࿘ఋ ൢ྾ఙཅၦ ቔ ᇬ ፷ၮ Ⴆၰ௴ ਜ਼ၦ ೡඓ ჰ჻ᇉዺ༺ረၩച ఙཅၡ క ኒၦይ གྷਜ਼ ჩ૾༘ၯ ఋ ຫ౹ၦ ხਜ਼௴ ઇၕ พඓ ੪ ᇉዺၡၴ ྦྷྤ ჯᎁ ዽఋඓ ጏሜฉ൘ ஏਜ਼ ୮൘௴ ಌ ዻ௴ ጏሜ ฉ൘ ૯ၴᅰၦఋ ጏሙฉ൘௴ Ⴎ ဧዻધ ಋዻધ ఋ൏ ఋ് ఋ௴႙ ൢ྾ ఙཅၦ ጷ ༜ᆟዽ ဘၨၒചิሽ ෮ጄ෦ၕ ၁ጥ ࿖ၦ ᅍึዻ ༜ၕ ൾધ ཌྷఋඓ ጏሜฉ൘௴ ఙཅၦ ଶ ਜ਼วዾ ၦఋ ႜച ఙཅၦ ၨኒ ࿌ዻધ ጯၴ ൠགྷધ ཌྷ࿌ዽఋඓ ௴ ᎁ ၦၿਜ਼ ఙཅၕ ၁ጄ ၰఋધ ዻધཌྷఋ ጏሜฉ൘௴ ఙཅၡ ༺ᇛၦቼพၡ ิᅎዾ ༘ ၰ௴ ༺ቼᇑ ࿌ ࿌ ௴ ฿พྰఋ ఙཅၦ ጃྤ ೡၦይ༺ረၩၕ ຫ௴వ ီ ၕ ბઇၦఋ
COMMUNITY
Falling in Love Fish Tanks Story and photography by Kaleena Quarles, from the blog www. kaleenaskaleidoscope.com
W
hen I began telling people back home that I was moving to Korea, there seemed to be an inevitable and predictable thought process for the listener: confusion (“wait, where?”); shock (“but, umm, why?!”); fear (“but isn’t North Korea trying to bomb them or something?”); excitement (“oh it sounds like such an adventure!”). Then came the stories of how their cousin or their neighbor’s best friend had moved abroad and met the love of their life and lived happily ever after, and how I was surely destined to do the same. +LZWP[L [OL ÄLYJLS` PUKLWLUKLU[ WHY[ VM TL that wanted to decry these exclamations in the name of feminism and explain to everyone that I was doing this for me and that I didn’t need [V ÄUK H THU 0»K IL S`PUN PM 0 KPKU»[ HKTP[ [OH[ H small part of me hoped they were right. Maybe 0 ^V\SK ÄUK [OH[ ZWLJPHS WLYZVU HSVUN [OL ^H` After all, there would be thousands of other foreigners just like me who came to Korea seeking a similar adventure; I was bound to meet a healthy dose of smart, brave, funny, ambitious, mature, attractive men seeking a relationship with another expat, right? I would probably have trouble juggling my dating schedule what with all the meaningful conversations about life and romantic adventures I’d be having. In retrospect, I’d say I was exceedingly... optimistic. For a variety of reasons I’ll explain another day, along with the simple statistics of women outnumbering male expats, dating in this country
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has not quite been the fairy tale I imagined. So after 9 months of little luck on the dating front, I had a few glasses of wine and did that thing that we all do but never like to admit: online dating (ahem). After sifting through a barrage of messages that included opening lines like, “I’m so talented person, I make coffee and I swam across the
piece of plywood lying across the ledge but as I reached up to climb over the wall, I experienced the curious sensation of falling. All at once I realized my foot had fallen straight through the rotting wood and into a giant hole. I screamed as both of my legs collapsed through the crumbling board, and my date looked on in horror, confusion, and perhaps a glimmer of embarrassment at my predicament. You see, it was not just a hole: I had just fallen into an extremely large, abandoned ÄZO [HUR He pulled me out before any of the consternated onlookers could yell at me and I hobbled away from the scene as quickly as possible, shakPUN HUK HIZVS\[LS` TVY[PÄLK Although he was a great sport and took it all in stride, it’s safe to say we’re not exactly planning our wedding. Perhaps I’m just not meant to date... but at least I can forever tell the pun-tastic joke of the time I fell in love H ÄZO [HUR VU H ÄYZ[ date.
ʩSDɢ 'LʋʢȲHɡ
Han River” and “I want you to sit on my face,” I began chatting with someone who didn’t seem like a potential serial killer and agreed to meet him in Busan for a date. We hiked along some beautiful cliffs and ate a picnic lunch with a lovely view. All was going well and I was amazed that I hadn’t embarrassed myself because, as my friends can assure you, I have an uncanny knack for both inQ\YPUN T`ZLSM HUK ÄUKPUN T`self in bizarre situations. But the day was not over yet. At the bottom of a hill was a collection of seafood shacks, though they seemed closed PUKLÄUP[LS` K\L [V H OLH]` amount of construction in the area. As we started walking up the road a semi truck stopped and blocked our path. It appeared the only way to bypass it would be by going through the side patio of a seafood shack and hopping over a retaining wall back onto the road. Not paying much attention to what I was doing, I climbed up on a ledge about three feet high to help me reach the top of the wall. I stepped onto a
Expat Diaries
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
LiNK Story by Jason Bridgewater, Images provided by LiNK
H
V\ZLK VU [OL [VW ÅVVY VM HU PUJVUZWPJ\ous building in one of the maze-like streets of Jung-gu is Babalu Dance Club. On one special day during November, it became a painting of color and rhythm, welcoming in people of all backgrounds and walks of life. The LiNK Zumbathon proclaimed a coming together of J\S[\YLZ [V [HRL WHY[ PU H ÄNO[ HNHPUZ[ IV[O H SHJR VM H^HYLULZZ HUK SHJR VM Ä[ULZZ 0[ OHZ ILLU Q\Z[ one of the many events held by the LiNK Daegu Team in aid of changing common perceptions about North Korea, whilst raising both awareness and much needed funding for the greater organization. LiNK stands for Liberty in North Korea, an NGO with foundations in Washington DC, USA. With the common public image of North Korea shrouded in politics and military standoffs, the developing underbelly of the nation as a social and economic entity is often overlooked. LiNK works to change the public perception of North Korea from one of a focus upon total military tyranny and high politics to one where the citizens are humanized and considered as individuals. 3P52 +HLN\ JVUZPZ[Z VM RL` ÄN\YLZ HUK H small band of dedicated volunteers to put the ideas into action. Willie T. Reaves Jr., Director of Strategy & Media, had this to say about his reasoning behind the construction of a Daegu chapter of LiNK: “We noticed early on that Daegu’s expat and university communities were both engaged and motivated and wanted to help leverage that energy to advance change for North Korea. Daegu is colorful for many reasons, not least of all because of the huge hearts of its residents.” LiNK has partnered with bodies such as the Yeungnam University International Student’s Union in hosting local events with the intent to reach
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PF December 2013
out to interested students. Additionally, working with the Daegu Theatre Troupe provided an astoundingly effective means of bringing the issues to the attention of both foreign English speakers and the Korean audience through a dramatized portrayal of American and Korean thanksgivings. As such, since it’s founding in March 2013, the Daegu chapter of LiNK has built extensive connections with many of the independent industries within the region. It’s common for foreign individuals to be interested in North Korea due to the ingrained perceptions one receives from western media outlets. We urge such people to get involved and become more aware. The situation isn’t totally how the media portrays it to be- as with all things. This is an issue about people’s lives. The deaths we read about online are those of someone’s brother, someone’s father, a sister, a daughter, a child. LiNK works to help those who have managed to defeat the odds and escape to China but are still trapped in silence and secrecy for fear of deportation and likely capital punishment. So get involved, spread the world, be a link in the chain of communication. Anyone can change the world – one person can make a difference. With the New Year coming around, LiNK Daegu is looking to expand its membership and volunteer team. If you are interested, you can get more information by visiting their Facebook page, following their Twitter, or contacting any of the executive team! Email: daegulinkteam@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/daegulinkteam Twitter: twitter.com/DaeguLiNKTeam Website: libertyinnorthkorea.org
COMMUNITY Meet the team... Jennifer Lind
Aaron Rangoonwala
How did you get involved with LiNK? Why LiNK? Why not another charity or organization? Jennifer Lind (JL): When I arrived in Daegu, I L_WLJ[LK [V ÄUK HU VYNHUPaH[PVU HSYLHK` ^VYRPUN to spread awareness and raise funds for North Korean refugees. Though there are groups of various kinds in the city that are doing great nonWYVÄ[ HUK JOHYP[` ^VYR [OL KHUNLYV\Z YLHSP[` MVY many North Korean defectors is so severe and time-sensitive that it warrants attention all of its own. So I talked to some friends about it, and they agreed. We thus banded together under 3P52»Z IHUULY HUK Z[HY[LK [OL ÄYZ[ NYV\W VM V\Y kind in this city. What was your background before Korea and how did that lead you to become involved in human rights issues? Willie T. Reaves Jr. (WTRJ): I was involved with civil rights activism in high school and studied international human rights in college; this sowed the seeds of passion for people. When I ÄYZ[ ZL[ L`LZ VU [OL ZOHU[` [V^UZ ULHY [OL [V^U where I was living while interning for an NGO in Argentina, I promised to dedicate my life to improving the human condition, no matter where in the world that might take me. Aaron Rangoonwala (AR): I was raised in East Africa and constantly exposed to poverty and injustice. In university, I started studying International Politics, and this lens gave me great global
Willie T. Reaves Jr.
awareness of our comparative human condition. I realized the privilege in which I was born and the ability I had to affect the situation of others. A year of service with immigrant communities [OYV\NO (TLYPJVYWZ =0:;( ZVSPKPÄLK T` JVTTP[ment to be a voice for the underprivileged. JL: Throughout college and afterward, I volunteered and worked with immigrants and refugees from various backgrounds in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Prior to Korea, I also worked full-time for a genocide awareness and advocacy organization. However, what changed my life most profoundly were the stories of close MYPLUKZ ^OV OHK L_WLYPLUJLK ÄYZ[OHUK [OL ^VYZ[ that humans can do to one another, and I grew to realize that I could no longer live my life as a bystander in the face of injustice. What does your role with Daegu LiNK entail? WTRJ: I serve as the “voice” of Daegu LiNK through our social media, marketing, and branding efforts to ensure that our messaging is clear, effective, and accurate. I constantly research developments in North Korea and create systems and resources that will help Daegu LiNK outlast my time in Korea. JL: As the Director of Events and Advocacy, I work primarily to establish contacts in the community, organize events, and be a general source of information and advocate for, and about, the human rights crisis in North Korea.
COMMUNITY AR: My skills are to maintain a big picture perspective, to generate ideation as we achieve our set goals of advocacy and fundraising. I use my ZVJPHS JVUULJ[PVUZ [V ÄUK [HSLU[ WHZZPVU HUK resources for our events. What do you feel the future has in store for North Korean relations with other nations, including the changing relationship that it has with China? AR: The regime’s heightened provocations
and political brinksmanship in 2013 weakened ties with even its closest allies, China and Russia. North Korea’s continual refusal to adhere to international standards of human dignity is at odds with its recent shift toward international trade and tourism. Such examples as Germany’s boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Russia due to human rights issues demonstrate that the world is tired of silent acquiescence to dire wrongs and is prepared to push North Korea toward a brighter future.
On the Web:
From Korea With Love Story by Monique Dean
W
hat started out as a way for blogger, Alex A-Che, to keep her family updated on life in Korea and help cope with the inevitability of homesickness, has turned in to a multimedia menagerie bound to keep its readers intrigued. Considered a veteran by expat standards, Alex says ‘From Korea With Love’ has been one of the key components to maintaining her happiness and sense of wonder after three years of living in the ROK. This, combined with a great network of friends and an involvement in various social and humanitarian organizations, has helped her maintain her love and appreciation for the country. This is not only evident through her words, but also the beautiful imagery and poetic elements that are laced through the blog. From Korea With Love not only strikes a chord with experienced expats, but also serves as a guide for newcomers on how to make the most of their
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PF December 2013
experience in a place most of us now call home. To learn more about Alex and her experiences, check out www.fromkoreawithlove.org
CULTURE
Wining and dining on Valentine’s Day Story by Abbey Kaye Ritter
I
walked to our favorite ངఙ (shik-dahng, restaurant) where my ஆၴᆵૐ (nahm-jah chin-gu, boyfriend) was waiting with his elbows resting on the table, a ဉၨบ (wah-een-byung, bottle of wine) and ဉၨ ၶ (wah-een du jahn, two wine glasses) sitting before him. I rushed inside and planted a ሠ༺ዻఋ (key-suh-hah-duh, kiss) on his ၮ༜ (ihp-sool, lips). “ พધཌྷ࿘࿌!” (ohp-pa bo-go-shih-puhshuh, oppa I missed you). After drinking the ဉၨบ with a ஊൢ႕ၨ ႔வ ངຫ (nahng-mahn-jeok-een juh-nyeok-sheekZHO YVTHU[PJ KPUULY HUK Ä[ [V I\YZ[ 0 HZRLK him, “ጄი~!” (bbo-bbo-hae-jwuh, kiss my cheek, please). When neither one of us wanted to request from the staff, “ઢຮ ໞဠ!” (gaesan-suh ju-sae-yo, bill please) and end the date, we realized it had been the perfect ෧ഇረၨ వၦ (bahl-lain-tah-een dae-ee, Valentine’s Day). As he walked me home, I said, “ขཡ พધཌྷ ࿌ ” (buhl-sshah bo-go-shih-puh, I miss you already). ྴો (aeg-yo, cutesy behavior) can be a great tool to use when practicing your Korean phrases on a date, but don’t overdo it. For example, the “~” so often seen in Kakao messages and on Facebook is the Korean way to add extra emWOHZPZ VU [OL ÄUHS WHY[ VM H Z`SSHISL HUK \Z\HSS` it is used at the end of a sentence. It’s similar to the English “heyyy,” “cuuute,” and so on. Also cute is the term “” - a female calling an older male “big brother.” This is not used in the typical blood-related sense that we would say “big brother” in English. can be used for close male friends as well as a ஆၴᆵૐ by
adding ྴો. Be warned: using is cute for those who are in a relationship, but can be seen as obnoxious when non-Korean girls use it in an attempt to attract Korean men with whom they have no prior entanglement, romantic or otherwise. In order to pronounce properly, you must pay attention to the syllable “” (ppah). The double letters, like “΅" and “Έ," can be confusing for a non-native speaker. These letters are a way of adding emphasis and unlike “~” they are a true part of the Korean language and not simply text-speak. For pronunciation, it helps to think of these as harder versions of the original letters—sounds that are stressed and forced out of your mouth. For proper demonstrations, ask a Korean friend or watch an online pronunciation tutorial. ጌยዽ ෧ഇረၨవၦ ໞဠ! (haeng-bowlhahn bahl-lain-tah-een-dae-ee dwui-sae-yo, Happy Valentine’s Day!) Special thanks to ૬ጭ for nonstop mini-Korean lessons and much patience.
CULTURE 83 Tower - Laura Reynolds
DAEGU IN
83 Tower - Brianne Ketteman
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PF December 2013
Give a gift appeal - Ali Safavi
CULTURE SantaCon - Padraig McCarrick
DECEMBER
Downtown Light Tunnel - Christina Davies
Downtown - Theresa Havelka
DIRECTORY MUSIC & ARTS
GWANGJU
EXCO
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Ayurveda  Yoga  Academy Siji:  ŕ°?ŕŤ? ŕź&#x2DC;ŕť&#x153;ŕŤ? ŕ˝&#x2026;ྯŕą? á&#x2026;&#x2013;ŕť&#x153;ŕš&#x161;ŕ˛&#x2030; á&#x2020;˛ 053-793-1358 Mancheon: ŕ°?ŕŤ? ŕź&#x2DC;ŕť&#x153;ŕŤ? ྡྷá&#x2026;Šŕą? á&#x2020;˛ 053-752-6889
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PF  December  2013
ટá&#x192;&#x17D;ટ࿌ŕ˝&#x192; ฾ŕŤ? á&#x20AC;§ŕ¸Śŕą? !
First  Alleyway ટá&#x192;&#x17D;ટ࿌ŕ˝&#x192; ŕą?ŕŤ? á&#x2020;&#x161;á żŕ´&#x161; ŕŠ&#x203A; ŕ¸&#x20AC;á&#x192;Ž
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STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Editor Korean Language Editor Copy Editors Designers Writers
Translators Photographers
Laura Reynolds ੧ხၔ
Brianne Ketteman Karen Melton & Lauren Jarman Abbey Kaye Ritter, Adam Fletcher, Ali Safavi, Brittany Gamble, Erica )LYY` 1HZL[`U /H[JOLY 1HZVU )YPKNL^H[LY 1\UL 3LMÅLY 2HSLLUH Quarles, Kayle LaQuea, Kevin Maynard, Kieran Duffy, Mallory Gonia, Matthew Stroud, Maxwell Shellabarger, Megan Deutsch, Monique Dean, Nathan Ouriach, Stephen Schuit, Winnie Ku ੧ხၔ ఋ ဴ
Ali Safavi, Brianne Ketteman, Christina Davies, Erica Berry, Joel :WHYRZ 1\UL 3LMÅLY 2HYLU 4LS[VU 3H\YH 9L`UVSKZ 4HSSVY` Gonia, Matthew Stroud, Megan Deutsch, Padraig McCarrick, Stephen Elliot, Stephen Schuit, Theresa Havelka, Winnie Ku, ႜၔ
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
F
inally, desk warming is over (for the most of us), and the majority of Platform's readers will be jet-setting off to somewhere new and exciting. Hopefully that place includes an above zero climate and cocktails on the beach. For those of you who are unable to leave South Korea this vacation season, I hope the locations we featured in our Staycation segment will inspire you to get out the house and explore the areas around Daegu. If you have more time on your hands than you know what to do with, why not look into some relaxing yoga lessons with Megan, follow Erica's recipe for delicious Lotus Root Chips and Salsa, or visit the Picasso exhibit that is currently on show at the EXCO. Whatever your plans through out January and February, I hope you make the most of the new year and all the exciting things Daegu has to offer Laura Reynolds
facebook.com/platformdaegu platformdaegu@gmail.com