BRIDGE ISSUE#05

Page 1

all lis h

E N G L I S H

eng

c u r a t e d

in

BRIDGE p a p e r z in e

special theme

music festival Comedian

sam hammington Singer

yozoh Accessory Designer

kim sung-bum

#0 5 ᅩ2,000

/ us $2.00

1st and 2nd week of june

www.bridgezine.com

Cover Artist

bae bit we support korean artists


CONTENTS

CEO HANS LEE & SARAH BYON

PUBLISHER HANS LEE

05

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SARAH BYON

EDITOR IN CHIEF

issue

SANG - AA PARK

1st and 2nd week of june

EDITORIAL DIVISION WRITER / TRANSLATOR EDITOR

JUNG - YOON CHOI (jyc@roking.co.kr)

NA - YOUNG KANG (2nayoung.kang@gmail.com)

ASSISTANT

MIN - JUNG CHOI (choi@roking.co.kr) CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR

LYMAN MCLALLEN (mclallen.hufs@gmail.com) Jenny Kim (jkim22@ucla.edu)

WRITERS

TOM WALSH & JEN MOELLER (tomeatsjencooks.com) Matt Kelley (discoveringkorea.com) PHOTOS : MONT

DESIGN DIVISION ART DIRECTOR DESIGNER

DA - WOON YI (dwjjat@roking.co.kr) HYUN - JIN YOO (hjy@roking.co.kr)

MANAGEMENT DIVISION

06

special theme

Coming together in music Best music festivals of South Korea

10

food

modern answers to modern cravings

26

DIRECTOR

art people

MANAGER

Kim Sung-bum, DELL'EST accessory designer

28

FINANCE MANAGER

SU - JUNG LEE

PR & MARKETING DIVISION MANAGER

life style

JUN - HO LEE JEONG - A AHN

JI - HOON SUN (sun@roking.co.kr)

a Dj-DesigneR’s maP of seoul

PARTNERSHIP seminar review (www.dseri.net) RELEVANT MATTER (www.relevant-matter.com)

14

Travel

korean safari

30

F.OUND (www.foundmag.co.kr)

i'm music

SEOULIST (www.seoulistmag.co.kr)

uLTIMaTe TraveL PLayLIsT

talk to me in korea (www.talktomeinkorea.com) a company (www.a-company.kr) MONT STUDIO

16

hidden seoul

kyungdong presbyterian church

18

[bridge] people

sam hammington

32

T h e s e D ay s I n s o u t h Ko r e a

why are s. koreans ignorant when it comes to N. korea

33

PUBLISHED BY ROKING KOREA inc. 5F Kukje B/D, 561-16, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea (135-890) TEL 02 6925 4454 FAX 02 6925 4453 INFO@ROKING.CO.KR

column

on being a guest in korea

for ad inquiry & partnership TEL 02 6925 4454 FAX 02 6925 4453 INFO@ROKING.CO.KR

20

e n t e r ta i n m e n t

24

cover artist

yozoh's tender tale

Bae Bit:Finding happiness in the cycle of life

34

Ta l k To M e I n Ko r e a n

36

r e c o m m e n dat i o n

How to ride taxis and talk to the driver in Korea

arts meet mobile

2 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Bridge Paperzine is published by Roking Korea inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Printed in South Korea


Ivy League Vision Tour

수 많은 아이비리그 투어가 있지만, 진짜 아이비리그를 보여주는 투어는 흔치 않습 니다.단지, 아이비리그를 투어하는 것이 아닌 아이비리그를 통해 비전을 투어 하는 모티베이션 여행의 그 첫번째, 아이비리그 비전 투어.

우리는, 와튼 스쿨<wharton school>에서 세계 석학 교수의 이코노믹 수업에 참석합니다. 전 세계 최고라 불리는 밥슨 칼리지<Babson College> 창업 과정을 언니 오빠들과 함께 참석합니다. 재학생 언니 오빠들과 꿈을 나누고 기숙사에서 함께 지내며 진짜 아이비리그를 체험합니다. 그리고 전 세계인이 모이는 타임스퀘어에서 한국인이라는 자부심을 가지고 그들에게 한국을 보여줍니다. 우리의 활동은 미국 유명 대학 및 카페 등에 배포되는 [락킹매거진]에 당당하게 실리게 됩니다. 또한, 글로벌 컴퍼니들이 모여 있는 뉴욕 월스트리트 내 금융기관을 견학하고 포스퀘어, 구글 등과 같은 세계 중심 회사를 둘러보기 도 합니다. 그리고 우리는 이제 새로운 꿈을 꿉니다. 세상을 리드하는 사람이 되기 위해!

IVY LEAGUE 수업참관

Wall Street 방문

1:1 리얼 멘토링 서비스

글로벌 기업 & [락킹코리아] 인턴십 certification 발행

한국홍보대사활동 ([락킹매거진] 내 기사)

전 일정 포토그래퍼 동행 - 일정 후 동영상, 포토앨범, 제공

주요방문대학 babson college princeton University yale University PENN Columbia University harvard University 큰 세상에서 한국을 알리고 아이비리그를 체험한 세상을 바꿀 미래의 주역 1기 참가자들

MIT

* 여행사 일정이 아닌 private service로 모든 호텔 및 식사 등이

1기 동영상을 확인하세요!!

미국을 체험할 수 있는 의미 있는 것으로만 제공됩니다. (유명 호텔, 미국 하우스 체험,맛집 방문 등) * 글로벌 리더스 라이프 체험 - 바비큐 파티, 리무진 탑승, 선상파티 등 글로벌 리더스 라이프 체험 ! * 본 투어는 영어실력이 일정 수준 이상인 학생들만 참여가 가능합니다. 학교만 둘러보는 투어가 아닌 아이비리그를 체험하는 시간으로 학생들의 터닝 포인트가 될 시간을 제공할 것을 약속 드립니다.

2인 이상 참석 시 10% 할인

일정: 7월 16일 (월) ~ 7월 24일 (화) 총 8박9일 / 참가비: 490만원 (왕복 항공권 불포함) 참가문의: byon@roking.co.kr / T. 02-6925-4454

구독자 10% 할인

웹사이트: www.roking.co.kr / www.bridgezine.com

3 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


광고문의 모두가 읽고 싶어 하는 이야기를 통해 주한외국인과 한국인을 연 결하는 다리 역할을 하는 [브릿지]는 현재 월 40,000부(격주간 20,000부)가 전국으로 배포되고 있습니다.

[Bridge]

subscribe today!

EVENT

6 months (12 issues) for 24,000 won. 12 months (24 issues) for 48,000 won. To subscribe, email us at info@roking.co.kr or go to bridgezine.com, click subscribe, and pay through Paypal. Donations are also welcome at our Paypal site.

우리가 진짜 듣고 싶은 이야기, 사람사는 이야기를 통해 단순 정 보만 제공하는 1차원적 영문 매체가 아닌, 스토리를 통해 교감을 만들어 내는 영문 매체로써 구독자들에게 사랑받고 있습니다. 자고로 광고란 읽혀지는 매체를 통해 공감대를 형성 하였을 때 그 효과가 극대화 되는 것이 아닐까요? 광고문의는 byon@roking.co.kr 로 편히 연락 주시기 바랍니다.

about us There are nearly two million expats living in South Korea. People who make up the expat community vary from those who are here for a short term to the ones who have been here for decades. But not all of expats feel at home here. From time to time you might cannot but feel like a complete outsider, out of touch with what’s going on in Korea. That’s where [Bridge] Paperzine comes in. Unlike other English magazines that focus on either tourist information or limited inner circles, we have created a media outlet where everyone can come together. Through [Bridge] Paperzine expats and Koreans can communicate, collaborate, and stay connected to each other. We are excited to bring you lively and interesting stories told by unique people around Korea. One thing we promise you is that we won’t be just another same old tour guide around Korea. With fresh stories and thoughtprovoking ideas, we hope to grow as the favorite read by expats in Korea.

Where you can get [Bridge]

50,000 won worth cosmetic products by Klairs for 12 month subscriber.

You can purchase Bridge Paperzine at locations of Kyobo Bookstore, Bandi&Luni's, Youngpoong Bookstore. Also you can find our magazine at major hotels and airports, coffeechains, universities, tourist information center and global centers. Web version of this magazine and other on-line contents are provided on our website at www.bridgezine.com. You can also find our contents on 'The magazine' application for your mobile device such as Galaxy Tab and iPad. If you want to subscribe to our magazine, you can do so by visiting our website(www.birdgezine.com) and signing up for home delivery. The contents of our publications are protected by copyright law and violation of copyright laws can subject you to criminal and civil penalties.

[Bridge]

ONLINE & mobile From our website, www.bridgezine.com, you can enjoy reading more contents beside offline BRIDGE paperzine, and watching fun videos along with an article. Our strength is made at CONN[EK]TED (on our website), where expats in Korea and Koreans are connected by sharing their experiences and perspective on-line. Please visit our official website www.bridgezine.com.

ANDROID

Now at anytime, anywhere, you can read BRIDGE for FREE through "더매거진" App. Click the very right side of the menu, and it's called "문화,경제". Simply, download the provided QR code on the right. It will walk you through.

Iphone

We would love to hear directly from you. Please feel free to tell us what you think about [Bridge] Paperzine. info@roking.co.kr

AD announcement [BRIDGE] has a huge circulation of 40,000 copies a month. With its outstanding design and interesting reads, the reader base has been growing rapidly. Just like our name, we play a role in bridging the gap between Koreans and expats. We are not just simple informative flyer, but a unique English media that tells story through the people we meet. We believe it is the same for the advertisements. The more people read and sympathize with it, the bigger its effectiveness.

facebook

If you have questions regarding advertisement, please contact us at byon@roking.co.kr

Bridge paperzine

4 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


5 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


s

p

e

c

i

a

l

t

h

e

m

e

Coming together in music

Best music festivals of South Korea When you’re sick of the everyday grind and you need to take off somewhere to feel renewed, what would you do?

BY_ SANG-AA PARK / PHOTOS PROVIDED BY_ JARASUM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, JISAN VALLEY ROCK FESTIVAL, SEOUL JAZZ FESTIVAL, GRAND MINT FESTIVAL, GREENPLUGGED

We'd say going to a music festival is the perfect solution to cast away your stress. Bridge has selected the top music festivals that take place in the second half of the year. These world-class music festivals offer something for everyone, from rock to jazz to indie music. But that's not all! Because they are held at outdoor venues away from Seoul, you can also hike, camp, picnic, and more—a true escape from the city life. Read on, pick a festival, and don't forget to book your tickets in advance.

t to burs t n n a a w ? jis Do youur rock spirit out yo y e vall k c o r– Sunday, 7/31

, 7/29 Friday

Jisan. ead to h ld u Jisan o ou sh resque Then y e pictu th val has t a eld ck festi ro d e Being h n w ar. For is reno each ye d valley, th etting better al hoste st g k Festiv c o is R been ju th y lle and isan Va icians, years J ck mus ro ns like h ia tc ic -no . Mus s u il the top fa ’t ard and ey didn a, M.W Ih s e year th ou m a make y blake, J es will it ad ll James te h a S your e Boom anging B t. Boom l u il o uw and sh usic, yo nd scream to the m Jisan a g in to p o m G . ju fe d an of li e woes ! forget th ll your stress ya a w a t s ca

http://valleyrockfestival.mnet.com Location: Jisan Forest Resort, Icheon, Gyeonggi Province Address: Jisan Forest Resort, 100-3, Haewol-ri, Majang-myun, Icheon, Gyeonggi Province(about one hour away from Seoul). At Dong Seoul Terminal located by Gangbyeon station on subway line #2, take a intercity bus headed to Icheon. Get off at Icheon bus terminal and take bus #12. Get off at Jisan Forest Resort Three-day Admission: 250,000 (10% discount on internet sales) Ticket sales: www.mnet.com / ticket.yes24.com / ticket.interpark.com Oversea Artist: Radiohead, The Stone Roses, Beady Eye, Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Owl City, James Blake, James Iha, Boom Boom Satellites, M. Ward Domestic Artist: Kim Chang-wan Band, The Black Skirts, Juck Lee, eAeon, Taru, Nell, Monni, Busker Busker, Apollo 18, Achime, Underwears Band, Peter Pan Complex, Hollow Jan

6 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


s

p

e

c

i

a

l

t

green plugged Usually takes place on the last weekend in May

h

e

m

e www.greenplugged.com

A picnic to the Han River Park in the springtime is a must for any Seoulite, even moreso if there’s live indie music to be had. Greenplugged brings the Hongdae scene right in front of your picnic mat. Take this last weekend in May to indulge in wine and food, hike around the park, and most importantly, enjoy the music.

Grand Mint Oct. 20-21. 2012 (specific dates to be announced) This fall, pack your picnic basket, gather some friends, and head to Olympic Park. GRAND MINT FESTIVAL is one of the biggest indie music festivals in South Korea. Here, you can see some of the most popular indie musicians and discover new favorite artists. Don’t forget to bring some wine to drink while you listen to the music!

www.grandmintfestival.com

88 Lawn Field, Lakeside Stage, etc. at Seoul Olympic Park (Exit 3 at Olympic Park station, Subway line #5) Two-day Admission: 130,000 One-day Admission: 85,000 Ticket Sales: ticket.yes24.com www.grandmintfestival.com

7 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


s

p

e

c

i

a

l

t

h

JARASUM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL Friday, 10/12 – Sunday, 10/14 Korean autumns are known for their crystal clear skies and pleasant breezes, the perfect weather for jazz. And just in time for that season is a two-time Best Festival of Korea award-winning jazz festival, the Jarasum International Jazz Festival. It brings some of the best international and domestic jazz musicians. Because of the inviting open-air venue, people of all ages and groups can enjoy the deep horns and groovy bass under the clear autumn sky. Renowned for its quality, Jarasum International Jazz Festival has moved up from relative obscurity in South Korea to being the best jazz festival in the Asia-pacific region in just seven years.

8 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

e

m

e

Jarasum and adjacent venues around Gapyeong Three-day admission: 70,000 Two-day admission: 55,000 One-day admission: 15,000 Ticket sale www.lotte.com How to get there (Takes 40 minutes from Seoul) Shuttle buses to and from Jarasum are available during the festival. At subway line #2 Sports Complex Station, come out exit 2. The shuttle runs hourly from 11:30am to 3:30 am. www.grandmintfestival.com


9 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


f

o

o

d

BY_JAY CHUNG / PHOTOGRAPHS BY KERI SHAY

La Cuisine opens summer cooking classes to bring new light to modern Korean

MODERN ANSWERS T O MODERN CRAVINGS BY_ JAY CHUNG / PHOTOGRAPHS BY_ KERI SHAY

Have you ever stood at a grocery store in Seoul and realized that you simply did not know enough Korean recipes to shop for dinner? Or searched in vain for those ingredients to make your favorite dish from home? La cuisine – a modern cooking school based in Seoul - might give you some happy answers to those questions. Found in 2000, the school aims to introduce the joy of international food fair to expat and locals alike. Starting this May, the school will launch a series of cooking classes in English designed for foreigners living in Korea and tourists traveling through. The first of this series is ‘A Night to Anjoy’ on Thursday evenings. The food in focus is Anju – the Korean equivalent of Tapas made to complement alcoholic drinks. As I walked into La Cuisine’s kitchen for their Anjoy night this past Thursday, I heard a graceful voice telling the attentive audience, ‘Food is like women! It needs at least 3 colors to be attractive!’ This was Chef Hae-suk Han, as she adroitly topped the frying pancakes with Christmas red and green peppers. Previously trained from Nobu London, Han is a quiet, yet wittily entertaining presence as she leads the class. The class proceeds in a very loose order of intro cooking

demo by the chef, hefty sampling of both chef- and selfcooked food, and actual cooking sessions in groups of 2-3. The two recipes chosen for this night were seafood mini pancakes and fried rice cakes with squid & cheese. These buttery, savory dishes were complimented by a fragrant makguli served plain and with fresh blueberry syrup. A gourmet brand of makguli named ‘slow village’ was served for this class. A brand by Baesangmun Brewery, ‘slow village’ is micro-brewed daily to ensure fresh, high-quality drinks. The perks of the Anju night lies in the very definition of the dish: recipes concocted to compliment the drink. This, in practical terms, means a generous sampling of the drinks while cooking - making the atmosphere (and yourself) all the merrier as the class progresses. The beautiful interior of the open-kitchen at La Cuisine adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the class. The unifying feel of the school gathered from its design to the diverse programs offered, is ‘contemporary & stylish.’ With strong roots in food styling, the school desires to teach modern

10 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

recipes that people can enjoy daily. The same philosophy was applied for the new series of classes in English this summer. Soyoung Lee, its founder, says: ‘We found that so much of publicity around Korean food was all on traditional, but wanted to introduce diverse food to foreigners in a fun way.’ La Cuisine is located near Gwanghwamun square, but is peacefully tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the area. The quiet pre-class walk up to the school de-stresses you already, and effectively puts you on ‘Thursday’ mode. Details regarding the La Cuisine’s upcoming programs, introduced below, will be updated regularly on their Facebook page and soon-to-be launched English website. My suggestion is to follow their Facebook page to check out recipes that interest you as each class will feature new recipes. Sign up with 2-3 friends for a fun, productive evening of delicious food.


f

o

o

d

Here are the d e ta i l s o f the upcoming programs:

MAY: A NIGHT TO ANJOY Two more rounds of ‘A Night to Anjoy’ will take place for the upcoming Thursdays (5/24, 5/31) at 7:30pm. Class size is 30 people max.

JUNE - AUGUST: CHEF NIGHT IN Chef Night In’ is a casual dinner party to be held on Friday evenings in which an International chef tells a story on their soft spot i.e. comfort food, as well as to serve a 3-course meal on it with drinks. Total of 7 sessions are in plan, with the guest chefs ofdiverse backgrounds. Event size is 30 people max.

JUNE - AUGUST: BAKING LOVE Is romance and baking a good mix? Find out through ‘Baking Love’ in which 20 single guys will meet 20 single girls while baking treats. Fear not, the event will be more of a casual mingling feel, rather than a speed dating event. This monthly event will take place on Saturday afternoons.

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/La.Cuisine.Cooking.Academy

Health Tip: What to Eat in the Summer! The summer season is the best time to catch a well-deserved break from busy routines. Even if there is still work to be done, you should still consider it a good opportunity to think about your health and start eating healthier foods. Eating an optimal amount of vegetables and fruit will enhance your intake of: Fiber: Fiber promotes good digestive health but also lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar, protects against diabetes and can help you manage a healthy weight by keeping you feeling full. Vitamins and minerals: Fresh veggies and fruit contain more vitamins and minerals per calorie than any other food group! Phytochemicals: Phytochemicals are protective compounds in plant-based foods that have health-promoting and disease-preventative effects. There are hundreds of phytochemicals; eat a variety of plant-based foods to get a good mix. For more information, please visit http://international.kbsmc.co.kr or call to 02-2001-5100.Bi-Weekly Health Tips provided by Health Care Team of International Clinic, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital.

11 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


a

d

v

e

r

t

o

r

i

a

l

The first Breeze Art Fair with Own Art Campaign An event to promote fair pricing on art, Breeze Art Fair alleviates the price burden on the buyers and returns support to the artists. An art fair for rising artists and the general public. We thrive to start a new trend in Korean art scene through Own Art Campaign, an effort promoting fair pricing on art. Meet up-and-coming artists and their work. Learn the joy of art appreciation and its healing power. Breeze Art Fair encourages you to take this opportunity to make your first art piece purchase! What is Breeze Art Fair? Breeze Art Fair is a small-sized art festival that seek new ways to distribute Fine Art. We not only discovering rising artists and collectors, but also play a role of middle ground for those two to come together. We present mid-to-low priced works by selected artists. We lower the barrier for those who wants to collect art through various ways of payment. Putting fair and transparent bargains as the top priority, we secure the trust of buyers.

In Dong-wook (Cover Artist for Bridge issue #3) Awakening, Stone mixture, 33x64cm, 2012

Kim So-young (Cover Artist for Bridge issue #4) Heaven party, collage on canvas, 181x227cm, 2009

Own Art Campaign (giving back 10% of total price if one purchase art with 10 monthly installment) U.K.’s own art loan is a financial instrument to support ordinary folks to purchase artwork. It gives loans with 0% interest. Similar to the own art loan, Own Art Campaign encourages buyers to purchase art with 10-month installment plan and returns the credit card interest rate of 10%. Breeze Fair and the artist each will share the occurring interest evenly and give it back to the buyer. [23 participating artists] Baebit, Kim So-young, Yang Eun-hye, Lee Young-soo, Roh Dongsik, Park Chan-mee, Lee Kyung-hee, Kang Eun-jin, Jung Chee-ku, Jung Min-hee, Joo Ji-oh, Kim Han-ra, Nam Heon-woo, Lee Seung-ah, Hong Soo-jung, Lee Ji-in, Kim Ga-eul, Lim Jin-sil, Moon Jong-sun, Yang Eun-hye Life is, acrylic on canvas, 72.2x60cm, 2012 Kim Ie-seul, Yang Yoon-hee, Ha Yi-kyung

Event: The First Breeze Art Fair (Free event) Sponsor: A company Date: Sat. 6.2 — Sun.6.3 /10am to 10pm

Location: Anthracite in Hapjeong-dong Contact: Breeze Art Fair office 070-8656-3303 Email: breezeartfair@gmail.com

12 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Roh Dong-sik Passing through the cloud(5), Resin, Acrylic painting, matte coating, size changeable, 2011

www.breezeartfair.com


13 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


t

r

a

v

e

l

D i s c o v e r i n g f u n

e x c u r s i o n s

i n

K o r e a

BY_ KOREAN SAFARI

Korean Safari If you like outdoor activities and want to enjoy it with fellow adventurers, consulting Korean Safari might be the perfect idea. Korean Safari coordinates unique trips, from sea-kayaking and bungee jumping to various festivals and parties. The company’s organizer Tucker Kim sat down to tell us about the exciting activities happening year-round.

So Tucker, what exactly is koreansafari? Koreansafari is all about fun, friendship, and adventures. We organize extreme trips such as skiing, bungee jumping, kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, rafting, trekking, fishing and more. Every trip we go on, we make sure to include sightseeing and exploring the culture and local area. This way it also becomes a cultural experience. What made you start this venture? I personally love traveling and outdoor activities. I have made many trips both within Korea and abroad and concluded that Korea is a beautiful country with so many things to offer. Unfortunately many people don’t know about all these great places and activities, especially foreigners in Korea who don’t know many people or lack a reliable source to guide them. That’s why we started off with small groups of friends – Koreans and foreigners – and it just grew from there. We also put an emphasis on friendship which adds to the experience.

14 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Tell us about some of the trips you offer? 1. The main activity for one of our latest adventures was flying a plane. We went to Anmyeondo where all participants went through a 30-minute flight lesson and then took over the controls themselves!! (While sitting next to a pilot, of course). After flying we enjoyed paintball on the beach. When we do this trip in the summer we also kayak to a distant island and have a barbeque on the beach. 2. Our trips to Gyeonju city include cycling to many historical sites. We stop at temples, museums, and see beautiful natural scenery such as lakes and parks. We stay at a hotel but have a campfire at night where we all sit around and enjoy. 3. Jindo Island is home to the Namdo Performance Art Center. It’s a very traditional place where we explore the true folk culture of music, art, and games. Participants learn how to play traditional instruments and we all play various folk games. On the way back to Seoul, we stop by the sea. This trip is truly a unique experience that I strongly recommend to everyone.

Who attends the activities and how do you spread the word? We have many foreign members of different nationalities and backgrounds as well as some Korean friends. We usually get new members by word of mouth. After a new member joins one of our excursions, they often tell their friends about the experience. This is how more and more people join. We also have a website on which we post information about our upcoming trips or events.


t

So, who can join the trips? Anyone can join any trip. We have regulars that always join regardless of where we go or what the activity is. Some only come if they like the specific activity or the specific place. How often do you go on trips? This really depends on the time of year and the number of members who sign up for a specific trip. We try to have at least one trip a month, sometimes more. If it was possible, I would go on trips every day . . . Which of the trips or activities do you like most? While of course I like and enjoy all of the activities, I personally like the summer trips to Busan because we mainly surf and enjoy water sports. Surfing at Songjoung beach at sunset is a beautiful memory which I miss between the trips to Busan. Kayaking in Anmyeondo is also one of my favorites. The last time we went kayaking, we went so far that the marine police had to stop us . . .

Why did you choose to make your office in Itaewon? Most of our members are foreigners who live in or around Itaewon, so it makes it easier for everyone to get together. It also allows me to be closer to the foreign community and my friends. Itaewon is also our meeting point and final stop for the trips. As a Korean, what do you think about Itaewon? There is a good community here, many foreigners of different nationalities and backgrounds come together with all kinds of Korean people. There are many international restaurants, parties, and events which make Itaewon a unique place, and I love it. As with most areas, Itaewon also has some bad apples, sometimes causing problems. I think people coming to Itaewon should come with a good and friendly mindset and not look for trouble or fights.

r

a

v

e

l

What are some future plans for koreansafari? We will most definitely continue to organize trips and adventures. We are always searching for new trip ideas and hope to discover all the beautiful places and fun activities Korea has to offer. What are you planning for the next couple of months? As we usually do in June, we will have a surfing trip to Busan, a rafting trip to Donggang River, and take people to the Mud festival.

15 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


H

i

d

d

e

n

S

e

o

u

l

Kyungdong Presbyterian Church Why visit the Kyungdong Presbyterian Church? Because it is not just another church building. It is an architectural landmark appreciated by architects and Seoulites alike. Find out more about this gem located right in the middle the city.

By_MIN-JUNG CHOI / PHOTOS PROVIDED BY_ KYUNGDONG CHURCH

16 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


H

Life in Seoul can get crazy. A first-time visitor might voyage here in the hopes of discovering traditional houses and a sense of history. In reality, the skyscrapers and rows of high-rise apartment buildings have filled most corners of the city. Contrasting this shiny modern half of the city are the slum-like neighborhoods with poorly assembled houses. In between these two contrasting spaces, where could you find a building of true Korean architecture, reflecting the rich history of this country? Near downtown Seoul stands a church looking out of place in its neighborhood—an eerie-looking building that feels rather non-religious. Its unique presence and design set it apart from the modern buildings of the neighboring Dongdaemun Market. Contrasting the nearby disorderly buildings, Kyungdong Presbyterian Church stands peaceful and solemn. Unlike most churches in Seoul, this one does not bear an LED cross. Seoul is infamous for its lit-up crosses dotting the nighttime cityscape, but Kyungdong Presbyterian Church is not an ordinary modern church building. But neither is it traditionally designed. It appears as if nineteen pillars have fused together into a conglomerate mass. Built in 1981 by Kim Swoo-geun, a famed South Korean architect, the church is an architectural legacy. Kim is dubbed the first generation of South Korean modern architects. Once likened to Lorenzo de’ Medici, Kim's legacy remains in the many buildings he built.

i

d

d

e

n

S

e

o

u

l

Not only is the exterior visually grand, but it is also symbolic. A closer look reveals the form of a mother's praying hands. Calmly folded together to pray for her child, the exterior feels protective and soothing to the heart. The rough texture of the blocks that make up the building are reminiscent of the coarse hands of a mother who has made sacrifices for her children. The building’s entrance is like a secret, located in the back. You have the walk around the silhouette of the hands to enter the church; it is like a warm invitation. The staircase leading up to the front entrance makes you imagine how Jesus must have felt when he climbed Golgotha. While climbing up the staircase, you naturally abandon worldly thought and enter a spiritual meditation. This philosophy applies to South Korean temples as well, whose entrances are thought to transport visitors to another place, both in body and mind. Inside, the unique serenity of the church envelops you. An oddity that some may notice from the exterior becomes more conspicuous once you are inside; there are no windows in this building. While churches have traditionally used stained-glass art for decoration, this church seems to feel no need to beautify or embellish the place. The silence is pronounced, as if you are in a mother's womb. There's a sense of simple warmness and security; though you are alone in a dark place, you don't feel scared or lonely because you know someone is protecting you.

17 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Being without windows also feels like being in a catacomb. The exposed concrete on the walls must be a representation of a hideout for suppressed Christians. It creates a solemn atmosphere that brings you down to your knees to pray. In the midst of darkness, we find a ray of light. The Jewish Museum in Germany features a ray of light that symbolizes the glimpse of hope that the suffering Jews held on to. It is by following that light that you can find God. Kim Swoo-geun must have hoped that this light in the dark will bring salvation. When you feel down or worn out from the fast-paced city life, visit Kyungdong Presbyterian Church.Rather than overwhelming you with grandiosity, this warm space will embrace you like an ever-forgiving mother. You can recharge and renew your heart here and feel closer to God, no matter what you believe in.


interview/[bridge] people

1 4 [bridge] people

sam hammington On (not) being the funny guy 24/7, finding an identity in a foreign country, and what genre of books he can’t stand

BY_CHI NGUYEN / PHOTOGRAPHS BY_ MATT DOUMA / INTERVIEW AT_CAFE MMMG

B: Thanks for joining us today, Sam. Can you start off by telling us when you first got interested in Korean culture and language? S: I started studying the language while pursuing a double degree in Marketing and Korean Studies in Melbourne. After a year, I came to Korea for student exchange and dove further into my study of the language, culture and history. But that same year, I got sick with Hepatitis B and had to be flown back to Australia. My mom didn’t want me to ever come back to Korea again.

Korea is always looking for foreigners who can speak the language. However, it was hard to get by on an irregular income. Realizing that I needed a real job, I applied to teach at a hagwon, but the same week that I was supposed to start, I got a call from KBS asking if I was up for a role on <Gag Concert>. Why not, I thought? For my segment, I play the role of a comic reporter who travels to regional Korea to film KBS World News.

B: What brought you back here then? S: I had already invested so much into studying Korean and I knew that I couldn’t progress if I stayed in Australia. I needed to come back and immerse myself in the culture. I told my mom that I had fallen off the bike, and I just needed to get back on. B: You’ve been back in Korea since 2002. What kinds of projects did you do leading up to your current career as a comedian? S: I worked at a 9-6 marketing job when I first came, but I didn’t enjoy the rigid schedule. Then I got lucky and fell into television because

B: You’re probably most famous in Korea for your gig on <Gag Concert>. Compared to the more common form of adlibbed, stand-up comedy back in your home, how is this different?

18 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

S: Each show of <Gag Concert> has a one-week turnaround that follows a pretty routine schedule. On Thursday and Friday, we come in and brainstorm ideas to prepare for our skits. We have the weekend off, then on Monday we meet with all the other comedians, producers and writers to rehearse, or “audition.” If something isn’t funny, they’ll tell us to change it. We repeat this on Tuesday with a revised version of our segments. Wednesday morning, we do it one more time, and then Wednesday evening, we perform in front of an audience. Although the show is recorded live, it gets edited before it’s aired on Sunday night. Performing in front of a large audience in


Korean, I generally stick to my lines. In the beginning I tried to memorize them word for word, but after a while I learned to just remember the point that I have to get across. B: This is when you became promoted as the “1st Foreign Comedian in Korea.” What kind of doors did this open for you? S: Having this title helped me stand out from everyone else. Since then I’ve received phone calls out of the blue to host events and do this or that. Opportunities have come up not just in entertainment, but there have also been personal opportunities for me to fly back home and film promotional videos for the Australian government. Last year I got to attend the Australia-Korea Year of Friendship Expo as a Goodwill Ambassador, which was a big honor for me. B: You also currently co-host an English talk show on TBS eFM called <Drivetime>. You know, the original concept for Bridge was a publication for foreigners, but increasingly we are gearing it towards all English speakers in Korea, as many Koreans – especially in Seoul – speak English. What kind of audience does <Drivetime> attract? S: The Seoul city government originally ran the show for the expat community and people traveling to Korea, but it’s changed since then because the expat population here rotates fairly quickly. There are more Koreans listening to the show than originally expected. It’s no longer targeted exclusively towards expats, but it is more expat-friendly than a Korean program that’s translated into English, similar to a radio show that you might hear back home. One of my listeners is the

son of an expat here, so he attends an international school. He always asks his dad to pick him up from school instead of taking the bus so that he can listen to the show on the way home. We try to take feedback from both the expat and Korean communities, but it’s not possible to please everyone. Korean content might get lost on expats, and vice versa. It’s a catch-22. So my philosophy is, “What would I want to hear as a listener?”

bottom rung of jobs. More than anything else, it’s hard because you don’t get the respect you deserve until you quit and do something else.

B: Where do you get your inspirations? S: Everyday life. I read books and watch TV. I talk to people and pick their heads for stories and I even get inspiration in my sleep. I gather a plethora of random facts and stories and put them together, so my mind is working around the clock. But it’s more about the timing than anything when it comes to getting people to laugh. If you miss a beat, it’s not funny anymore, so I’ve learned to say whatever pops into my head at the time.

B: What’s the most common misperception that fans have about you based on your TV persona? S: My on-screen character is a guy who’s “simple.” He’s not very aware of what’s happening around him, who he is, and where he is. People who watch this think that I only like to go out, drink and have fun. In reality, I don’t go out all the time. I’m not particularly studious, but I actually like to read and I try to take in information all the time. Also, I’ve had so many people come up to me and say that I’m not as funny as I seem on TV. People think that I’m having a bad night because I’m not smiling and joking around, when actually you’d be in the hospital from mental exhaustion if you tried to be funny all the time. 50% of it is an act. You need downtime.

B: What has been the most meaningful personal change for you here? S: I come from a family of entertainers. My mom was the first female production assistant in New Zealand, so even now I’m still known as Jan Russ’ son. People would tell her, “You need to look out for your son,” but my mother would tell me, “You need to figure it out on your own.” It was good for me because I learned to step out of her shadow. Going to Korea has allowed me to build an identity separate from my mother. To me, this is more meaningful than any other title I’ve earned. B: What is the greatest challenge of being a comedian in Korea? S: Being a comedian is not a highly respected job here; it’s at the

B: If you weren’t a comedian, what would you be doing? S:If I could do it all over again, I would not attend university and just go straight into film. I would love to go into directing and producing.

B: What do you do in your downtime then? S: I like to go out and socialize with people over food and drinks. I also like to read a lot, anything from children’s books to true crime. I’m open to everything except romance books. However, true downtime for me is when I go to sleep because that’s when my brain finally turns off.

19 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

B: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years then? S: Something I look forward to is getting into more serious acting like how I’d started off in Australia. I’d also like to go into production so that I can have more creative control. But really, who knows the answer to this million-dollar question? Life is like a revolving door; you walk into it and you don’t know where you’ll come out.


interview/Entertainment

2 4

On one fine day, the Bridge staff and Yozoh sat down for a May issue interview. Yozoh walks into the café, sits down, and introduces herself in her signature soft voice.

“Hello, my name is Yozoh. I am a singer.” I was quickly put to ease by her disarming demeanor and bright face.

20 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Your newest album came out recently. You did a remake of ‘Tokyo girl.’ Why did you choose to do your own take on that particular song?

thankfully I got to sing it and put it out as the title track of this album.

I was a big fan of musician Kim Kwang-jin’s songs for many years. I liked ‘Tokyo girl’ the most, and when I got a chance to perform with Mr. Kim on TV I chose to sing that song. Mr. Kim recommended that I do a remake of that song, so

A soft and easily approachable voice? Normally I don’t talk a lot, and I have a quiet and calm personality. I think my voice reflects that part of my character.

You’re known to have a distinctive voice. What do you think of your own voice?

Lis is Th Ho ly

I th my Ih rat

Do fa yo Th


stening to your songs like reading a novel. here’s a story to them. ow do you write such yrics?

hink my lyrics come directly from y personal experience, things have seen and heard firsthand ther than imagined things.

o you have a personal avorite among the lyrics ou’ve written? here’s a song called “Baobab

indie band

Yozoh’s Tender Tale BY_ SANG-AA PARK / PHOTOS PROVIDED BY_ MAGIC STRAWBERRY SOUND(www. msbsoung.com)

Hongdae area is known for its indie music scene. Every so often there are new musicians making their debut, but not too many of them become famous enough to put out an album or gain a following. Yozoh, however, came on the scene out of nowhere and rose to prominence in Hongdae in no time. With her bewitching voice and style, she was dubbed the “Hongdae goddess,” earning the status of a celebrity. Yozoh has been reaching out to other areas to explore her artistry, such as DJing on radio or acting in movies. Nowadays she is well-known to the general public.

tree.” Have you heard that one? I happened upon a documentary on baobab trees and was inspired by it. The image of two gigantic trees growing together, intertwining and entangling, moved me. When you were first starting out, you worked in the genres of rap and hip-hop, very different from the kind of music you make now. As a musician who has been in the scene for eight years, how have your personal taste in music and

style evolved? I was really into urban music in my teens; I am still a fan. Actually, I still want to rap. But as time passed and I got older, I realized that rapping requires a lot of energy, which I lack. So now, I just go with my own pace and make the best music that I can make. I feel like I’ve found my style of music.

Stephen Chow, the comic actor? Wow, that was totally unexpected. Really? Well, I think musicians and actors are similar in some ways. I tell my story through my music, and he tells his through acting. He’s an amazing artist who brings out stories from inside him, and who can act them out well. He’s been a really huge influence to me.

Who was the biggest influence in your life? Stephen Chow.

21 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

These days, people say that the boundary between indie music and mainstream music has been blurred. You are credited as one of the artists who have contributed to that. What do you think about that? It is true that indie music is becoming more popular. It is hard to say anything definitive about the blurring of the genres, however. It is a process and I am learning, just like everyone else.


You are involved in a lot of different projects. You are a musician, but also you are an actress, DJ, and model. You are so versatile! It is great to be working on many different projects. And each has its own charm. But there are advantages and disadvantages. For example, I loved DJing, but at the same time, it was really difficult. I don’t work on a regular schedule, but in DJing, you can’t miss a single day. You have to work on a fixed schedule. So whenever l felt like getting away for a couple days, I couldn’t. I got involved in acting entirely by accident. The director had seen me singing and contacted me with a casting proposal. I told him that I was overwhelmed since I had never acted before. He said he chose me because I didn’t have

any experience. And he told me to not act but just be myself, just like when I am singing. Actually, that was more difficult. What was memorable about working in different areas? While shooting the movie, I got to understand what happens behind the scenes. Before, I was just an audience to a movie, but now I got to be involved in what was happening on set. I feel like this opportunity itself was a big learning experience and memorable event for me. Do you become sensitive while working on your projects? Not in particular. Oh, there’s one thing, though. I really get into things and am quite emotional. So I’m the one who gets

most excited while DJing. I get into the stories I read, and I get mad, I get sad, and I laugh like crazy, too. So even when I’m supposed to move onto the songs, I still talk about the story I’ve just read and can’t get over it. That’s quite off the wall. But it also makes you child-like. Is it off the wall? I am not so sure. So this is the last question. How would you describe Yozoh in one word? Yozoh is… a secret! A secret? That’s interesting. Because musicians and artists have to reveal themselves to people… When you say something is a secret, you want to learn more about it.

22 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Actually, there was an interesting application on twitter. It tells you the reason you were born. I put in my name, and it said ‘secret.’ So I just chose that word. Can you give a shout-out to Bridge readers? Thank you for reading my interview. I hope to see you all at performance halls and on stage. Thank you!


그린 그루브 페스티벌

23 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


interview/cover artist

3 4 cover artist

Artist Bae Bit Finding happiness in the cycle of life KOREAN CONTENT PROVIDED BY_ A COMPANY / IMAGES PROVIDED BY_ BAE Bit

The flower blossoms and falls, and in the process it leaves a trace. One artist has been capturing that trace to tell a story of ever-evolving life. Bridge met with Bae Bit, an artist who claims to find happiness in expressing herself honestly on canvas.

How would you define yourself? That's a difficult question to answer. Well, I think I can say that I'm a unique person.

Flowers Bloom and Fade is about the cycle of life. Everything in the world is born, then it disappears, and then it's reborn. I wanted to illustrate the meaning of being.

Could you expand on that a little? I strive for a unique quality in things. Since I was little I liked things that were different. I also wanted to become a unique person. I still do.

How did you come to notice the meaning of a flower’s life cycle? When I was little, I lived in a house with a courtyard. There were a lot of flowers in the garden. My mother loved flowers, and I think I was heavily influenced by that. Since childhood, I was able to observe life cycles in nature.

What are some unique qualities about you? I think my laugh is one. I also like collecting books in front of my desk; it makes me feel proud. There are different unique aspects of me, but I think my laugh stands out the most. When people meet me for the first time, they sometimes get the impression that I might be a perfectionist, and a little cold. But once they see me laughing they become comfortable. I like my laugh, too. I think that must be true, because I like your laugh as well. I think this interview is going to be a good one. Now, let's talk about your work. It is entitled Flowers Bloom and Fade. Could you explain your thoughts behind it?

24 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

I see. And that's why flowers became a motif in your work. I noticed that recently the mood of your artwork has changed. The colors are more vibrant and the overall mood is brighter. Yes. I work with flowers as the motif, but the mood changes depending on how I feel at the time of creation. There was a phase where I only made achromatic works. It wasn’t intentional, but I realized retrospectively that I was going through some hard times. It was surprising for me, too. Then what's the story behind your recent pieces?


I feel the energy of birth in your works, and it makes me feel good. Anything good happening in your life? These days I think I have a lot of great people around me. And the experience of meeting those people and going to nice places is reflected in my work. I enjoy getting away from the studio and experiencing a new environment. That’s something interesting to think about, to imagine what situation you were in when you created a certain artwork. You think so? I would be grateful if anyone took that kind of interest when viewing my work. The way you work is quite unique. Did you overlay hanji (Korean traditional paper) for the layered effect in your work? Oh, no. I dye the papers, affix them on canvas, and then take them away. In that process, the traces start to overlap.

Overlapped traces it is. The way you work is along the line with the theme, blooming and fading. Yes. Flowers bloom and fade, but they don’t disappear completely.

Plus I am attached to it because it was the first. What is interesting is that viewers point out number one as their favorite, too. I find it amazing that people feel the same way as me.

I draw a somewhat melancholy sentiment from the expression, “blooming and fading.” But with the bright colors, the traces become bright and lively, too. Now when I see your work, I feel the force of life rather than sorrow. What do you try to express through your work? It takes a long time to finish a piece. The working process and environment are both quite silent and devoid of distractions. That makes me think a lot. When I am at the near-end of wrapping up a work, I reflect on the thoughts I had while working. Then I become calm inside. I hope that these feelings are delivered to those who see my work.

I think it is so because you express your feelings honestly on the canvas. Your works are refreshing and lovely. The word that I have in mind is “tangerine.” Thank you for that observation. It makes me a little bashful, but I like how you pointed out 'honesty' in my work. I think it's most important to express myself honestly through my work.

You've been consistently exploring the motif of flowers. Is there any specific work that you feel most attached to? The very first work, of course. That has been the driving force for me.

Are you satisfied as an artist? When I was little I wanted to become a pianist. I wanted to study other things, too. But many opportunities led me to study art. So I believe being an artist is the best thing I can do. Do you have fellow artists around you? Sure. Most of my classmates from my Master’s program are artists. So we give each other advice and share thoughts. I am quite careless, but thankfully my classmates take care of me.

25 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

What are your hopes as an artist? I wish that everyone will feel happy when they see my work. One person who purchased my work hung it up on her wall and showed me a picture of me. That made me feel really good inside. I hope others feel the same way about my work. From what I saw today, I think I can say that you are a person full of good spirit. Would you say that is true? Are you happy as an artist? I am happy 98% of the time. And I try to fill the other 2% with happiness, too. I think it's a blessing to have that room to fill, to be able to search for more happiness.

Curated from


interview/art

4 4 designer

An interview with Kim Sung-bum,

DELL’EST accessory designer BY_ SANG-AA PARK On a sunny spring day, Bridge sat down with designer Kim Sung-bum in a quiet cafe. A former engineer, this young accessory designer and his brand DELL'EST has been on the rise. With increasing demand, Kim now travels between Europe, the U.S., and South Korea. "It's been a while since I last visited Seoul," Kim said as he took a seat. "I've been quite busy with various meetings." Kim couldn't stop smiling as we spoke about his upcoming plans. His excitement was palpable and refreshing.

A n e n g i n e e r -t u r n e d - a r t i s t It has been a while since you last visited Seoul. Isn't the weather so great? You must not want to work. I am fully enjoying this spring weather, but I just came from San Francisco, the city that boasts amazing weather. So I have no problem focusing on work. If I lived in South Korea year-round, this would be the perfect weather to just pack up and leave for a vacation. But coming from a sunny place, this weather is actually perfect for work (laughs ). I was doing some background research about you when I came across something interesting. You were majoring in mechanical engineering before you went abroad to study design. I'm curious what it was like for you to study mechanical engineering. I never wanted to major in

mechanical engineering. In fact, I was reading the school's program catalog where mechanical engineering was described as 'designing machines.' I interpreted that as industrial design. Though it wasn't an area of study I wanted to get into, the experience actually helped when I became a designer. The first thing I learned as a designer was transferring handdrawn work onto the computer. A lot of my fellow classmates had trouble with it because they were used to working only by hand, but with my background in engineering studies, I had no problem with it. I worked easily with 3D graphics, too. I just did it after reading the manual a couple of times, and people thought that I was a genius (laughs) . Many think that my mechanical engineering training was a complete waste of time, but actually it helped. I came to realize that whatever you study eventually becomes useful.

When you first started out, there weren't a lot of Korean male designers. Why did you want to become a designer, and why an accessory designer in particular? I hadn’t decided to become a designer and create a brand. I finished my study in mechanical engineering and went to Italy for pattern design study. After graduating I worked as a buyer. I would purchase things from second-hand shops and markets, and my selections were very well received by the customers. Encouraged, I decided to start designing my own accessories. So I first started in 2006, and that brought me to where I am now. I found it unique that you chose to design women's accessories right off the bat. Actually I started out with men's accessories. I presented my work

26 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

at the Milan Men's Fashion Week. But to my surprise, men weren't that interested in accessories. So naturally I started to design women's accessories, like purses and belts. I am currently based in Milan and Paris, the European market. You are a Korean designer based in Europe, and most of your accessories are sold and bought there and in the U.S. Is there a special reason for that? I first landed in Italy in 2006. I studied there, and started to work there, so naturally Milan was where I wanted to work. And I love Italy's raw attitude. I moved to San Francisco in 2010, but I only live there. I still work in Milan and Paris, so technically speaking, I haven't switched my work base.

What was the hardest thing about working abroad? When I first started out, Asian designers weren’t very prominent. But nowadays, Asian designers, especially South Korean designers, are gaining recognition. No matter what country you go to, people get together with their fellow countrymen and help each other out. Being a foreigner, I had to make it on my own. The people at pattern and fabric factories didn't take me seriously. So I started out by working odd jobs, such as cutting the leather and tidying up the place. After a while, I built a rapport with the factory people. And I learned a lot through that experience. Now we've been working together for almost a decade, so we're like family. Besides that, sometimes I experienced racial discrimination. But I don't get that much these days, so it's all right.


D e s i g n e r K i m S u n g - b u m & DELL ' EST Wasn't it hard for you to design for women? You have to fully understand what women want. I never found it particularly difficult. I started designing women's accessories naturally, so I wasn't too stressed. The early works of DELL'EST are quite strong, though. I was inspired by things such as fetishism and S&M. I interpreted these with metals such as zippers and studs and mixed them with leather, refining the overall design. It was received well. Luckily the season's trend was Rock Chic, so my designs took off. I got many sample requests from magazines such as W and Vogue . It's been a while since you became a designer. What do you focus on the most when preparing for each season? The most important part is selecting the right material. I choose the material first and then design, not the other way around. When I look at the materials I am inspired. So whenever and wherever I travel, I never fail to visit the local leather and fabric markets. As a designer working abroad, what do you think about the current international status of Korean designers? I think Korean designers are right on trend now. Also, we are recognized more in the U.S. In early 2000s when I first started out, Belgian designers got a lot of attention: Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons, to name a few. They went strong for three to four years. And then Japanese brands such as COMME des GARCONS became the stars. And now, more Korean designers are sought after.

How would you describe the difference between Korean and Japanese designers? Japanese designers are very good at details. If you take a good look at the design, they create a unique sense of luxury by paying close attention to the details. Korean designs, on the other hand, are strong with bold lines. Even from afar you can distinguish the silhouette and the unique bold feel. It's great to hear that Korean designers are gaining recognition. It is a dream for Korean designers to expand abroad. Could you tell us the difference between the domestic and overseas markets? Let me give you an example. Production moves very fast in Korea. The networking is very efficient, and things move fast. The fabric market is well-organized, and the production line is functional and punctual. I don't think anyone else can beat that speed. The people who run the factories are quite skilled, too. In Milan, on the other hand, things tend to move slower. But the production people there are unparalleled at what they do. They have such keen senses. Even from those who do the chores I learn about colors. Their sense of color and the quality of work is second to none.

How about the products? How are accessories received differently in different countries? Very different, I'd say. Just they way people coordinate their accessories says something about their culture. People in different countries would take one product and match completely different styles to it. I think the quality of styling comes not from the cost of the items, but from how one mixes and matches them. In Italy where I am based, people like to show off brand names. The French, on the other hand, put design first and take their own chicness into consideration. In New York, people tend to stick with simple and minimal styles. The U.S. is casual in general, though. I think the Japanese are the ones who are most obsessed with accessories. They have a really good sense of style, too. I am always in awe of their perfect choice of accessories for every occasion. Not quite at the level of the Japanese, but Korean men have a good sense of accessory matching, too. Oh, and Korean women coordinate styles better than Japanese women.

27 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Your enthusiasm for fashion is palpable. Are there other areas in fashion that you'd like to explore? Because I work with leather-based accessories, I want to try shoe design as well. Of course I will have to learn about shoe structure and start from the bottom, at the factories. Also I want to grow my brand, DELL'EST, and present a variety of accessories to customers. With more selective accessories, I will be able to launch an exclusive outlet. B: Do you think you will be a designer forever? As I get older, I would eventually lose some designing sense. Then I will naturally move on from designing to more producer-like role. I want to remain as a fashion supervisor who has to have both keen sense and much experience. Do you think you will be a designer forever? As I get older, I will eventually lose some design sense. Then I will naturally move on from designing to a more producer-like role. I want to remain as a fashion supervisor, a position which requires both keen sense and ample experience.

Where can we find your designs here in Korea? We don't have an outlet, but you can find them at select shops, such as tango de chat and Je Ne Sais Quoi. Our last question. What are your plans within Korea? Actually at the moment I have a project in Korea. Because of that I went to a lot of different meetings here. I am moving my production line to Korea, so I had to start by meeting with factories. But it's so nice to be back in my home country, where people give helping hands so willingly. I am so grateful for that. Can you tell us more about the project? It will be a collaboration with a domestic accessories designer. We are working on a limited edition purse with HR, a designer jewelry brand. It will integrate leather and jewels. We are making only a single piece for each design, so it will be a luxury line. This is more for the sake of collaboration than sales, so I'm thrilled. I hope Bridge readers will keep up with my career and see how I'm doing.


A DJ-Designer’s Map of Seoul Seoul, according to designer and DJ, Neonethy. WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS BY_ VIVIAN LEE

DJ Neonethy, or Nene for short, is not one to pigeonhole herself. A natural-born creator and explorer, she describes herself as adventurous and curious. What most might find curious is her moniker—a combination of neo, which means new, and nethy, pronounced as “nessie,” an affectionate term for the legendary Loch Ness monster. We met up with the charming creature over still, serene cups of coffee. At age 20, she left her native Seoul for Tokyo to experience a foreign land. There, she fell upon a “fated encounter” with the DJ scene. Within two years, she signed with Avex Records, the equivalent of Korea’s SM Entertainment. After pumping up club enthusiasts in Tokyo and pursuing arts in London, she eventually carried her energy back home to Seoul. However, it won’t be easy to hear her live nowadays as she has shifted more of her focus to her unisex fashion label, Monolik (shopmonochrome. com). Launched in February 2010, Monolik was originally a personal endeavor merely to create clothes she wanted to wear. (Today she wears an urban oversized black coat that wraps her petite frame. She reveals that 90% of her clothes are black). The concept of making it a business is still an awkward transition, but the glowing response to her line has her preoccupied for each coming season. We asked Neonethy to draw out places of Seoul that win her over.

28 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


Record Store

Live Music

Neighborhood

Taking Photos

“I’m a fan of the music selection in Kyobo Bookstore near Gangnam Station. The variety of music that can be found there, both foreign and domestic, is astounding. It’s actually difficult to find big off-line record stores in Korea. Kyobo Bookstore, one of the few, if not only major offline record store remaining, is where I often went to find new music since high school.”

“Until I was living in Japan and the UK, I was informally involved in what was called Dazzling Girls that included another female DJ, dancer, and VJs at Club Answer. I like the curious mix of young and the not-so-young vibe of Club Answer. In general, I find Korean clubbers are more outgoing than their Japanese counterparts.” Club Answer, 125-16 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnamgu (Cheongdam Station, exit 13).

“I like the Han River Park, especially by Jamwon and Banpo. It’s close to where I live. I look forward to spring so I can bike there and to work! I also enjoy picnicking at Hangang Ichon Park, which is north of the river.”

Shopping

Museum

Architecture + Design

“I particularly like taking pictures at Mt. Namsan Walkway (남산소원길) near Namsan Tower. You can take the yellow bus up the hill. There is a nice residential neighborhood that looks right out of a movie. Quite fittingly, there’s also the Seoul Animation Center. I walk until I get to Myeongdong Station.” You can catch the bus at Daehan Cinema, Toegyeoro 5-ga, Dongguk University entrance, National Theater of Korea, N Seoul Tower, Namsan Tower, Namsan Library, Mt. Namsan Walkway, Seoul Animation Center and Toegyero 3-ga every 5 to 10 minutes.

“My favorite museum is Samsung Leeum Museum, which is not far from where I live. I recently went to see ‘The Court Painters of Joseon Dynasty’ (조선화원대전) exhibit. In England, I was able to readily see works of international artists, so I was ecstatic to find that I could see ancient works of Korean artists in one place—at Leeum. I spent four hours looking at all the paintings. I was most impressed with the painting, Geum Gye Do, by Kim Hong Do.” Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, 747-18, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu. Tel 022014-6900. Directions: Hangangjin Station (Line 6), exit 1 or bus no. 11, 0014 to Hangangjin.

I like the architectural design of Platoon-Kunsthalle in Nonhyeon-dong. I feel it’s an artistic expression of their drive and progressiveness. They are like a vehicle carrying artwork and events that are wide-ranged, fluid and young. I’d like to apply this very concept to everything I do— the vehicle to carry and express a different medium. Platoon-Kunsthalle, 97-22, Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu. Tel 02-3447-1191.

“I’ve liked multi-label store Flow on Garusu-gil before the area became widely popular as it is today. This is where I first came across the Swedish brand, Cheap Monday. I like their skinny jeans as the design is unique and not over the top. The style reminds me of British rock. Since they’ve opened an office in Korea in 2010, I have DJed at their promotion events.” Flow recently moved its original Garosugil store to Cheongdam. You can find Monolik products there. Flow, 84-10 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. Tel 02-511-4074.

29 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


i'

m

m

u

s

i

Ultimate Travel Playlist

c

The perfect season for travel is approaching, and just hearing the word 'travel' would be enough to tickle your travel bug. How about driving to the summer sea on the East coast? An absolute must for the perfect trip is a well-paired playlist of vacation tunes. While you travel from Seoul to Sokcho, blast these carefully chosen songs and you’ll be at your destination in no time. Now, let’s get away! BY_ NANEUN MOO-SIK HADA

Main Host_ ‘Head idiot’ Song Young-il Having collected over three thousand LPs and CDs, Song is hailed as ‘a connoisseur of music who enjoys all kinds of songs.’ With his background in IT, Song dreams of finding new, innovative ways to fuse music and IT.

“ YO VIVIRE ( I WILL SURVIVE ) ” – BY CELIA CRUZ Steamy Latin music is what you need on a blazing hot day. A Latin take on the well-known pop song, “I Will Survive,” Yo Vivire will make your hips move. Sung by Cuban diva Celia Cruz, the salsa rhythm and Latin percussion will make you feel alive.

“ START ” – BY EPAPEPE

“ THE BITTER END ” – BY PLACEBO

Depapepe is a two-man band that creates a bright sound on two acoustic guitars. As soon as you hear the first note you will be filled with the brightness of their energy. Entitled “START,” this song by Tokuoka Yoshinari and Miura Takuya of Depapepe will sound like the first step you take on a summer day’s journey. The fresh melody and upbeat rhythm will have you smiling throughout the song.

The greatness of Placebo’s music does not even require explanation. This British alternative rock group's song, “The Bitter End,” is enjoyable anytime, anywhere. But it's even more exhilarating to listen to in the many lengthy tunnels you have to pass through to reach the East Sea. Enjoy the ride with this song’s driving drum beat and kick-ass guitar riff!

“ RIO VEGAS ” “ WALHALLA ” – BY RIO VEGAS – BY As soon as this song starts, your GOURYELLA car will feel like a dance club, except you’ll be enjoying it under sun, not in a dark, sweaty club. Whether your destination may be the mountains or the sea, this music will instantly uplift your spirits. A slick house tune with a hot beat and pumping bass line, “Rio Vegas” is a song produced by Rio Vegas, a project group of Israeli musician Elad Asy. If you like this song, be sure to check out their other great tunes!

Dubbed 'the emperor of trance music,' DJ Tiësto rose to fame with this very song. In 1999, famed Dutch musicians Ferry Corsten and Tiësto came together and formed Gouryella, a project team. Their song “Walhalla” topped charts in the U.K. and around the world in no time. While you drive down the Chuncheon highway, play this song and your stress will be blown away by the time you get to the East Sea.

“ VOLARE ” – BY GIPSY KINGS Freely floating around the world, gypsy spirit is what you need to truly get away. For inspiration, make sure to add this Gipsy Kings song to your playlist! A well-known rumba flamenca band, Gipsy Kings are a group of musicians originally from the Southern French villages of Arles and Montpellier. Brothers Nicholas and Andre Reyes, the core members of the band, have not only played gypsy music but lived a gypsy's life. “Volare” is originally an Italian canción composed by Domenico Modugno. This song rose to fame in 1985 by winning the first prize at the renowned Sanremo Music Festival. But Gipsy Kings kicked the song’s fame up a notch by reinterpreting the song in their flamenco style.

30 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Trance music expert_ Kim Jong-hoon a.k.a. Teacher Mangok A true music lover who has published more than 10,000 European trance songs in the past ten years, Kim melds Eastern and Western cultures by presenting trance as a gateway to meditation: “Trance music frees one from all thoughts and ideas.” Director Bae Director Bae is a middle-aged indie musician who formerly worked as a commercial music director for more than ten years. Birdjet_ In charge of ‘extraterrestrial’ comic relief Ever since receiving a cassette tape player in sixth grade, he has been a passionate music listener. Birdjet’s day job is at a broadcasting company.

I do the MUSIC! - Naneun ‘music’ hada Electronic devices such as the iPhone or the iPad have revolutionized our lives in many ways. One of the best inventions that have come out of this digital revolution is the podcast. Now people can easily create podcasts and share them with millions around the globe. South Korea is no exception when it comes to the podcast craze. There are now about 4,000 podcasts being uploaded regularly in South Korea. Currently, Korea’s most notable podcast in the music category is Naneun ‘music’ hada. Since “music (pronounced moo-shik)” in Koeran means “ignorant,” this play on words is interpreted as “I am ignorant,” or “I do the music.” “Ignorant dudes’ chat session on music and entertainment, this podcast won’t give you stories of idols or K-pop," claims the show’s podcast description. They also claim their show is "a progressive music podcast on the amazing, mind-blowing music of 'the aliens!'" Each week with varying themes the hosts introduce Korean indie musicians.

‘Naneun Moo-sik Hada’ I am the MUSIC iTunes Podcast :http://itunes.apple.com/kr/ podcast/naneun-musig-music-hada./id500126785 Twitter : @musichada


m

u

s

i

c

a

l

/

t

h

e

a

t

r

e

6.1 ~ 6.20

Reserving a ticket in English site is provided at your convenience

P

PlayDB http://www.playdb.co.kr/

g

interpark english booking http://ticket.interpark.com/Global/

Original Wicked in South Korea Musical / 20120529~20120731 Venue : Blue Square, Samsung Electronics Hall Rating : 7 and above VIP:160,000won / R:130,000won / S:90,000won / A:70,000won / B:50,000won A new take on the classic, The Wizard of Oz, Wicked tells the story from the witch's point of view. Since its premiere on Broadway, Wicked has kept the title of most popular musical for nine years. Internationally it has grossed 2.5 billion dollars, bewitching more than 30 million people.

P 2012 Rainbow Island Concert / 20120609~20120610 Venue : Nami Island Rating : All ages

P g

Two-days pass(06.09~06.10) 165,000 won One day pass(06.09 Saturday) (Entrance fee) 110,000 won One day pass(06.10 Sunday) (Entrance fee) 88,000 won A weekend getaway to a magic island awaits. Combining the outdoors with music, the 2011 Rainbow Music Camping was a huge success and drew large crowds. Now it's back under the name of Rainbow Island. Kick off your summer with this journey to a musical land. *Note: Jason Mraz will be performing on Saturday June 9 for 90 to 120 minutes.

g

Catch me if you can

P

Concert / 20120328~20120610 Venue : Blue Square,Samsung Card Hall Rating : 7 and above

G

[Weekdays] First 120,000 won Business 100,000 won Economy 60,000won [Weekends] First 130,000 won Business 110,000 won Economy 70,000won A popular Broadway hit, now you can enjoy Catch Me If You Can in Korea! Nominated for four categories and winner of the Best Actor Award at the 2011 Tony Awards! Don't miss this first run of Catch Me If You Can in Korea.

<Theaters Series no. 4 >2nd <M.Butterfly>

Camelia Lady - Kang Sue-jin and Stuttgart Ballet

Show type / Play Dates / 20120424~20120606 Venue / M theater, Sejong Art Center Rating / 17 and above Tickets / R 60,000won S 40,000won

Show type / Ballet Dates / 20120615~20120617 Venue / Grand Theater, Sejong Arts Center Rating / 7 and above Tickets / VIP 250,000won R 200,000won S 150,000won A 100,000won B 50,000won

Dr. Zhivago Show type / Musical Dates / 20120127~20120603 Venue / Charlotte Theater Rating / 8 and above Tickets / VIP 130,000won R 110,000won S 90,000won A 70,000won

Chicago Show type / Musical Dates / 20120609~20121007 Venue / D-CUBE Art Center Rating / 13 and above Tickets / OP 80,000won VIP 110,000won R 90,000won S 70,000won A 40,000won

Black Mary Poppins Show type / Musical Dates / 20120508~20120729 Venue / Daehakno Art Theater one Rating / 15 and above Tickets / R 60,000won S 45,000won

IU Concert - REAL FANTASY Show type / Concert Show dates / 20120602~20120603 Theater / Grand Peace Palace, Kyunghee University Rate / 7 and above Tickets / R 99,000won S 88,000won A 77,000won

Incognito Live in Seoul Show type / Concert Dates / 20120609~20120609 Venue / Galleria Foret Convention B2 Rating / 19 and above Tickets / All Seats(Standing only) 99,000won

Jason Mraz Live in Korea - Busan Show type / Concert Dates / 20120608~20120608 Venue / Busan BEXCO Rating / 7 and above Tickets / Standing R 126,000won Reserved Seats S 110,000won

Bbal-rae (Laundry) Show type / Musical Dates / 20120404~20120930 Venue / Hakjeon Green Theater Rating / 13 and above Tickets / Weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) 35,000 won Weekends(Saturday and Sunday) and Holidays 43,000 won

31 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra & Paavo Jarvi & Hilary Hahn -- Seongnam Show type / Classical music Dates / 20120610~20120610 Venue / Opera House, Seongnam Arts Center Rating / 8 and above Tickets / VIP 140,000won R 120,000won S 90,000won A 60,000won B 30,000won

ONE OK ROCK 2012 "Start Walking The World Tour" in Seoul Show type / Concert Dates / 20120616~20120616 Venue / AX-KOREA Rating / 7 and above Tickets / Standing (pre-sale) 66,000won Reserved Seats(regular sale) 66,000won / At the door 77,000won


T

h

e

s

e

D

a

y

s

BY_ JUNG-YOON CHOI Recently I attended a press Q&A session on an autobiography by a North Korean defector. Co-written with French Journalist Sebastien Falletti, North Korea: The NineYear Escape from Hell traces one woman's long journey of finding freedom. Kim Eun-sun, the 26-year-old coauthor of the book attended the press conference with Falletti and answered questions regarding her life in the North, her escape, and her life South Korea. Petit in figure but confident with bright eyes, Kim answered some of the very hard questions with grace. It was hard to imagine that only a decade ago she had to cross the Tumen river in ragged cloth, almost dying of starvation. Now a junior at one of South Korea's most prestigious colleges, Kim said she is scheduled to go to U.S. this summer as an exchange student. One of the interesting issues discussed during the session was the lack of general public interest of North Korea. Kim and Falletti's book has been published in France as it is written in French. Yet there were no proposal to translate it into Korean until very recently. A reporter asked why books on North Korean defectors do not do well here. "I think once you start to acknowledge defectors' stories, it means you have to acknowledge their existence and start thinking about North Korea," said Falletti. "And generally people here don't want to start worrying about the North." "The public sentiment on North Korea is quite polarized in my opinion," said Kim. "During college,

I met some friends who are deeply engaged in North Korea and its human rights issue. On the other hand, those who lack interest are generally indifferent to what's happening in North Korea." Kim also added that because people feel hostile to the North Korean leadership, sometimes they have mixed feelings about North Korea. After the session was over, I started to think about my own perception of North Korea and of the more than 26,000 defectors living amongst us. For me, North Korea has been a personal issue because I grew up living with my paternal grandparents who escaped from Pyeongyang during the Korean War. They settled in Seoul and continued on with their trade as rice merchants. So I knew I had ties to North Korea. Attending elementary school in the mid to late 90s, sympathy for the starving folks and reunification was the theme when it came to education on North Korea. We often sung “Our wish is reunification”, and frequently there were small and big essay contests with the theme of reunification. I gladly used my ties to North Korea. I described how the separation broke my grandparents' heart, and how they lamented not being able to go back. With that I won quite a number of awards. But deep inside I didn't feel the personal connection. I was sorry to hear that so much people were suffering, but it was as if I was hearing about children in Somalia. North Korea seemed like a faraway country that would have no effect in my life in any way.

And once I started to attend junior high and high school, I could care less about North Korea. School work kept me busy enough. It wasn't until I went to college in the United States that I got to see the two Koreas from an outside perspective. By taking classes in Korean studies and from discussions with fellow students, I realized that people immediately think about 'North Korea' when they hear the word 'Korea.' When I said I'm visiting family back home in Korea for the summer, many asked if it would be dangerous. After coming back to South Korea I was surprised by the lack of public interest in North Korea. Though Seoulites live only 120 miles away from Pyeongyang, they seemed to not care about the North unless there were major events like the Yeonpyeong shelling or Kim Jong Il's death. And even then, there was a general sense of aloofness. I heard youngsters say "big deal. It's not like we're going to go to war with them." From the older generation, I heard "Those commies. Those bastards. Never can trust them. I'm sick and tired of their provocations." That's the other thing. The perception differentiated greatly depending on the generation. My grandparents and parents' generation have first or secondhand experience of the Korean War, so they still hold quite strong anti-communist and anti-North sentiments. Those in their twenties and early thirties grew up with a more sympathetic attitude towards the people of North Korea, but with age they became more ignorant. I am not quite sure what the younger iPhone generation thinks of the North.

32 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

How about the defectors? I had never conversed with a defector before I started working as a journalist. Many defectors I interviewed said that they often feel like aliens, being thrown into a complete new world. As seen in the movie Journal of Musan, many workplaces reject defectors just because they are from the North with less education. A young college student told me that sometimes he even feels the disdain from people when they realize he is a defector. Kim Eun-sun sees this as a big problem. She points out that the younger generation will be the key leaders managing the issues regarding North Korea and defectors in South Korea. If such ignorant and aloof attitude continues, the disparity between the two Koreas will deepen. South Koreans are one of the most hard-working people in the world. We are always stressed out, and it's really hard to pay attention to something that is seemingly unrelated to your life. But actually, there is a good reason for us to care. Though it may not feel like it, North Korea affects South Korea in almost all aspects of life. From security, economy, to international relations, we are influenced directly by the North's move. We spend so much of the yearly budget on security measures. North Korean issues deeply affect our relationship with China, Japan, and the U.S. Like domestic politics, it's a headache when you think about it, but it is important to keep your eyes and ears open for news on the North.

Then what should be done to raise public awareness? The first that could change is education. Students must be given a chance to interact and learn from defectors. Also they have to learn more about the lack of human rights in North Korea. Students shouldn't be just lectured on it, but be able to participate by helping the people. Some human rights NGOs hold seasonal camps, bringing together South Korean students and defector students. There are also many prominent defectors who established themselves as artists, poets, journalists, entrepreneurs, etc. The schools can invite these defectors to tell the tale of escape and survival. More domestic media coverage on stories regarding North Korea and the defectors would help as well. Though there are daily reports on North Korea, South Korean media lacks to provide a keen and personable approach. We need to know more about the direction the new Kim Jong Un regime is headed, as it will directly affect us. South Korean media chooses not to highlight North Korean news so much, but more attention is necessary. The two Koreas' capitals, Pyeongyang and Seoul, are only 120 miles apart, yet a fathomless emotional gap exists. If we don't work towards bridging this gap immediately, there will be more chaos and cost to pay when we achieve reunification.


c

o

l

u

m

n

Lyman McLallen A professor in the English College of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

on being a

guest in korea During my childhood when one of my friends invited me to his house, my mother always told me to be polite and not complain about anything and eat what his parents served me, even if I didn’t like it. Momma made it clear that an invitation to a friend’s house was a privilege and that his mother went to a lot of trouble to have me over and I shouldn’t take it lightly. “Always remember you’re a guest,” Momma said. In the interview with Robert Holley (BRIDGE #3, page 11, published on May 1, 2012) his closing remarks are simple but true. “If you accept the culture as it is,” Holley said, “you will be able to enjoy life here more.” Even so, you sometimes hear people belittle things about Korea that don’t suit them, or you read it on their blogs, and this is bad manners, especially from guests. The Koreans didn’t invite us here so we could complain about them – even though we are free to do so – just because some things about Korea might not be to our liking.

The Koreans have lived here for more than two-hundred-and-fifty generations. Each student who enters my classroom is descended from literally millions of ancestors who were all born and lived here, so this land has sustained their families for a long time, long before they even thought about us. They didn’t hire us to teach them about survival, for they’ve survived through all kinds of calamities down through the ages. They didn’t hire us to teach them about quality, either, for they make some of the best products in the world. And their prosperity speaks for itself. Korea is a thriving country, so they didn’t need to hire us to save them, but they have given us jobs, good ones too. We came here of our own free will because our Korean employers made attractive offers to us, and now that we’ve accepted those offers and have chosen to stay and work, we should realize that they’re entrusting us with an important part of their children’s education, which shows a lot of faith in us on their part.

When people make disparaging remarks about our hosts, they’re not really saying anything about Korea, but they do reveal themselves. When I first came to Korea, the department chair at the university that hired me told me that, “Your job is to talk with the students in English, not to get them to teach you Korean. When they walk into your classroom, it should be as if they’re walking through the door into America.” His advice still serves me well. I can only teach in English because I don’t know Korean, but even if I did, my job is to work with the students in English, give them opportunities to talk with an American – me, in English – without having to leave Korea, help them understand and use English better than they already do, and introduce them to American universities so they can dream about and maybe even become graduate students there. That’s what the university invited me here to do.

As a teenager, when I got my first summer job, my father told me that, “When somebody hires you, be loyal to them and do the best you can. They’re letting you earn money honorably by trusting you with an important job. Be worthy of it.” In giving us dignified work, the Koreans go to the trouble and expense to make our lives comfortable and pleasant while we’re here so we can earn and save more money than we could earn and save back home, which affords us opportunities we wouldn’t otherwise have. To my way of thinking, that’s real decent of them.

Bridge Paperzine is looking for freelance writers who have excellent communication and written English skills What’s Bridge? Bridge is a space where foreigners residing in South Korea can connect with locals. Culture, entertainment, travel, living tips, and more will be covered in this English bi-weekly paperzine. Showing ins and outs, Bridge aspires to inform people on what Korea has to offer. The Job Contributing writers will pitch, research, and create contents for the Bridge paperzine. We offer flexible working schedule and fair compensation for quality writing. Pay commensurate with experience and ability. How to apply Please send us a cover letter and resume, and two writing samples to info@roking.co.kr. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you have any further inquiries, please contact us at info@roking.co.kr.

33 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


T

a

l

k

T

o

M

e

I

n

K

o

r

e

a

n

How to ride taxis and talk to the driver in Korea We’re not saying this because we are biased, but Korea has some of the best public transportation in the world. Okay, so maybe we are just a *wee* bit biased, but when it comes to public transit, Korea knows what’s up! Whether you want to take KTX, the 지하 철 [ji-ha-cheol] (= subway), bus, or taxi, it’s all reasonably priced and efficiently gets you from point A to B without having to own or rent a car. 택시 [taek-si] (= taxi) are everywhere in Seoul: some are equipped with free Wi-Fi (which is totally and completely AWESOME, by the way), some are geared toward foreigners, and some are just simple cabs. Generally speaking, 택시 are clean, safe, comfortable, and best of all, relatively cheap depending on where you want to go. As of May 2012, the 기본 요금 [gi-bon yo-geum] (= base fare) in Seoul for 일 반 택시 [il-ban taek-si] (= standard taxi) is 2,400 won for the first 2 kilometers, and it increases by 100 won every 144 meters beyond the initial 2 kilometers. Most 택시 now accept T-money cards, credit and debit cards, and good ol’ paper money. There will be a sign somewhere on or in the cab that says “카드 택시” (Card taxi) to let you know payment by card is possible. There are actually a couple other popular types of 택시 in Korea besides 일반 택시 (= standard taxi). Many of the bright orange cabs you see on the

streets are “international” taxis. You can spot them easily because of the letters “Int’l” written on the side of the cab’s top light. This means the drivers have been trained to speak multiple languages, albeit Chinese, English, and Japanese, the most frequently spoken languages aside Korean, and the cost is the same as the 일반 택시. There are also some 모범 택시 [mo-beom taek-si] (= luxury taxis) that cost a little bit more. If you’d like to reserve an international taxi so you don’t have to wait for one, you can call by phone or do it online! 모범 택시 are black with a yellow sign on top of the car and are generally found in larger cities. This type of taxi is more expensive than the standard taxi (almost twice as much!), but if you want to be driven around by a driver that acts more like a chauffeur than a cabbie, then 모범 is a great choice! This cab is easily reserved if you’re staying at a luxury hotel and want to go somewhere. All you have to do is ask the concierge to call you a cab and, more than likely, you will step into a 모범. If you feel like taking another type of cab, just walk a few feet away from your hotel to hail one. Hailing a cab in Seoul is pretty simple: you can just stick your arm out horizontally, or stand next to a 택시 정류장 [taek-si jeong-ryu-jang] (= taxi stop). Unoccupied cabs are identified by the bright red light in the front window that says 빈차 (= bin-cha) (= vacant car), and luckily, getting a cab in Seoul is fairly easy… except if you are trying to get a 택시 between midnight and 1 a.m. If you want, you can put your hands in the air and wave them like you just don’t care, but it’s a lot less work to just stick your arm out and be patient! And now let’s say you do catch a taxi successfully and want to tell the driver where you want to go.

Unless you are in one of those “international” taxis or can only speak English, you might want to learn some of these expressions. First and foremost, it is important to know how to address your taxi driver correctly. The most appropriate term to use is 기사 님 [gi-sa-nim], which means “driver” or “chauffeur” in a polite way. Don’t call them 아저씨 [a-jeo-ssi] (= general term for middle-aged men) or 운전 기사 [unjeon gi-sa] (= direct translation of “driver”) like some people do after quickly looking up the dictionary. So if want to start saying something in Korean to make sure you have the driver’s attention, you can say “기 사님”. Saying the name of the place you want to go is fairly simple too. You just say the destination (e.g. 서울역 [seo-ul-yeok] (= Seoul Station), 홍대 [hongdae] (= Hongdae), 이태원 [i-tae-won] (= Itaewon)), and then add 가 주세요 [ga ju-se-yo], which means “Please go.” Just by adding 가 주세요, you are saying “Please take me to …” or “Please, let’s go to …” When you think you’ve arrived at your destination and want to tell the driver to let you off, you can say 여기 에서 내려 주세요. [yeo-gi-e-seo nae-ryeo ju-se-yo.] (= I will get off here. Let me get off here.) Make sure you practice these phrases next time you catch a taxi in Korea, and don’t forget to say 감사합니다 [gam-sa-hamni-da] (= thank you) when you get out of the cab!

BY_ TALK TO ME IN KOREAN

34 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


35 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


arts

m e e t s

mobile

BY_ SANG-AA PARK / IMAGES PROVIDED BY_ INCASE PR COMPANY "COMMFACT (070-7732-2504)"

You don't have to wait for the next Andy Warhol exhibition in South Korea to enjoy his works. Now you can dress your electronic devices with the pop artist's famed paintings. Digital gadgets dressed in art—what could be more Warholian and pop in spirit? Warhol's representative pieces, such as the camouflage series and the banana screen print, add whimsy and delight to an otherwise mundane part of your life. Check these out!

Andy Warhol Snap Case Camoflage

Andy Warhol Snap Case Marilyn

\55,000, iPhone 4S & iPhone 4

The Camouflage series is perfect for summer. Its simplicity is cool and timeless and the vivid colors, refreshing.

\55,000, Black iPhone 4S & iPhone 4

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Warhol’s most famous works? Many will say Marilyn Monroe. Both chic and sturdy, this iPhone case makes for a comfortable grip with minimal thickness and guarantees protection from shock and scratches.

Warhol Book Jacket Advert

Warhol Book Jacket Banana

\115,000, iPad 3rd gen & iPad 2

\115,000, iPad 3rd gen & iPad 2

You will immediately recognize this famous piece by Andy Warhol. As seen on the cover of The Velvet Underground & Nico album, Warhol's banana screen print is reborn as an iPad book jacket. Lined with faux fur, this accessory is luxurious and trendy. But that's not all; it's also practical as you can rest your iPad in different inclinations using the stand rail.

36 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

Warhol's Advert series blurred the boundary of fine art and commercial art, and this book jacket blurs it further. Printed on a posh pebble-textured cover, this iPad combines luxury with whimsy.


Street artist Shepard Fairey left a lasting impression with his Barack Obama presidentialelection poster. This time he’s collaborated with incase and launched the Capsule Collection, spreading the message of peace.

Shepard Fairey Canvas Sleeve, Elephant

Shepard Fairey Snap Case, Obey Elephant

\ 115,000, MacBook Pro 15”

This MacBook case bearing Obey Elephant is not to be missed. Made from durable cotton canvas and lined with suede, this case will safely protect your MacBook. Plus, it is water and moisture proof.

\55,000, iPhone 4S & iPhone 4

The strong colors immediately draw your eyes, and the mesmerizing elephant print seems to be casting a spell to protect your iPhone. Shepard Fairey's signature adorns the inside.

Shepard Fairey Canvas Sleeve \115,000, Yen Pattern Red, MacBook Pro 13”

With its glamorous color and design, this Yen pattern Red canvas sleeve is an eye-catching piece. You will never have trouble spotting your MacBook. On its side, you can find the custom-made incase and Shepard Fairey logo.

Shepard Fairey Snap Case Lotus Ornament \55,000, iPhone 4S & iPhone 4

The lotus, the flower of peace, has been a favorite motif of Fairey’s. This colorful phone case isn't too flashy, but still packs visual appeal. Perfect if you’re looking to add a flair to your iPhone but don’t want anything gaudy.

37 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


d

i

r

e

c

t

o

r

y

MANYCAR.COM

www.facebook.com/ManyCar

38 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5


d

i

s

t

r

i

b

u

t

i

o

n

[Bridge] Paperzine can be found at local businesses in Seoul and at major cafes throughout Korea P l a c e w h e r e yo u m ay p i c k- u p <EMBASSY> Algeria Austria Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Canada Chile Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Ghana Hungary India Ireland Italy Japan Kazakstan Malaysia Mexico Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Norway Pakistan Poland Portugal Republic of Serbia Russia Rwanda Singapore Slovakia Spain Switzerland Thailand United Kingdom Uruguay Venezuela

<UNIVERSITIES _ Korean language institute> SEOUL YonSei University SeoGang University Korea University Seoul National University HanKuk University of Foreign Studies Ewha womans University KonKuk University SungKyunKwan University SookMyung women’s University HanYang University HongIk University SangMyung University SamYook University SungKongHoe University ChongShin University HanSung University GYEONGSANG-DO PuSan National University JEOLLA-DO ChonBuk National University

<UNIVERSITIES division of international studies SEOUL Korea University Seoul National University Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Yonsei University Hanyang University Konkuk University SungKyunKwan University Soongsil University Dongguk University Dong Yang Mirae University University of Seoul INCHEON Inha University

GYEONGGI-DO Catholic University of Korea Eulji University CHUNGCHONG-DO KAIST Kongju National University Soonchunhyang University Hanbat National University GYEONGSANG-DO Kyungpook National University Keimyung University Pukyong National University Ulsan College Chinju National University of Education Korea Maritime University JEOLLA-DO Song Won College Sunchon National University Chonnam National University Honam University

Gyeongnam International Foreign School Busan International Foreign School Okpo International School Handong International School JEOLLA-DO Kwangju Foreign School SunCheon Foreign School JEJU North London Collegiate School

<HOTEL> SEOUL Bestwestern Walkerhill Novotel Ritz-Calton Samjung Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Times Square IP Boutique Hotel Grand Ambassador Seoul Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas Hotel Seokyo Hotel Seoul KyoYuk Munhwa Hoekwan Imperial Palace Hotel Mayfield Hotel Renaissance Seoul Hotel Seoul palace hotel Sheraton Grand Walkerhill Hotel INCHEON Best Western Prima Songdo Park Hotel Paradise Hotel Sheraton Incheon Hotel CHUNGCHEONG-DO heongpung Resort Ramada Plaza GANGWON-DO Alpensia Resort Hotel Interburgo Wonju Kensington Flora Hotel Kensington Hotel GYEONGSANG –DO Best Western Gumi Hotel Hotel Concorde in Gyeongju Hotel Interburgo Daegu Hotel Interburgo Exco Hyundai Hotel Gyeongju Kolon Hotel Komodo Hotel Lotte Hotel Busan Novotel Ambassador Busan Paradise Hotel JEJU Hyatt Regency Jeju

<ENGLISH CENTER > SEOUL Global Village (Seorae ) Global Village (Yeoksam) Global Village (Yeonnam) Global Village (Yeonnam) Global Village (Itaewon ) Global Business Center Gangdong English Center Nowon English Village Seoul English Village (Gwanak) Seoul English Village (Suyu-dong) Seoul English village (Pungnap) INCHEON Incheon Seo-gu Global Education Center GYEONGGI-DO Gyeonggi English Village Yangpyeong camp Gunpo Blaobal Education Center SeongNam English Town Ansan Hwajeong English Village Icheon Global peace village Americancity GYEONGSANG-DO Global Village (Busan) Changwon Geoje English Village Gyeongju English Village Daegu Gyeongbuk English Village Busan Global Village Sangju English Town Yeongju English Center JEOLLA-DO Gwangju International English Village Gurye Foreign Language Town Gunsan English Learning Center Mokpo English Village Muju Global Education Center Yeosu Foreign Language Center Imsil English Center Jeonju English Center

<RESIDENCE> SEOUL Casaville Vabiensuite Starvill CO-OP Residence Fraser suite Fraser place DMC ville Windroad and Windflower

<INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL> SEOUL Namsan International Kindergarten Rainbow International school Rainbow Children Center Seoul Foreign School Asia Pacific International School Korea Kent Foreign School Lycee International Xavier Korea International School (Gaepo) INCHEON Chadwick International School Canada Maple International School GYEONGGI-DO International Christian School Korea International School (Bundang) Big Heart Christian School GYEONGSANG-DO

<GUEST HOUSE> SEOUL HAPPY GARDEN GUESTHOUSE MAMA GUEST HOUSE NAMSAN GUESTHOUSE TREE GUESTHOUSE Myeongdong GUESTHOUSE Bangranghostel BONG HOUSE KIM’S GUESTHOUSE TEA GUESTHOUSE HONG GUESTHOUSE Backpackers INSIDE Banana Backpackers Grape Garden House Seoulbackpackers TravelersA Seoul Guesthouse

39 B R I D G E p a p er z i n e # 0 5

<TOURist info center SEOUL Gyeongbokgung Myeongdong Itaewon Gwanghwamun Global Center tourist information office Gimpo International Airport Namdaemun Market Dongdaemun Myeongdong COEX Hongdae GYEONGSANG-DO Andong Hahoe folk village Gyeongju Station Gimhae International Airport Busan Bulguksa Terminal Haeundae INCHEON Songdo convensia Incheon Airport JEOLLA-DO Gwanghallu Jeonju Traditional Culture Center JEJU Seogwipo-si Jeju

<ITAEWON> SEOUL WhatTheBook Nashville Neal’s yard The flying pan blue La Cigale Montmartre London Tea My Chelsea Macaroni Market Manhattan Moghul Bit 1 Villa Sortino Sortino’s Suji’s Spicetable Ashoka Alsaba Indigo Chakraa Cup&Bowl Thai Garden Tacobell Pattaya Panda King Pancho's Alt Swiss Chalet Phillies Pub Salam Scrooge pub Steff Hotdog The Hungry Dog

<CAFE> SEOUL 405kitchen Deux Cremes Espresso Public coffeeSmith aA Design Museum Shin’s coffee house Café 302 Grazie coffee Elly coffee house Coffee Me Cornet De Frites



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.