2013 08 09 Discovery

discovery

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2013

“Arirang at the DMZ”

The Continuous Evolution of Chuseok Membership Musings

Thankful for Chuseok Dancing for Difference The O Train and V Train

S E O U L I N T E R N AT I O N A L W O M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N August/September 2013 Discovery 1

Contents

discovery Magazine

August-september 2013

12

SIWA News and Activities

Editor’s Letter Board Members & On the Cover President’s Letter Drawing winners Regular Events SIWA Membership Musings,

by Melissa Menard Impeccable Fashion SIWA News & Activities

Clubs & Groups

SIWA Clubs & Groups Bazaar News Cultural Connection Cultural Culinary Exchange

by Pilar Perez-Mc Kay

SIWA Spotlights

5

Thankful for Chuseok

“The Continuous Evolution of Chuseok”

Arirang at the DMZ

Discovery Interview: Kerstin Poepplau

by Isabelle Min

SIWA Welfare Committee, Busan Trip

by Jennifer Valentine

by Stephanie Anglemyer

by Robbie Schuldt

7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16

18 Dancing for Difference Tours Policies

Life in Korea

Advertiser Ads Seoul International Women’s Association

21

by Danielle Scher

20

Special Happy Busday Tour 21

by Pilar Perez & Michelle Morrison

Tours to Look Forward to 22 Letters from SIWA Members to Tours Team 26 SIWA Trip with Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) 27 & KORAIL: The O-Train and V-Train Adventure!

by Kerrie Matthee

18

by Milee Kim

6

10

6

Care & Welfare

Tours

10 Magazine, Seoul Foreign School, WY Dentistry

2 3 4 5

Events Around Town Lesson in Korean

28 29

27

28 Changeuimun-ro 5-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 110-819

www.siwapage.com

August/September 2013 Discovery 3

News & Activities

s e i d a L o l l e H of SIWA,

SIWA 2013

I

t’s August already! Welcome back from your restful vacations. The summer will be winding down soon, and very quickly Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving, will be at our doorsteps (September 18th-20th). The streets grow quiet, shops close down, traffic thins (for one day at least!), and the city that never sleeps settles into a mellow lull.

Editor’s Letter

Introducing the brave few who answered the call to join the editorial staff. As editor for Discovery, I’m very grateful for their help and support!

New Editorial Assistants:

Although our thanksgiving holidays in all our different countries may come at different times of year, there isn’t a better time in Seoul to count our blessings. There are some helpful tips on just how to do that in this issue. We get to see how some of the SIWA volunteers get to show their appreciation and hope for peace at the border, and others share what family means to them during the Chuseok season. It’s also a great time of year to give to those in need--which we hope our Care & Welfare section will inspire you to do.

Also in September, SIWA members will be able to meet and sign up for classes. This is a great way to meet others, learn a new skill, and find out more about the country we live in. Our tours team has also been busy putting together fascinating trips in and around Seoul, including the horse racecourse and a brewery.

Wherever you go or whatever you do with SIWA, consider writing an article and taking pictures for your Discovery magazine. We’d love to see SIWA from your perspective!

With gratitude to you, the SIWA member,

Sincerely,

Danielle Odenath

Editor of Discovery Magazine

Board Members Executive Board 2013

Terri Hartman

President president@siwapage.com

Ursula Tarasyants

VP Activities vpactivities@siwapage.com

Isabelle Min

VP Community Relations vpmembership@siwapage.com

Bockhee Lee

VP Fundraising vpfundraising@siwapage.com

Lorrie Gomes

Board Administrator boardadmin@siwapage.com

Anastasia Popova

Treasurer treasurer@siwapage.com

Standing Committees 2013 Arts & Exhibitions arts@siwapage.com

Mihe Shin

Mariya Maderich

Communications communications@siwagepage.com

Nuchjaree Klongsungsorn

Diplomatic Liaison diplomat@siwapage.com

Danielle Odenath

Discovery Editor discoveryeditor@siwapage.com

Melissa Menard

1

2

3

1. Stephanie Anglemyer 2. Danielle Scher 3. Amy Zhong

On the Cover Cover Photo: Stephanie Anglemyer Editor : Danielle Odenath Graphic Designer : Emilie Lavaud Printing Coordination : Hannah Minn Printed by 10 Magazine Advertising Coordinator : Contributors:

Tiana Pan Stephanie Anglemyer, Hyejin Kim, Milee Kim, Anne Ladouceur, Melissa Menard, Isabelle Min, Terri Hartman, Pilar Perez-McKay, Danielle Scher, Robbie Schuldt, Ursula Tarasyants

Discovery Photo Files All photos used by Discovery Magazine, unless otherwise stated, have been provided by SIWA photography group and are the property of SIWA.

Welcomed!

Contributors

D

iscovery is published bi-monthly (six issues per year) by SIWA with articles and content written by our members and associates. It is printed and distributed exclusively for SIWA members. All opinions expressed in articles are those of the respective authors, and may or may not reflect the official position of SIWA. All right reserved SIWA 2013. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any for without prior written consent of SIWA.

4 Discovery August/September 2013

Membership membership@siwapage.com

Pilar Perez McKay

Public Relations publicrelations@siwapage.com

Ingrid Peeters

Special Events specialevents@siwapage.com

Leah Rutz

Sponsorship sponsorsiwa@siwapage.com

Robbie Schuldt

Tours tourschair@siwapage.com

Milly Kim & Milee Kim

Welfare welfare@siwapage.com

Committees 2013

Tiana Pan

Advertising advertising@siwapage.com Arts & Exhibition Co-Chair arts@siwapage.com

Amanda Barut

Michelle Morrison Cultural Connection Jinsung Yang Culinary Cultural Exchange

culturalconnection@siwapage.com

Elmira Urazaeva

Working Women’s Network workingwomensnetwork@siwapage.com

News & Activities

A

s I was reading about our August Coffee Morning, I started to think about the role of technology in our current life. I try to imagine what being an expat was like only 20 years ago. Calling someone “long distance” (do we even still use that word?) was an expensive proposition, to be with rewarded with static filled sound at the other end and much shouting to be heard. No instant messaging and pictures. I can only imagine how much more homesick expats were, waiting for actual letters to arrive in the mail. Yet for all of our use of technology and “instant” contact with our friends and family around the world, has it gone too far? I suspect this may be a generational thing, with those of us that think it is rude to text someone while you are having an in-person conversation with someone else. I am sure many of you have experienced, especially among our children, texting each other from the same place. I fully expect one day to have to text “dinner is ready” to get everyone to come to the table!

So in today’s technology, what is the role of the personal touch? For me, it is wonderful to be able to conduct the business of SIWA around the world in any time zone. Still, we find it really important to actually get together and meet sometimes, even just to socialize. While it is great to keep in touch with people all over the world, one of the first things we want to do when we come to a new place is to explore it and meet other people. SIWA can help

you. Through SIWA, you can attend between 7-10 different tours each month, including everything from market tours, to cultural events, and physical activities. Coming up next month is the sign up for our enrichment classes, where you can learn a new skill or perfect an old one. Don’t forget our cultural connection and culinary exchange, where you can see and taste from around the world.

Almost since the beginning, SIWA has been having a monthly coffee morning, a chance to meet up with friends and make some new ones. We are continuing this tradition starting this month in the brand new Conrad hotel. This is a wonderful five-star property at the International Finance Center (IFC), an up and coming location in Seoul. It is really easy to get to by subway or bus, and parking for the event is free. You can also stick around afterwards and have lunch, or even a movie, in the IFC Mall.

We hope you can join us, and we want to hear from you. One of the great uses of technology is to get your feedback. We want to hear your thoughts about coffee morning, so that we make sure we are meeting your needs regarding our programs and offerings, so look in your email for a quick survey.

We look forward to seeing you on August 21 at our first coffee morning at the Conrad. As always, I am extending my invitation to any member to a coffee: send me a note at president@siwapage.com. I look forward to seeing you soon!

“SIWA can help you”

SIWA

Special Announcements Welcome to our new Hospitality Chair, Tatiana Siufi!

T

atiana and her husband arrived in Seoul in December 2012. She was born and grew up in Brazil where her family still lives.

Throughout her life, Tatiana had the opportunity to learn and experience different cultures whilst living in Spain, USA, Switzerland and Australia - the country she now calls home after becoming an Australian citizen. She speaks Portuguese, English, Spanish, a little bit of French and is trying to learn Korean. She enjoys traveling, dancing, learning new languages, playing chess, reading and catching up with friends. Tatiana is very excited with the hospitality role and is wishing to meet you all in upcoming SIWA events.

Premium Platinum Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

President’s Message

ns to our CongratulatioDrawing Winners Membership

P auline Tan

Inge Hofmann

and ! Both ladies renewed their membership, and both received a gift certificate to Maple Tree House restaurant valued at 50,000W each. Thank you to all of you who renewed your membership and welcome to our new members! We’re excited to share in SIWA with you this year.

For places you can use your SIWA membership card benefits, please visit: http://siwapage.com/join-us/ member-benefits/

Gold Sponsors

K O R E A

August/September 2013 Discovery 5

*photos courtesy of Conrad Hotel

News & Activities

Regular Events

August & September Transition Group Venue: Conrad Hotel, Yeouido

News Flash SIWA’s new Coffee Morning ‘Home’ Conrad Seoul, Yeouido

Date: Wednesday, August

21st, 2013 & Wednesday September 11th, 2013

We will be meeting for lunch after the August 21st Coffee Morning at the Conrad Hotel and September 11 Enrichment Class Sign-up. For more information and details please email transition@siwapage.com.

Newcomers’ Meeting

We are delighted to announce that SIWA’s Coffee Mornings will be hosted at the new venue - the Conrad Seoul. Join us for our inaugural event on Wednesday, August 21, 9:30am-11:30am Located in the heart of Yeouido Business District overlooking the beautiful Han River, the Conrad offers a mix of sophistication, luxury and comfort; an intimate venue where SIWA members and friends can easily mix and mingle at our monthly meetings.

Venue: Fifth Floor, Myeong-dong M Plaza, 31-1 명동2가서울 Directions: Exit #6, subway line 4, Myeongdong station; walk 5 minutes Date: Tuesday, August 16th, 2013 & Tuesday, September 10th, 2013 Time: 10:30am to 12:00pm If you are new to Seoul or new to SIWA, we encourage you to join our Newcomers’ meeting. It’s a great chance to get to know a little more about our organization and the city of Seoul.

Cultural Connection

Coordinator: Jinsung Yang, culturalconnection@siwapage. com Venue: 19 F, Seminar room, Korea Foundation Cultural Center, Mirae Asset Building, West Tower, 67 Suha-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (Jonggak

Subway St., line 1) Date: Monday, August 19th, 2013 Time: 10:0am to 12:00pm Cost: Free for SIWA members Maximum number of participants: 20

The August Cultural Connection is designed to give each SIWA member & participant a good chance to talk about her own experience about culture home and abroad. Through stories and visuals such as photos, we can learn more about one another and enjoy the different perspectives each of us has.

Refreshments: all participants are kindly asked to bring along a small Korean snack and some drinks to share!

Cultural Connection group meetings are opened ONLY for SIWA members!

6 Discovery August/September 2013

Guest Speaker

Liam Lusk

Well-known Social Media expert Liam Lusk will present: “How to get the most out of Social Media in Expat Life”

L

iam Lusk started his first blog in 2008 and has since created a number of blogs for clients and friends as well as himself. By effectively using social media, Liam has increased his career opportunities and personal network. He runs his own company, Artam Consultancy, and is an author and radio presenter. Liam’s personal blog, liamlusk.com, continues to grow, obtaining readership from around the world through the combined use of social media like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Our meeting will be the perfect opportunity for both newcomers and long-term Seoul residents to be introduced to Social Media and to share our experiences and suggestions. Liam will speak on areas such as how to keep in touch with family, blogging for fun or for business, meeting people with similar interests, and about networking in general.

Cost: Members 20,000w, Non-Members 25,000w Coffee Morning is one of SIWA’s core activities, an occasion when all members come together to enjoy topical lectures, panel discussions and special events over a cup of coffee or tea and snacks. It is a chance to reconnect with other members, make new friends and share information. Organized by the Hospitality Chair, Coffee Mornings provide information about Korea, current affairs, culture and issues of interest to all. Coffee Mornings are open to all members and friends, and are held regularly on a third Wednesdays of every month.

Directions to Conrad Seoul- by Subway: Yeouido Station, subway lines #5 or #9, Exit 3. Go straight along the moving walkway (underground passage) until you reach the IFC Entrance. Walk to the escalators (located in front of the ‘8 Seconds’ store) and go up to L1.

The entrance to Conrad Seoul is located between the “Stradivarius” and “Bershka” stores. ** Parking is free for event participants.

News & Activities

SIWA Membership

Musings...

T

he raffle games we played at our luncheon in June reminded me just how easily the membership list can turn into a nondescript pile of paper slips. And how is it possible to remember so many names at the beginning of a busy SIWA year when so many have enrolled at once? I hear this question all the time; but when the membership prize goes to someone like Inge Hofmann, the answer’s obvious.

I first met Inge during a SIWA tour of Wonjin Beauty Medical Group in Gangnam where we learned with other members about the ubiquitous market for cosmetic surgery in Korea. I also learned that Inge is President of the German Club Seoul and when SIWA Cultural Culinary Exchange Program proudly announced that Inge and Uli Schwickart would prepare an example of traditional German cuisine, Inge’s generous hospitality left another impression.

SIWA clubs, tours and volunteer opportunities are thoughtfully planned to engage your interest, inspire your creativity, and along the way we finally get to see who you really are. Everything you thoughtfully included on your registration form—names, titles, phone numbers, birthdates and addresses— is enlivened when you come out to say hello, to share a meal with us or to offer us a story.

SIWA activities bring us together.

If you are wondering how your membership record will enable you to register conveniently for SIWA tours and events or if you’ve recently decided to recommend the benefits of a SIWA membership to a friend, please email me at membership@siwapage.com.

Come out and visit with us. We hope to see you soon.

“SIWA activities Bring us closer together”

Melissa Menard

Membership Chair

Impeccable

Fashion

O

n Friday, June 21st, SIWA ladies were invited to Carolina Herrera’s flag store in Seoul for fresh-berried champagne, decadent chocolate mousse, and, of course, impeccable fashion offered at a discount during the event!

We would like to thank the Carolina Herrera company for such lovely evening.

Carolina Herrera’s flagship store is located in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul.

August/September 2013 Discovery 7

News & Activities

SIWA

News& Activities Announcement: *photos courtesy of Conrad Hotel

Venue: Seoul Global Center Building, 9th Floor, 38 Jongro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-110, Korea Directions: From Jonggak St. (Line 1) Exit 6. Walk 50m to Gwanhwamun From Gwanghwamun St.(Line 5) Exit 5. Walk 5 min. to Jonggak Phone number: 02-2075-4180 Date: Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 Time: TBA (please look online for further updates)

Friday Mingle Night at Conrad’s Bar 37

Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants Venue: Conrad Hotel, 37 Grill & Bar on the 37th Floor Date: Friday, September 6th, 2013 Time: 7:00pm to 9:30pm Cost: Members 45,000w Non-Members 55,000w Registration ends September 5!

Participants: minimum 10, maximum 30, adults only – Men welcome!

Price includes: • Welcome Sangria cocktail upon arrival • Finger food menu (cold and hot) served for two hours • Two drinks of your choice (wine or beer) Cash bar is available: Local beer – KRW 12,000; white wine by the glass – KRW 22,000; red wine by the glass – KRW 19,000

G

et together with old friends and meet new people at Friday Mingle Night. This event has been especially created for SIWA members and friends, and the 37 Grill & Bar is reserved for us. The location has breathtaking 180-degree city and river vistas sure to make any evening magical.

We will have music by a DJ as we enjoy food, drinks and conversation. Come enjoy the elegant evening in a good company!

I

n order to promote cultural exchanges, sharing skills and connections between members, SIWA offers about 40 Enrichment Classes, which are taught by experienced member teachers. Classes range from languages, art, crafts, music, culture, cooking and much more.

The only way for a member to register for a particular class is to attend a Sign-Up Meeting that happens twice a year: in September for the fall session and in January for the spring session.

Please note that these classes are exclusive to SIWA members!

However, you may register your membership on the day of the sign up meeting. Depending on the class, the cost of the course varies. For more information on the list of classes and prices, please check the Enrichment class guide at www.siwapage.com

Cultural Culinary Exchange -Creole Cuisine

Coordinator: Michelle Morrison Venue: Deawoo Trump World 3, 65-230, Hangangro-3ga, Yongsan-gu Date: Friday, September 6th, 2013 Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm

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ur next meeting a SIWA member, Renee Cummins, who was raised in southeast Texas, will teach you how to cook a typical Creole Menu: Shrimp Remoulade, Duck and Sausage Gumbo with potato salad, Crab Cakes, Bread Pudding, and Milk Punch. All participants will cook together and then we’ll have time for eating and chatting about the culture of our host country!

Minimum number of participants is 6 people. Maximum – 10 people!

This Event is open ONLY to SIWA members!

September Enrichment Class Sign up 8 Discovery August/September 2013

Clubs & Groups

Clubs &Groups S SIWA

IWA supports a variety of groups that are organized and led by our members. If you would like to create a new interest group and would like our support, please contact: interestgroups@siwapage.com or vpactivities@siwapage.com

Coffee Mornings

Coordinator: Tatiana Suifi Ratcu – hospitality@siwapage.com Coffee Mornings are one of SIWA’s core activities Meeting dates – the third Wednesday of each month at the Conrad Hotel or another announced location.

Newcomers Meetings

Coordinator: Jennifer Kim – newcomers@siwapage.com A great chance to get to know a little more about our organization from some “long-time” members and Seoul residents Meeting dates – Second Tuesday of each month at M-Plaza MyeongDong, Seoul Global Center

Tours

Coordinator: Robbie Schuldt – tours@siwapage.com Experience all the wonders that Seoul, and Korea, has to offer!

Visit siwapage.com for regular updates and new postings.

Enrichment Classes

Coordinator: Selina Yoon – interestgroups@siwapage.com Taught by experienced member teachers.

Classes range from arts & crafts, music & culture, cooking, languages, photography and much more. Exclusive to SIWA members!

Sign Up sessions: Spring (January Coffee Morning) and Fall (September Coffee Morning) * This Event is open ONLY to SIWA members!

SIWA Cultural Connection

Coordinator: Jinsung Yang, culturalconnection@siwapage.com SIWA Cultural Connection group was formed to bring all of our different backgrounds together. Our purpose is to help one another understand and appreciate each other’s diverse culture. This is a great opportunity to make friends and meet

wonderful people from all around the world!

We welcome anyone and everyone to come join us and learn about the many different types of cultures/backgrounds we see around us each and every day.

Cost: Free for SIWA members * This Event is open ONLY to SIWA members!

Cultural Culinary Exchange (CCE)

Coordinator: Michelle Morrison – culinaryexchange@siwapage.com Enjoy culture and community over a culinary creation! Members gather at a hostess’s house to learn a recipe or two from the hostess’s country. All members participate in preparing and cooking, and, of course, eating!

Meetings: once a month at the home of one of our members * This Event is open ONLY to SIWA members!

Moms’ & Tots’ Club

Coordinator: Amanda Beal Barut– momsandtots@siwapage.com Friendly, active meetings designed to help moms and kids. Children’s ages vary from 5 months to 5 years. Also, some Moms’ Only evening gatherings!

Meetings: once or twice a month at the home of one of our members or at the park. Visit www.siwapage.com for regular updates. * This Event is open ONLY to SIWA members!

Working Women Network (WWN)

Coordinator: Elmira Urazaeva – workingwomensnetwork@siwapage.com Our group is designed for SIWA members and their friends who cannot attend the monthly coffee mornings. Our focus is networking, socially or professionally.

Dinner meetings: on the last Wednesday evening of every month, at different restaurants around town.

Transition Group

Coordinator: Isabelle Min – transition@siwapage.com Transition Group is dedicated to supporting SIWA members in the process of, or starting to plan, a global transition; either relocating or moving back home.

Meetings: Monthly lunch meetings after SIWA Coffee Mornings.

Book Club

Coordinator: Shubha Maudgal – siwabookclub@siwapage.com Members read a selected book and then come together to discuss. Each member takes a turn to host the group, either at a member’s home, a coffee shop or restaurant. Meets monthly. *This Event is open ONLY to SIWA members!

Korean/English Conversation Group

Leader: Bokkie Kim – bskim511@yahoo.com Enjoy chatting in both English and Korean!

Expat ladies can practice Korean, and Korean ladies can practice their English skills in a relaxed and fun gathering. Meetings are every month (except August) on the second Tuesday from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Busan Galbi in Itaewon. Busan Galbi is located directly behind the Itaewon Hamilton Hotel and exit 1 or 2 of Itaewon Station.

Yongsan-gu Itaewon-dong 112-6. 부산갈비 용산 구 이태원동 112-6번지 Bokkie Kim also receives text messages at 010 4338 5511.

Meetings: Lunch at a restaurant once or twice a month

August/September 2013 Discovery 9

Clubs & Groups

SIWA & Diplomatic

Community Bazaar

Tuesday, November 5 at the Seoul Museum of History

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azaar Volunteers – This is the perfect opportunity to step forward!

We are looking for individuals to volunteer either on Bazaar day (Nov 5, Monday); setup day (Nov 4, Tuesday), or both!

Contribute your ideas, enthusiasm, time and effort to bring about this very important event – join the fun, join the SIWA team. Be part of one of the largest International charity events in Seoul this year: the SIWA and the Diplomatic Community Bazaar.

Please contact Judy Yun, our Volunteer Coordinator for additional information at: volunteers@siwapage.com

Ingrid Peeters, Bazaar Chair

I am happy to introduce the 2013 Bazaar Committee Team. We started our first meetings with highly motivated members who want to make the Bazaar 2013 a big success.

Our next meeting will take place on August 14th, 12:30 pm at the Seoul Club; you are welcome to join us if you would like to learn

PLEASE WELCOME I

M

Ingrid Peeters Mina Yun JP Timmerman Mihe Shin Mariya Maderich Diplomatic Community Liaison: Nuchjaree Klongsungsorn Donations & Prizes: Betty Willems, Theresa Kang, Kerrie Matthee Chair: Co-Chair: Administrator: Art/Photography: Communications:

Korea Table Coordinator:

Bockhee Lee Logistics: Ida Bryn, Eun-Ju Hong, Ursula Tarasyants Opening Ceremony: Isabelle Min PR & Media: Pilar Perez-McKay, Michelle Morrison

Megan Fox, Pilar Perez-McKay Publications: Danielle Odenath SIWA Information & Membership: Greta Tonnon, Minkyung Kim, Melissa Menard Sponsorship: Leah Rutz, Bockhee Lee, Terri Hartman Treasurer: Anastasia Popova Vendor Coordinator: Kies Bae VIP Liaison: Bockhee Lee, Katie Chun, Volunteer Coordinator: Judy Yun, Romy Shin Welfare: Milly Kim, Milee Kim Printing & Design:

Selina Yoon! I

y name is Selina Yoon, SIWA Interest Groups & Courses new coordinator!

I’m an aromatherapy teacher of SIWA as well.

I was born in a port city in southern Taiwan and lived in the U.S for years. I was involved in fundraising dinner preparing in church. We used lots of herbs for cooking and baking, and that’s where my interest with aroma and herbs began. I have always been amazed at the healing power of plants. After taking several courses I received professional certificates of aroma and herbs.

I also enjoy many and various hobbies. Most of my hobbies are related to herbs such as gardening, herb tea blending, baking and cooking. And I have always been fascinated with travel. My husband and I really enjoy new experiences about food and culture in different countries.

My professional life also began to follow my newer passions. After I 10 Discovery August/September 2013

more about volunteering. Please email me at: specialevents@siwapage.com

had worked for a TV channel and advertising agency for almost 10 years, I finally decided to start my new career as an aromatherapy teacher. I have enjoyed sharing with people about the secrets of aroma botanicals. Before I moved to Korea in 2009, I used to teach in two different community college colleges in Taiwan and work for a vocational education & training council.

Since SIWA has great way for cultural exchanges, sharing skills and building-up the relationship between members, I found a perfect place to continue my aromatherapy career. I also appreciate the wide range of SIWA classes. We aren’t only sharing experiences and skills between instructors and class members, but also establishing a special connection and friendship together.

Do you have a specialty or talent you would like to share with people? Are you interested in these joyful SIWA courses?

Join us at the Fall 2013 SIWA Sign Up meeting on September 11th, 2013 at at Seoul Global Center Building.

Cultural Connection Group meetings

S

IWA Cultural Connection group was formed to bring all of our different backgrounds together. Our purpose is to help one another understand and appreciate each other’s diverse culture.

This is a great opportunity to make friends and meet wonderful people from all around the world! We welcome anyone and everyone to come join us and learn about the many different types of cultures/ backgrounds we see around us each and every day.

Cost: Free for SIWA members.

This Event is opened for registration ONLY for SIWA members!

Coordinator: Jinsung Yang, culturalconnection@siwapage.com

August - “Your Interesting Cultural Experience - South Korea”

When: Monday, August 19, 2013, from 10:00 am till 12:00 pm Venue: 19 F, Seminar room, Korea Foundation Cultural Center, Mirae Asset Building (Jonggak Subway St., line 1) Maximum N of participants: 20 The August Cultural Connection is designed to give each SIWA member & participant a good chance to talk about her own experience about culture home and abroad. Through stories and visuals such as photos, we can learn more about one another and enjoy the different perspectives each of us has.

Refreshments: all participants will be kindly asked to bring along a small Korean snack and some drinks to share!

Clubs & Groups

September - “Italy - the Land of Many Treasurers»

Venue: Residence of the Italian Embassy in Seoul, UN Village When: Monday, September 30, 2013, from Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm Host: Mrs. Maria Giovanna Fahida Mercuri - spouse of the Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Korea Maximum N of participants: 25 This time a very special person and honored SIWA member, Mrs. Fadiga Mercuri, kindly invites SIWA members to her home in Seoul where she will be presenting about her home country, Italy - the land of love, music, history, art, culture, beauty, fashion and gastronomy.

The meeting will be followed by a typical delicious Italian snacks and, of course, famous Italian espresso!

So if you’re interested in learning more about other cultures or you’re just looking to make friends with a diversity of different people, then come join us!

Registration available on www.siwapage.com

The SIWA

English Conversation Group

The SIWA English Conversation Group lead by Bokkie Kim met on June 10 at the Busan Galbi Restaurant in Itaewon. The group meetings provide a lively opportunity to practice English and Korean among friends in a relaxed environment. To “beat the heat” everyone ordered 물냉면 (mul naen gmyeon), chilled buckwheat noodles in water and vinegar broth.

To join the group, please email Ms Bokkie Kim at: bskim511@yahoo. co.kr [JUNE 10-GROUP photo]:

Nadia Jolling, Paticia Wilson, Bokkie Kim, Melissa Menard, Cho Song Kang Kim

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Clubs & Groups

Cultural Culinary Exchange

on a Journey to Germany A

s we gathered at the home of Inge Hoffman on a sunny spring morning, you could sense our excitement at taking part in the sixth session of SIWA’s Cultural Culinary Exchange (CCE).

Before we arrived, our hosts Inge Hoffman and Ulrike Schwickart (both from Munich) had set out the basic ingredients, washed and sorted the vegetables, got the pots and pans out, and the knives and cutting boards were awaiting. Ulrike distributed the recipes for the day’s menu and we were ready to begin our culinary adventure into German cuisine, learning about the favourite dishes from our hosts’ home country.

The menu consisted of: Cabbage Potato Soup, Green Bean salad, Pork Roast, Pretzel Dumplings and Red Berry Pudding (Rote Grütze).

Inge explained it was typical of a traditional Sunday autumn/winter meal; the roast would be started in the morning, cooking slowly to be ready just in time for when the whole family would gather after church. Our first task was the plum sauce and the roast; the green beans had already been prepared and were being kept fresh and crisp with some ice (a trick we learned from Ulrike). Rote Grütze followed, with everyone commenting on the enticing colours of the berries.

Next the dumpling mix; we learned that it’s best to use one day old pretzels for extra texture and flavour. And lastly, Inge and Ulrike began to expertly chop the potatoes, cabbage, and garlic and, to add colour, leeks, and carrots for the soup. Another ‘trick’ we learned was to sauté the potatoes and vegetables before adding the broth to keep them soft and ‘crisp.’

The timing was perfect; the soup was ready to be served as we all finished setting up the table in the courtyard, where we could enjoy the sunshine while our tastebuds were tantalized by the exquisite flavours and the succulent roast.

It was another perfect CCE experience! We all enjoyed learning about our hosts’ country history and traditions and tasting authentic dishes cooked in the spirit of sharing and friendship. Many questions were asked, stories exchanged and new friends found. Thank you Inge and Ulrike!!

By

Pilar Perez-McKay

Participants: Euiboon Shim, Kyoungsook Beck, Gabriela Grutter, Megan Fox, Melinda Lowther, Pauline Tan, Pilar-Perez McKay, Sharon Gibbons, Young A Roh Organisers: Michelle Morrison, Mihe Shin Documentary: PD: Mr. Lee.

12 Discovery August/September 2013

siwa spotlights

Thankful for Chuseok

I

always find autumn a wonderful time of year to physically and mentally prepare myself for the colder weather. Like the creatures around us, we too seem to stock up on supplies for the winter months and gather all that is important around us. As the leaves change and the mittens and boots move from the back of the closet to the front, many of us take pause and consider how fortunate we are and for what we should give thanks. This Chuseok, I hope we can all be thankful for some of the less obvious things that, once we take the time to cultivate in our lives, will add value to our journey, regardless of the season. Likewise, this can also be an opportunity for us to identify where we want to grow and develop over the upcoming winter months as we plant the seeds for a promising new spring.

Below are my own gratitudes and, while I suspect many of them will resonate with women everywhere (not just in Seoul,) I know you will also have your own things that elicit your thankfulness. I hope you find a way to honor those while you also strategically make plans for growing both you and your future.

“The opportunity for us to grow & develop” Thankfulness is a daily state of mind and not just something that

I should consider a few times a year - this is crucial in my own personal growth and cannot be just lip service to others. Honesty in seeing myself as I am; not just all the flaws, but also all the positive traits that make me truly special. Ambition in my life – be it career, education, family, self-development – means I’m more likely to achieve my goals and find satisfaction and fulfillment. Never saying never means that I believe so much more is possible and within my

reach. Kindness that I give so freely when I’m not stressed out or believe I’m too busy. Friends and family (far and near) that support me and keep me grounded as I make my way in a world that can be confusing and hard at times and yet fascinating and amazing at other times. Understanding that I give to others and to myself when things don’t go according to plan. Loves (current, past, and those to come) that provide me excitement and special meaning on my journey.

FOR

Courage to not just see the world from the outside but to immerse myself in, and truly experience, one of Asia’s most interesting and dynamic societies. Humor that gives me the buffer to navigate challenging times while remaining creative in my problem-solving strategies. Unique perspective utilizing the tools given to me from my childhood caregivers and supplemented by my years of gaining experience and wisdom. Setting realistic expectations of others and myself means we all succeed more often and feel good about our accomplishments. Excellence is trying my best – while knowing I can never be perfect. Openness to experiencing life deliberately and being present in all that I do. Knowledge about who I really am and that I can make positive changes in my life if I choose to do so.

By

Jennifer Valentine,

M.Ed., LCMFT, CEAP

Jennifer Valentine is the VP of Adaptable Human Solutions (AHS) in Seoul and the Managing Director of the Singapore office. AHS has been the premiere native English-counseling company in Seoul since 2006 and provides services for children and adults and corporations for a variety of issues in a safe, familiar environment.

August/September 2013 Discovery 13

siwa spotlights

The Continuous Evolution of

Chuseok

C

huseok (추석) has been celebrated in Korea for so long that nobody knows when exactly it started. It’s centered around harvest and starts on the fifteenth day of the eighth month according to the lunar calendar. Traditionally, it was a celebration meant to thank ancestors for a plentiful harvest and share their good fortunes with their family and friends.

As Korea has shifted to a less agrarian and more industrial and urban society, however, things have changed considerably. Of course some families still celebrate Chuseok in a very traditional way, but most families’ celebrations have evolved with the changes that have taken place in Korea.

14 Discovery August/September 2013

Four different women in four very different situations were interviewed for this article.

Hoonie Lee is a 35-year-old single woman living in Seoul. Every Chuseok she helps her mother prepare by cleaning and cooking.

Heather Fairclough-Lee is a 51-year-old New Zealand woman married to a Korean man.

For most of the last 20 years, she has lived in Korea with her husband. Not followers of Korean tradiations, she and her husband have her husband’s family every Chuseok for early morning Christian hymns, prayers, and breakfast. Ji-Eun Lee, a 39-yearold Korean woman married to a German man, has been in Europe for the last twelve years. She tried to recreate traditional Korean dishes while she lived in Europe, but found it difficult without the proper ingredients. Hyun-Ju Lee is a 40-year-old typical Korean 아줌마 (ajumma, married woman;) she is married to a Korean man with three children. Since she has been married, she has been going to her mother-in-law’s house first, where she helps with the 제사 (jesa,

ancestral rites,) helps wash the dishes, and then goes to her family’s house to celebrate Chuseok there.

Hoonie laments the changes she sees. “ 아쉬워,” she says: “It’s a shame. It’s more convenient now, but now it’s less like a family-oriented holiday.” Many families, especially if the father is not an oldest son and is therefore not responsible for the jesa, will take a small family vacation to places in Korea such as Jeju Island, Ocean World, or Everland. Families also look to avoid the notorious traffic jams that occur every Chuseok weekend and visit their families the weekend before Chuseok, then spend the extended holiday in other countries or even elect to stay home, instead enjoying the company of their immediate family by eating out, seeing movies, and just spending time with each other.

Traditionally, after a Korean woman marries, she becomes a part of her husband’s family; instead of seeing her family on holidays, she spends the entire holiday with

siwa spotlights

Heather Fairclough-Lee Hyun-Ju Lee

Ji-Eun Lee

her in-laws. This also appears to be changing according to Hyun-Ju. “For example, on New Year’s Day, they (the wives) go to their in-laws’ house, then on the next holiday, like Chuseok, they might go to their parents’ house.” Surprisingly, she says the husbands’ roles are changing in other ways as well: “I think these days many husbands share the house chores on holidays. (But) they used to sit, eat, watch television and play cards. It was unfair for women!”

The husbands’ roles may be changing, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.

When asked what her least favorite part of Chuseok is, Ji-Eun replied, “Perhaps a lot of Korean ladies may agree: constantly cooking and washing dishes during the entire holiday.” Heather disagrees slightly: “(My least favorite part is) getting up early.” The day before Chuseok sometimes the family makes sungpynog, with her mother in law.

Then early the next day the family gets up and is ready for visitors. She enjoys seeing the relatives and makes a big brew of coffee in preparation. After prayers and breakfast, the extended family enjoy sitting in the yard having traditional Korean tea and snacks.

Because her husband is the oldest son of the oldest son, in the family, the responsibility of hosting Chusoek falls on him.

Of the four women interviewed for this article, Heather’s Chuseok experience has changed the least. She experienced her first Chuseok twenty years ago after marrying her husband and then moving to Korea. Her mother-in-law has prepared almost all the food from day one, indicating that because Heather was a foreigner, she couldn’t possibly know how to do anything! “I expected her to teach me how to cook some traditional dishes, so at first it was a bit alienating, but I found other ways to get involved. I understood that the kitchen was her domain, even though it was my house, and a lot of Korean friends envy me for that.” Heather explained with a big smile, as everyone knows how much cooking can be involved at Chuseok.

Every year until recently the extended family would all visit the family graves, where some members would bow, in memory of the deceased ancestor. Due to constant development in the area though, the graves have been moved south. Due to Chuseok traffic, some family members visit the graves now prior to the Chuseok holiday. The family misses the visit to the graves, gathering fresh chestnuts and enjoying the trip to the country. The tradition that has never changed though, for her, is the early morning, simple breakfast with the extended family.

Hoonie Lee

Heather has been surprised at some of the changes that she’s seen in the last twenty years. “My Korean friends’ experiences have changed much more than mine, with people sharing the food responsibilities or going away,” she says. “Their attitudes have changed more, they’re not adhering to the traditions that they might have once done.”

Despite Korean society’s rapid changes, many Chuseok traditions have remained the same. Songpyeon (송편,) a special sticky rice cake only eaten on Chuseok, remains close to many Koreans’ hearts. Ji-Eun remembers making songpyeon with her mother and grandmother fondly. “I remember that my mother and grandmother always soaked rice in advance and went to a mill in a local market near my house to grind the rice, which became very white and (a) fine powder.” Upon her mother and grandmother returning home, she enjoyed playing with the dough and seeing all of the different fillings. “My grandmother spread pine leaves underneath songpyeon when steaming them in a pot. It made the whole house smell very nice.” With the growth of large marts such as E-Mart and Home Plus, however, many Koreans choose to not go to the trouble of making their own songpyeon and other traditional Korean foods. “Now we buy more food because it’s easier and cheaper,” Hoonie says. “Even though it used to be a lot of work (to prepare the meal,) it was also fun.”

Stephanie Anglemyer

By

August/September 2013 Discovery 15

siwa spotlights

Arirang at the DMZ T he Ecological Peace Festival, commemoration of 60 years of the Korean Demilitarized

Zone “And now the ladies of SIWA will sing Arirang and Kohyangui Bom,” said the interpreter to the audience at Geonbongsa Temple. A few dozen of us climbed up on stage clutching our sheet music under the Buddha’s birthday lanterns glowing in the twilight.

Three buses of organizers, media and guests had left Seoul early in the morning on May 25 for the DMZ Ecological Peace Festival in Gangwon-do, South Korea’s northeastern province which is bisected by the DMZ. The tour was organized by Gangwon Province, sponsored by MBC (Munwha Broadcasting System) and Korea Tourism Organization; and managed by NamuArt. SIWA members and guests, along with other foreigners in Korea, were invited to participate.

Our first stop was at the DMZ Battalion of the 22nd Division to serve lunch to 200 young men performing their mandatory military service as DMZ Police. They greeted us with applause and smiles. 17

16 Discovery August/September 2013

ladies were given aprons and we spooned rice and salad and ladled soup before joining the soldiers at the lunch tables. The men were excited to see guests, anyone really, but especially women, and they were intrigued that we were foreigners. They were also excited that extra meat was available that day.

These young men are not allowed to have cell phones but they gladly posed for our photos. They wanted to know how we liked the food, and where in Seoul we lived. When we broached the subject of reunification with North Korea, they simply said, “It’s a very serious situation.” After lunch we went back outside. I was chatting with “Joseph” who had studied in Iowa in the USA and hopes to return there someday. The trip organizers said it was time for hugging before we got back on the bus. Joseph and I hugged warmly. “It is an honor to have you here,” he said. The soldiers saluted as we departed.

“It is an honor

to have you here”

We headed towards the East Sea, and when the coastline came into view I realized how I have forgotten the feeling of natural expanse during the past 10 months in the cement jungle of Seoul. I was tracking us on Google maps and we went as far north as the road appears, to the DMZ Observatory in Goseong-gun. Our group was led to the top of the hill where there is an amphitheater with huge windows looking north. Our guides pointed out the spectacular islands and mountains. It was a brisk and overcast day, a fine day for walking on the beach.

But there is no one on the beach. This land is in the 4 kilometer wide DMZ buffer zone between North and South Korea established after the Korean War armistice was declared in 1953, and there are no people as far as the eye can see. I thought about the many vacations I have had in Hilton Head, South Carolina where families enjoy a similar coastline. Hilton Head seems very crowded,

siwa spotlights but I realized that is preferable to the eerie, abandoned feeling this coastline evoked in me.

We arrived at Geonbongsa Temple in time to lay out our bedding before dinner. Dinner was Korean Buddhist temple food, simple and natural. Afterwards, we washed our own dishes then found seats in the temple courtyard to enjoy the Geumgang Mountain Music Festival. After several speeches, we, “the SIWA choir,” were called onstage.

“Perseverance despite oppression, hope in the face of difficulty, joy despite lack, and a strong sense of identity”

I was delighted to learn the tune and words to Arirang which we had practiced beforehand. Foreigners in Korea are sure to hear Arirang during their first weeks here. Traditional versions performed by older people on traditional instruments are often followed by contemporary versions by younger citizens playing Western instruments. At the gift shop of the Seoul Folk Museum many months ago, I found a book called Arirang, Song of Korea by Lee Chung-myun. I spent time on the bus to and from the ecological peace festival tour to study the book.

Though not an official national anthem, Arirang is a folksong which is sung by both North and South Koreans. There are many stories about the origin of Arirang and many versions of the song. All versions reflect the character of Koreans which is: perseverance despite oppression, hope in the face of difficulty, joy despite lack, and a strong sense of identity. I was proud to warble my way through this song that meant more to the audience than to me, as I feel it was an important step in my attempt to understand the Korea in which I live.

Following our singing, performers from the Jeongdong Theater in Seoul (where Miso is performed) took the stage. With Korean instruments they entertained us with tunes from Mozart and the Beatles. A troupe of female dancers in white dove costumes radiated the elegance and grace of the peace theme. To conclude the event, we painted words of peace on two freshly carved totem poles.

Sunday morning greeted us with a breakfast much the same as our dinner had been.

Then we were given gray vests to enter a building where we were to experience tea ceremony and Zen meditation. Dressing alike is supposed to minimize distractions when meditating. We were seated on cushions on the floor and encouraged to stare at the tips of our noses in order not to fall asleep, which was getting difficult for those who had participated in the sunrise hike. The monks who tried to enlighten us were real caricatures – one thin and ageless and the other round and wrinkly. Their gray clothing was accessorized by a burnt orange cape draped over one shoulder.

A walk in the forest of Hyangrobong Mountain was our final itinerary item. An expert explained the uniqueness of the ecology of the area as it has not had much human involvement in the last 60 years. Many are concerned about the preservation of the area should North and South Korea reunite.

Tomato slices, oranges and watermelon graced our lunch trays and were washed down by seaweed soup. As we headed back to Seoul, I was engaged in my Arirang book but when I glanced up, I saw a solitary man seated in lotus position on a bluff facing the East Sea. His face was bowed into his hands though his posture was tall. I imagine he was singing Arirang in his heart.

By

Robbie Schuldt Tours Chair

August/September 2013 Discovery 17

siwa spotlights

Discovery Interview:

Kerstin Poepplau

“I

won door prize airline tickets to Seoul!” exclaimed Kerstin Poepplau, earlier in March when she called me from Hamburg, Germany. Later in June, we met at Hong Ik University area where she approached me with her arms wide open greeting “Annyong Haseyo?” in perfect Korean.

Kerstin had spent five years in Seoul from 1997 and left just days before the 2002 FIFA World Cup opened in Korea. I had met Kerstin around her third year as an expat but our friendship grew and stayed intact long after her repatriation as she kept her interest in this country by revisiting at every opportunity.

On behalf of Discovery, I interviewed Kerstin on her life in Seoul, repatriation, her perspectives on expat living and what keeps bringing her back to Korea after eleven years.

How often have you visited Seoul since your repatriation and what brings you back

18 Discovery August/September 2013

to Seoul this time?

My husband Andreas and I visited Seoul every year until 2006 to revisit friends and if possible, to attend one of our favorite international balls in town. However many of my friends have left Korea since and I have not been back for the last six years. At the end of last year, I was attending a function organized by the Korean community where I won the door prize tickets. As you can imagine, there were many who bought multiple raffle draw tickets in the hope of winning these two round trip tickets to Korea. Although I only purchased one entrance ticket and no additional raffle tickets, I was somehow convinced I would win the tickets because I wanted it so strongly. And here I am!

“definite part of who I am today was shaped

by Korea ” So is it friendship and fun that makes you

come back to Seoul?

Yes of course, but there’s more. I spent five years of my adult life in Seoul, so a definite part of who I am today was shaped around living in Korea. I can’t say what specifically attracts me back, just as you can’t say why you love your own country. All I can say is that I have my radars sharp and clear when it comes to Korea.

Tell us about your life in Seoul and how you came to join SIWA I had a really busy life, where I even slept with a mobile phone next to my bed in case I was called for help in the middle of the night. I was an active member of SIWA but also volunteered for a FOCUS group that served as an emergency helpline for expats in Korea. This service later ended when they opened the Seoul Global Center. I joined SIWA only two weeks after arriving in Seoul when the wife of my husband’s [then] boss invited me to a Coffee Morning. I later served for three consecutive years as SIWA Board Administrator.

How was SIWA in those days and what else did you do?

SIWA had anywhere from eight hundred to

siwa spotlights

a thousand members back then. I think the large number in those days can be accounted for by the lack of other expat support systems in Seoul, which is not the case nowadays. Though I was a Board Administrator, I was often asked to back up or support other positions like editing for Discovery magazine when the editor needed an extra hand, organizing SIWA Gala events and Diplomatic Community Bazaar or coordinating Presidential Blue House tour when those chairs were out of town on leave.

“to have a sense of belonging & to have lots of fun with people who are also in transition” Were you always active in community work or is this something you started here with SIWA and FOCUS? Back in Germany, I had been working full time for my brother-in-law, so this kind of volunteer work started with Korea. By being

actively involved in the expat community, I made many friends who I could not have met otherwise. In fact, I always advise people to join SIWA as soon as they arrive because, after a while, they start feeling like they don’t need it anymore. Of course, there are also some who don’t renew their membership once they settle in because they know their way around. But I think being a part of such an international community is not just to gather information but to have a sense of belonging and to have lots of fun with people who are also in transition. My experience has proven that it is important to look out for each other. I can tell you that I have talked to many international women who have struggled with depression and felt they had nothing else to do because they didn’t get involved. This depression would not have gotten into this dire if somebody would have known who they are there and missed them. The best tip at the beginning is always “Get involved”.

“get involved” After being so involved in Korea, what was it like going back to Germany?

It was initially difficult to reintegrate to life in Germany. I went back to working for my brother-in-law but soon I decided to explore a new profession based on my experience learning hand-acupuncture in Seoul. Since I could not find a German certification near my location, I chose to become a Shiatsu practitioner. As you may know, Shiatsu is a Japanese massage therapy and so my loyalty to Korea (she laughed here) was in conflict at first. Now I have a full time practice and I love offering Shiatsu to regular clients because this is an extension of what I did in Seoul, which is to support people in being understood and helping them relax and be more comfortable with themselves.

What is your plan for this visit and what changes have you noticed about Seoul this time?

Andreas is busy meeting his former colleagues and of course that means he’s out having lunch with them now. We are planning to go to some other cities like Jeju island if possible. Every time we come, we notice the new buildings and changes but the people stay the same and our friends stay the same.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious time and thoughts with us.

If you would like to contact Kerstin for advice on living and adjusting to Seoul, please email her at expatline@gmx.net.

By

Isabelle Min

August/September 2013 Discovery 19

Care & Welfare

SIWA Welfare Committee

Busan Trip: Collaborating with our sister group, Busan International Women’s Association (BIWA)

Dancing

Difference for a

A

s an aspiring voting member for the SIWA Welfare Committee, I recently found myself on the fast train to Busan. As the miles flew by my companion taught me more about the committee and the important work they do. Upon our arrival we were met by a group of three ladies from BIWA. This was a trip to see if it would make sense for the groups to pool resources, both financial and intellectual, and was, I hope, the first of many such collaborations.

We were to visit two facilities who requested financial assistance in order to access their needs and get to know them a bit. The first was a small orphanage where 6 girls live, the second a larger orphanage that is home to over 37 children. After these visits, we were fortunate to have the time to visit another site. This one was an after school study room that feeds and cares for many children of different ages who need a safe place to go with lovingly-prepared nutritious food. During each visit, we met the passionate and humble caregivers raising children who would otherwise have no home. We heard the stories of individual children and it was abundantly clear that they are deeply loved. Their caregivers are also very worried about the children, and spoke to us about what they need and deserve. Their impassioned voices were both inspirational and humbling.

Most of these children are not eligible for adoption and will spend their young lives in the care of these facilities. The SIWA Welfare Committee has been asked for help. Let’s make sure they get it!

The pictures are from Maesil children’s center and Maesil opened as orphanage in 1952. They have more than 37 children.

Because their building is old, they needed to add a sprinkler system for children’s safety. However, they couldn’t finish the work due to lack of funding so they have asked us to help them to finish the construction for the children.

By

20 Discovery August/September 2013

Milee Kim,

A

s a corporate trainer, Cheryl Obal teaches South Koreans presentation and meeting skills and cross-cultural competency in the business world, but her true passions go far beyond her day job. Cheryl first started traveling during her junior year of college when she worked for a dance troupe in Japan. Her dancing soon took her on adventures around the world, performing and choreographing on cruise ships, eventually leading to her first trip to the Republic of Korea, where she began work at an English Village in Paju.

“Charity & Hope” Here, she joined a group of twenty international artists teaching English through the arts, and creating original full-scale musical productions for Korean families.

Cheryl’s next move was to Italy to begin her masters in international peace operators for humanitarian work. During her studies, Cheryl spent two of her summer vacations in India working with local grassroots organizations to advance the professional development of Indians from the lowest caste. Her work also included informing local citizens of their rights to information and the freedom to speak out against the corruption amongst their public workers.

For the past eight years, Cheryl has chosen to celebrate her birthday by holding charity benefit parties. Instead of gifts, Cheryl invites her friends to celebrate to her birthday by making

Care & Welfare

a donation to a humanitarian organization.

Cheryl has also expanded her philanthropy by teaching charity benefit jazz dance classes.

Cheryl was surprised by how willing the manager at the Tony gym in Gangnam was to allow her to teach in the space, and it was merely months later that he told her that a fortune-teller had recently told him that he needed “to do something for charity”. After only four months, Cheryl’s class, along with a colleague’s zumba class, have already raised enough money to rescue one refugee from North Korea through the organization Justice for North Korea.

Cheryl hopes to continue to expand her charitable activities based on the “Alphabet Club” model—an organization that hosts social events to raise money for charity.

Events are organized as meet-and-greet opportunities that can also serve as occasions to work on their language skills. For those who are interested in learning more about the nonprofit they are supporting, Cheryl plans to host seminars and discussions, focusing on one of the five different organizations she will be supporting.

The current benefactor of Cheryl’s dance classes is Justice for North Korea (JFNK), an all volunteer, non-partisan, grassroots organization founded and led by a South Korean pastor who was following a calling to address the humanitarian crisis in North Korea. The mission of JFNK is to improve North Korean human rights inside North Korea, support democracy in North Korea, help North Korean refugees in other countries and in South Korea, and work with international society and organizations to further the above goals.

JFNK holds a street awareness campaign one Saturday a month in Insadong and encourages people to learn more information by organizing events such as documentary screenings, speeches by defectors and activists, and benefit concerts. Volunteer opportunities include performers who want to take part in the street campaigns and benefit concerts, graphic designers to help with flyers, posters, or web content, and those who

can assist with translation and interpretation from Korean to English.

If you do not have the time to physically get involved, donations are accepted, which go into the JFNK shelter/rescue fund. Part of your donation will be sent to a shelter in China for children, most of whom have North Korean mothers who have been forcibly repatriated, and Chinese fathers unable or unwilling to care for them. The rest of your donation will assist North Korean refugees in efforts to reach safety.

For more information on JFNK please see their website, http://www.justice4nk.org/en/ Charity dance classes are currently held at the Tony gym in Gangnam: - Zumba Wed @ 19h30 - Jazz Sat @ 13h Nonhyeon Subway stop, Line 7 (dark green).

Exit 2, walk straight and Tony Gym is on your left on the 1st floor.

5,000 Korean Won By

Danielle Scher

August/September 2013 Discovery 21

SIWA tours

Tours Policies

U

pdated information for tours can be found on www.siwapage. com (“activities” tab, “tours”). Some details may have changed, and more tours for this time period may have been added.

To register for a tour:

go to the bottom of the tour description on the website (www.siwapage.com, “activities” tab, “tours”), fill out the registration form and submit. Please pay tour fee in cash to tour coordinator at the beginning of the tour, or you may pre-pay by transferring the fee into the SIWA account before the tour, unless otherwise indicated.

People who owe cancellation fees are asked to pay them before participating in another tour.

Cancellation by Registered Participant:

If you reserve then need to cancel, please email tours@siwapage.com at least 5 days (unless otherwise indicated) before the event in order to receive a refund or not owe anything. Registered participants cancelling after the deadline, including no-shows, will be charged a cancellation fee of KRW 5,000 (unless otherwise indicated) assuming the tour takes place.

Wait List:

If you are waitlisted, the tour coordinator may contact you if space becomes available. Please reply within 24 hours in order to accept the space, or the space may be offered to someone else.

Cancellation by Tours Committee: If the tour is cancelled,

the Tours Committee will attempt to contact registered participants in advance. If due to below minimum registrations, 1 day’s notice will be given. If due to bad weather, or unforeseen unavailability of any essential person, service or location, 3 hours’ notice will be given. In either case, full refund will be made to registered participants who pre-paid, and no money will be owed by other registered participants, regardless of their own cancellation.

SIWA member pricing for tours applies to any relative of a SIWA member when accompanied by the member.

22 Discovery August/September 2013

Tours Coordinators: Tours Chair:

Robbie Schuldt

tourschair@siwapage.com 010-2931-8802 Coordinator:

Ursula Tarasyants ursulat@mail.ru 010-4810-2592 Coordinator:

Michelle Morrison

michelle_19jph@hotmail.com 010-3575-1952 Coordinator:

Patricia Tiedemann

patricia.tiedemann@usa.net 010-2514-9897 Coordinator:

JP Timmerman

jptimm@outlook.com 010-4966-8844 Coordinator:

Greta Tonnon

gretatonnon@gmail.com 010-2226-6129 Coordinator:

Betty Willems

beddywillems@gmail.com 010-4097-1401

siwa tours 2

1

Invitation to SIWA members and their families!

Special Happy Busday Tour (in English) – Saturday September 28

“H

appy Busday” is an innovative tour program created for Korean families to “experience pleasant walks in urban and rural areas” as part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) ‘Industry 6’ Vision. Launched May 2013, the diverse tour concepts provide exciting opportunities for families with young and teenaged children, and individuals interested in Korean agricultural innovation.

“Experience exciting opportunities for families” MAFRA seeks to introduce the vibrant concept of its new “Industry 6” Vision to the International community in Seoul and cordially invites SIWA members and their families to participate in a special Happy Busday tour on Saturday, September 28th 2013. A destination* showcasing well-established harvest festival traditions will be chosen.

The Happy Busday team looks forward to have as many SIWA members as possible to join us on the especially reserved Happy Busday tour on a journey to experience exciting Korean rural activities. (* destination to be confirmed early September and published on www.siwapage.com) Opening a New Era of “Hopeful Agriculture, Lively Rural Areas, Happy People”

In its endeavour to underline the importance of agriculture to the South Korean economy MAFRA has developed a vibrant pluralistic ‘Industry 6’ Vision of agriculture incorporating a variety of activities based on the policy of “Hopeful Agriculture, Lively Rural Areas, Happy People.” The policy forms part of the Korean government’s continued effort to tap the so-called “sixth-order industry” in line with the adoption of the ‘Creative Economy’ principles, where farmers not only produce agricultural products (primary industry) but also process and market them (secondary industry), and engage in agro-tourism as well (tertiary industry), creating added value and generating jobs.

“The combination of the agricultural sector with the tourism industry has become a good example for a paradigm shift that traditional industries have to seek for their future growth,” Agriculture Minister Lee Dong-phil has said. http://english.mafra.go.kr/main.jsp By

Pilar Perez-McKay & Michelle Morrison

SIWA Public Relations Chair and Co-Chair

1. SIWA members at the Happy Busday launch on May 19 the Yongsan Family Park, Seoul 2. SIWA members joined Korean families on the June 9 tour to the famous “SSamzi Nongbu (Rural) School” at Paju, where children enjoyed picking vegetables from the field that were used to make ‘Doejang Bibimbab’ for our lunch – lots of fun!

August/September 2013 Discovery 23

SIWA tours

Tours to Look

Forward to..

.

#1.

Dongdaemun Fabric Market

Walking market discovery tour Tuesday, August 13, 2013; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Registration ends: August 11

Participants: minimum 5, maximum 8, adults only Cost: SIWA members KRW 5,000; nonSIWA members KRW 15,000. Lunch paid individually.

Meeting Point: Dongdaemun station (#128), outside exit #9 Ending Point: Jongno 5-ga station (#129) exit #7 (Gwangjang Market) Tour Coordinator: JP Timmerman

#2.

Bangsan Baker’s Alley Market discovery and shopping tour

Tuesday, August 27, 2013, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Registration closes: August 25 Participants: minimum 5, maximum 9, adults only Cost: SIWA members KRW 5,000; non-SIWA members KRW 15,000. Optional lunch afterwards paid individually.

Meeting Point and Ending Point: Jongno 5-ga station (#129), outside exit #7 Tour Coordinator: Greta Tonnon

T

his tour, where we will show you Seoul Bakers’ Market, is for those who like to make homemade confections and goodies. The market is located in a hidden corner of the larger Bangsan Market and contains everything you need to bake just about anything you can imagine. The tour coordinator will lead an optional lunch afterwards near Jongno 5-ga station. is a member of the SIWA Tours Committee. She is Belgian and has lived in Seoul for one year. She enjoys exploring new areas of Seoul with old and new friends.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

Greta Tonnon

T

his is the fourth offering of this popular tour in as many months. Dongdaemun’s fabric market is a five story building organized into four quadrants. The tour guide will help you navigate through the labyrinth of fabrics, notions, craft materials, buttons, upholstery, sewing services and more.

The group will have lunch during the tour in the one of the Dongdaemun buildings.

Bring a pen or fine tipped sharpie for writing on business cards, paper, and a small camera. These tools will help you remember what you saw and liked and how to find it again. is an active SIWA member.

She is an American enjoying her second tour in Seoul. She enjoys sewing, cross stitch, and other crafts.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

JP Timmerman

#4.

Sungkyunkwan University Visit and Lecture about Confucianism

Tuesday, September 3, 2013; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Registration ends: September 1 Participants: minimum 5, maximum 30, adults only Cost: SIWA members KRW 5,000; nonSIWA members KRW 15,000. Optional lunch afterwards paid individually.

Meeting Point and Ending Point: Hyehwa station (#420), outside exit #4 Tour Coordinator: Greta Tonnon Tour Leaders: Mr. Pieter Stek and Ms. Lee So-Young from SKKU Lecturer: Dr. Christopher Payne

#3.

“Miso”

Non-Verbal Musical Show Saturday, August 31, 2013; 3:30 arrival for show 4:00 pm – 5:20 pm

Registration ends: August 29 Participants: minimum 6, maximum 30, men and children welcome Cost: SIWA members KRW 20,000; nonSIWA members KRW 30,000 Meeting Point and Ending Point: Jeongdong Theater. From City Hall (Sicheong) (#132) subway station exit #1, walk west with Deoksugung palace south wall on your right for 5 minutes. Theater is on your right.

Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison

M

iso means “smile” and smile is what you will do as you watch this beautiful “Romeo and Juliet” type story of Chunhyang and Mongryong. It is an iconic performance, revitalized in 2010, which features an overview of nearly every Korean musical and performance genre,

24 Discovery August/September 2013

including samulnori (traditional Korean percussion quartet), pansori (traditional narrative song), a fusion performance of gugak (Korean traditional music) and orchestral music, a fan dance, ogomu (the “five drums dance”) and others. Actors convene in the lobby afterwards for photos.

This special price for SIWA is a 50% discount. The coordinator will greet you as you enter the theater, but please pay for your own ticket/s upon arrival, identifying yourself as being with the SIWA group. NonSIWA participants should pay the coordinator KRW 10,000.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

A

fter walking 10 minutes from the meeting point, we will hear about the University’s origin, present and future. We will start by visiting the 600 year old part of the campus.

Here we will learn about admissions, state exams and student life during the Joseon period. It is said that Confucius himself liked to teach students under the shade of ginkgo trees.

In the 21st century Lecture Hall we will attend a lecture in English (11:00 – 12:00) by Professor Christopher Payne: “Women and the Great Sage: Confucian Oppression or Confucian Liberation?”

The tour coordinator will lead an optional lunch afterwards near Hyehwa station. received his PhD in Chinese modern and contemporary literature and culture from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, in 2010.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

Professor Christopher N. Payne

siwa tours #5.

Namhan-san Fortress Walking Tour

Wednesday, September 4, 2013; 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Registration ends: September 2 Participants: minimum 18, maximum 30, children age 10 and older are welcome Meeting Point and Ending Point: Grand Hyatt Hotel, in front of Grand Ballroom (upper bus parking lot) Cost: SIWA members KRW 40,000; nonSIWA members KRW 50,000 (includes transportation, English speaking guide and Korean lunch) Tour Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants Tour Leader: Diane Hong

F

irst we’ll visit the Namhan History Museum and Catholic Memorial site, and then continue with an hour hike up to the Janggyeong-sa temple. On our way back we’ll stop at Haegun temporary palace, a former King’s secret residences. We’ll have lunch at one of the Korean restaurants in the village trying some local specialties.

Our knowledgeable guide Diane will be with us all day to explain about historical events and facts connected to the Namhansan fortress. is an active SIWA member and the owner of Diane’s Easy Korean & Cultural Training who has over 30 years’ teaching experience both in and out of Korea. She helps foreigners to adapt to a new culture in a foreign setting.

Cancellation fee: KRW 20,000.

Diane Hong

#6.

Dong-Myo (shrine), Dobongsan Mountain Anyang-Am (hermitage) & Myogak-sa(temple)

Hike-Bukhansan National Park

Walking tour of sacred sights east of Dongdaemun Friday, September 13, 2013; 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Registration ends: September 11 Participants: minimum 7, maximum 20, adults only.

Cost: SIWA members KRW 15,000; nonSIWA members KRW 25,000. Optional lunch afterwards paid individually.

Meeting Point: Dongmyo station (#127), inside exit #3 Ending Point: Dongmyo station exit #2 Tour Coordinator: Greta Tonnon Tour Leader: Professor David A. Mason

#1. Tues. 13 : Dongdaemun Fabric Market #2. Tues. 27 : Bangsan Baker’s Alley #3. Sat. 31 : ‘Miso’ September 2013 #4. Tues. 3 : Sungkyunkwan University #5. Wed. 4 : Namhan-san Fortress #6. Fri. 13 : Dong-Myo, Anyang-Am & Myogak-sa #7. Tues. 24 : Dobongsan Mountain

Tuesday, September 24; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Registration ends: September 22 Participants: minimum 4, maximum 12, fit adults only Cost: SIWA members KRW 5,000; nonSIWA members KRW 15,000 Meeting point: Dobongsan station (#113/#710), outside exit #1 Ending point: Mangwolsa station (#112) exit #1 Tour Coordinator: Betty Willems Tour Leader: Changdae Kim

O

ver a cup of complimentary tea and with a beautiful view, we will learn about Myogak-sa’s popular Temple Stay programs and visit 3 landmarks: Dongmyo Shrine is an interesting compound honoring a legendary 3rd-century Chinese military commander, Guan Yu; Anyang-am Hermitage, which sits on and beneath an extraordinary rocky cliff extending from Nak-san, old Seoul’s eastern mountain; and Myogak-sa Buddhist Temple, which was established by Master Taeheo Hongseon in 1930 at the foot of Mt. Naksan The tour coordinator will lead an optional lunch afterwards near Dongmyo station.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

D

obong-san (Dobong mountain) is 739 meters high. It is a great hike (and workout) with spectacular views of Seoul and Bukhansan National Park peaks.

We will pass two Buddhist temples, which make great resting points. The trail starts off easy, but steepens towards the top, and there are cables for climbing to the peaks. This 4-5 hour hike is demanding and strenuous. Participants can expect that this is really hiking, not just a walk in the park. and members of the Seoul Hiking Club have hiked every Saturday without fail regardless of the weather since January 3, 1998. That’s over 800 hikes, not including the hikes he does during the rest of the week! Changdae also owns a theater and restaurant near Changdeokgung Palace.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

Changdae Kim

Upcoming Tours at a Glance August 2013

#7.

#8. Wed. 25 : Bukchon Hanok Village #9. Fri. 27 : Temple Tour: Jingwan-sa & Samcheon-sa October 2013 #10. Thurs. 3 : Sajik Park Dan-Gun Ceremony & Inwang-san Shamanic Shrines #11. Fri. 4 : Hite Beer #12. Thurs. 10 : Hike to Seungga-sa #13. Sat. 12 : Horse Racecourse

www.siwapage.com August/September 2013 Discovery 25

SIWA tours #7.

#8.

Bukchon Hanok Village Temple Tour: Walking Tour

Wednesday, September 25, 2013; 9:15 am to 12:00 noon with optional lunch and craft experience afterwards Registration ends: September 23 Participants: minimum 3, maximum 20, children age 10 and up are welcome Meeting Point: Anguk station (#328), outside exit #1 Ending Point: Anguk station (#328) exit #2 Cost: SIWA members KRW 30,000; nonmembers KRW 30,000 includes admission to hanok with tea service and admission to Gahoe Museum. Optional lunch afterwards paid individually. Optional craft experience after lunch paid individually.

Optional lunch and craft afterwards Tour Coordinator: Robbie Schuldt Tour Leader: Robert Koehler

B

ukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called hanok that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, many of these hanok operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience and learn Korean traditional culture. The tour will begin walking into Samcheong-dong taking in a visit to historic Jeongdok Library before following a street that runs high through the neighborhood, offering outstanding views. is the executive editor of Seoul magazine. A native Long Islander and a graduate of Georgetown University, Robert has lived in Korea since 1997.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

Robert Koehler

#10.

Sajik Park Dan-Gun Jingwan-sa & Samcheon-sa Ceremony & Inwang-san Shamanic Shrines Walking tour with some moderate hiking near Bukhan-san National Park

Friday, September 27, 2013; 9:30 am – 1:30 pm Registration ends: September 25 Participants: minimum 7, maximum 20, adults only Cost: SIWA members KRW 15,000; nonSIWA members KRW 25,000. Bus transportation and optional lunch afterwards paid for individually.

Meeting Point and Ending Point: Gupabal station (#320), outside exit #2 Tour Coordinator: Patricia Tiedemann Tour Leader: Professor David A. Mason

U

pon meeting at the Gubapal station, we will take a public bus for 10 minutes to Jingwansa Temple. After visiting this temple, we will walk on a small part of the well-developed Bukhan-san Deulle-gil scenic trail to Samcheon-sa Temple. We will learn some fascinating things about Korean cultural development and temple-artwork features, and even hear about Wonhyo, the nation’s best-known master-monk.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry items in a backpack. Please bring drinks and snacks for yourself.

The tour coordinator will lead an optional lunch afterwards near Gupabal station. is an American who has been in Seoul since 1985. He has worked in the Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and is currently a professor at Gyeongju University.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

David Mason

Walking tour with some climbing Thursday, October 3, 2013 (Gaecheon-jeol National Foundation Holiday); 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Registration ends: October 1 Participants: minimum 7, maximum 20, adults only Cost: SIWA members KRW 15,000; nonSIWA members KRW 25,000. Optional lunch afterwards paid individually.

Meeting point: Gyeongbokgung station (#327), outside exit #1 Ending point: Dongnimmun station (#326), exit #2 Tour Coordinator: Patricia Tiedemann Tour Leader: Professor David A. Mason

T

his is an interesting guided visit to a major public ceremony honoring Korea’s Ancient Founding-King and then on up to Seoul’s center of Shamanic shrines and practice. These are unusual but fascinating sites very close to busy and modern downtown.

At Sajik Park, we will view the Joseon Dynasty Altars to the Earth and Harvest and the large statues of a great Neo-Confucian philosopher and his mother. Then we will visit the large shrine for King Dan-gun just up behind the park, and watch some of the full-scale Neo-Confucian ritual held there by a private association of devotees. We will arrive at Inwang-sa (temple) area of Inwangsan (mountain), just west of Gyeongbok Palace.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

More Tours for Fall...

Check www.siwapage.com “activities” tab, “tours” for details #1. Happy Busday – an all day Saturday tour for the whole family of a rural community showcasing well-established harvest festival traditions. Sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. #2. Korean Furniture Museum – A private museum of 2000 pieces of Joseon Dynasty furniture housed in ten traditional Korean hanok houses. #3. Walking Tour of Independence Gate and Park, and West Gate Prison History Museum – Join Professor David Mason for this informative tour of fundamental aspects of 20th century Korean history.

26 Discovery August/September 2013

siwa tours #11.

#12.

#13.

Brewery Tour

Temple in Southern Bukhan-san

And Park Tour

Hite Beer Friday, October 4, 2013; 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Registration ends: October 1 Participants: minimum 40, maximum 44, adults only Cost: SIWA members KRW 5,000, nonSIWA members KRW 15,000 (price includes bus transportation, guided tour, Korean lunch and unlimited beer) Meeting Point and Ending Point: Nambu Bus Terminal station (#341), exit number to be announced Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison

Hike To Seungga-sa

Thursday, October 10; 9:00 am 2:00 pm

Registration ends: October 8 Participants: minimum 5, maximum 20, fit adults only Cost: SIWA members KRW 5000; nonSIWA members KRW 15,000. Bus paid individually. Optional lunch afterwards paid individually.

Meeting Point and Ending Point: Gyeongbokgung station (#327), outside exit #3 Tour Coordinator: Patricia Tiedemann Tour Leader: Katja Otter

Horse Racecourse Saturday, October 12, 2013; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Registration ends: October 10 Participants: minimum 8, maximum 15, children ages 10 and over welcome. Must bring ID or passport to enter racecourse Cost: SIWA members KRW 5,000; nonSIWA members KRW 15,000. Includes admission to the racecourse. Lunch paid individually.

Meeting Point and Ending Point: Seoul Racecourse Park station (#436), outside exit #3.

Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison

W W

e will board a private bus and travel approximately two hours to Chuncheon, the capital city of Gangwon, the province northeast of Seoul.

The Hite factory is there surrounded by beautiful mountains. We will see a 20-minute video and get a tour of the facilities. We’ll be shown storage, brewing facilities and the actual control room for the whole factory. At the end of the tour we will have unlimited, very fresh, free beer. Also we’ll be served some Korean food for lunch at the Korean restaurant near to the factory. is an active SIWA member. She is Korean-American and lived in the USA for several decades. Michelle’s ability to culturally and linguistically navigate tour groups in a variety of settings is a great asset to SIWA. Cancellation without penalty: by September 27 Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

Michelle Morrison

W

e will take a public bus from the meeting point to the Gugi Dong Hyundai Villa Bus Station next to the French school Lycée International Xavier to begin the hike.

On this hike we will visit one of the most scenic and interesting Buddhist temples in the Seoul area (with important ancient relics) and get plenty of healthy exercise.We’ll visit Seungga-sa, a temple founded in 756 and home to many famous monks, spectacularly located just below one of the sharp peaks of Samgak-san, Seoul’s prominent sacred guardian-mountain. , originally from Austria, has lived in Seoul since 2010 after living in Abu Dhabi, Tokyo and New York. She works as a yoga instructor, and on the weekends she loves to explore the mountainous area around Seoul with her husband and their three children.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5,000.

Katja Otter

e will visit the main spectators’ section which has 6 stories holding 40,000 people, including all kinds of facilities and services. There is also a family park for horse riding and recreational fun.

Within this park there is an exclusive bicycle road for children, a playground, children’s pony riding facility, racing simulation machines and a free rental store for horse riding fans where you can borrow equipment. You will also visit stables to meet horses personally. All the facilities within the park are free of charge. There are English language race-cards for participants who would like to place bets. Horse race tickets are sold from 100 won to 100,000 won, with 3 kinds of tickets from exacta, perfecta to quinela.

Cancellation fee: KRW 5000.

Volunteer

needed...

SIWA Tours committee is looking a Korean speaking Tours Coordinator to organize and manage SIWA tours to help SIWA members to learn about our host country culture and history.

If you are interested, please, contact Tours Chair, Robbie Schuldt per email: tourschair@siwapage.com

August/September 2013 Discovery 27

SIWA tours

“Tours to be remembered...”

Letters from SIWA Members to the Tours Team Look & Cook Court meal Experience at Changdeok Palace tour, May 23, 2013; Coordinator –

Betty Willems

“Dear Betty, thank you for organizing this tour. Thaddeus and I had a great time! Thank you also for the help with my membership...” -

Thank you very much! “ -

Emma Roinila

Korean Folk painting (Minwha) Tour & Craft, June 13, 2013 Organized by Coordinator -

Milly Kim;

JP Timmerman

Megan Fox

Cheonggyecheon Stream guided tour, May 24, 2013; Coordinator -

Mildred Berenschot

“Dear Mildred, thank you so much for the nice photos! I enjoyed the tour very much and I am looking forward to the next one. For me it is always interesting see how Seoul changed in the last ten years, my last tour to Cheonggyecheon has been, when it was newly opened..” -

Gisela Brink-

mann

“Dear Mildred, thanks for forwarding us the photographs. I enjoyed the Cheonggyecheon walk. It was well organized and was so good to have someone knowledgeable explaining the history of stream and how modern life has evolved around it.

The added bonus was seeing all the wildlife living there. In any case wishing you all the best with your move out of Seoul. Bon Voyage!..”-

Parizad Setna

Conrad Hotel Tour & Lunch, May 29, 2013; Coordinator -

Ursula Tarasyants

“Very well organised, super hotel, delicious lunch buffet in a relaxed surrounding with chilled company of SIWA members”. -

Franziska Weller

“Dear Ursula, this tour was nice.

Perfect organisation. Great hotel with incredible material used inside. Very stylish and giving a ZEN feeling.

Lunch afterwards was very good too!”-

Patricia Tiedemann

DMZ & Temple experience Tour, May 25-26, 2013 Organized by

Namu Art; Coordinator - Bockhee Lee

“The best part of the trip was definitely lunch with the soldiers at Korean military base. If not with your organization we would never have had the chance to do that :) This trip raised my attention for this area and this part of the DMZ as well as for this certain temple.

It was nice to see something not yet so touristic. The only part that I was a little disappointed by was the part at the DMZ itself. I would have liked to spend more time there. All in all I enjoyed the trip a lot!

28 Discovery August/September 2013

“Hi, JP, I wanted to thank you for the tour today. I have already tried “minhwa” painting, but the symbols were still ‘mysterious’ for me and I was looking for a similar chance to learn more about them.

Milly’s explanations were clear and inspiring :) and I enjoyed the ambiance in the gallery” -

Zoya Guekova

«It was a lovely tour. It was very interesting to learn the meaning of the many different folk paintings. The chance to paint our very own folk tiger was fun and all those who helped us were wonderful. “ -

Karen Stadnikia

Pop-up Restaurant lunch & Garuso-gil walk, June 18, 2013 Coordinator –

Betty Willems

“Hi Betty, Thank you for organizing today’s event. It was a really good initiative! The food was great, the company was great and the weather ever cleared so that we could have a walk down Garosugil. It was a good way to get to know new people. I think that SIWA should organize more of these activities in the future. I really enjoyed it!” -

Nadia Jolling

Dongdaemun Fabric Market tour July 4, 2013 Coordinator –

Michelle Morrison

“Your tour was great - the market is so huge, it is overwhelming your short analysis of each section was very helpful. I got the name of a seamstress and sent her an e-mail. I am waiting to hear back to see if she is interested in copying that dress - if so, I will be back at Dongdaemun for fabric! The lunch was delicious - I would never have known the lunch room was there without your tour and thaks for the help with what to order for lunch - I will be back! I am also interested in the traditional Korean skirts that I saw at the market and plan to go back and do some shopping …” -

Renee Cummins

siwa tours

SIWA Trip with Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) &

KORAIL: The O-Train and V-Train Adventure!

I n May, SIWA was invited to take a trip on the new O-Train and V-Train which started operating in April this year. The trip was hosted by Korean Tourism & KORAIL. The O-Train is a new tourist option to see the beautiful mountainous areas of Chungcheongbuk-do, Gangwon-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do, covering over 250 Km. The train tracks were originally used for the coal mining industry, but since that industry has all but ceased due to new and cleaner technologies, the train tracks have now been updated and put to use for the new O-Train.

“Enjoyed a traditional lunch and a fantastic performance�

The O-Train has been beautifully decorated, with each carriage representing a different season.

We seat in the winter carriage. One of the carriages has a small playground to keep the children occupied and another carriage has small booths that can be booked by families or couples. The train is very comfortable and the scenery shifts quickly from the city of Seoul to the scenery of the countryside. Hire cars are available at most sta-

tions so that you can jump off the train and tour in the area.

Our group was taken in buses to enjoy some of the sights, with our first stop being in Jeongseon County, where we enjoyed a traditional lunch and a fantastic performance of Arirang by the local men and women. Jeongseon County is where the original Arirang folk song began, but has grown over the years with different areas changing the song to represent their story.

After lunch we travelled around the Taebaek area, with the mountains reaching as far as the eye could see. This area is reported to have the cleanest air and highest golf course on the Peninsular.

The V-train travels nearly 30kms through the valleys between Cheolam and Buncheon. It has 3 carriages with seats facing the windows, which can be opened to enjoy the rivers and mountains.

On the way you will stop at the smallest station house in Korea. This was my favourite part of the trip, with the scenery changing constantly especially with the beautiful colors of spring.

Information about the trains can be found on the Korean Tourism site: www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15. jsp?cid=1801886 By

Kerrie Matthee August/September 2013 Discovery 29

LIFE IN KOREA

Events Around

Town

30 Aug-15 Sept, Cheonan, South Chungcheon Province

1. Kids Model Contest Korea,

1. Wednesday Midday Concerts,

21 Aug/18 Sept/16 Oct/20 Nov/18 Dec at 11AM, W10,000, National Theater of Korea

2. Changdeok Palace Moonlight Tours

during the full moon period each month 23-24 August/ 22-23 September (8-10PM) / 16-17 October (7-9PM).

Cost W30,000.

3. Royal Court Embroidery Exhibition, Ends 01 September.

Hours 9AM-6PM Weekdays / Weekends to 7PM National Palace Museum of Korea.

4. Yeol Lecture –

Women Artists of Modern Korea, Tuesday 03 September / 8 October – The Texts of Early Twentieth Century Korea, Free admission, 10:30AM, Seoul Museum of History.

ART & CULTURE 1. Musée secret_Une odyssée numérique dans la peinture, Ends 22 September, 11AM-8PM. Admission : W12,000 –W8,000.

Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center.

2. Paul Gauguin Exhibition : Voyage into the Myth,

Ends 29 September, 10:30AM-8PM Weekdays / to 6PM Weekends.

Admission: W13,000.

Seoul Museum of Art.

3. Art Nouveau and Utopia,

Ends 20 September, 11AM-8PM. Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center.

4. Islamic Civilization Exhibition,

Ends 20 October.

Admission W12,000.

Hours: 9AM-6PM Tue-Th-Fri / to 9PM WedSat / to 5PM Sun. National Museum of Korea

30 Discovery August/September 2013

1. Food Sovereignty Tour Korea,

24 August-1 September.

Tour originating in US but can be joined in Korea. Participants will travel around the peninsula.

2. International Well-Being Food Expo,

CHILDREN & FAMILIES ABOUT KOREA

FESTIVALS

Online entry period ends 10 August / Final round 31 August (venue to tba).

No application cost.

Open to children 4-12 years of age.

2. Picking One’s Nose-Musical,

August-September 2013 (Tue & Thu 2PM, Fri 11AM & 2PM /Sat, Sun & Holidays 11AM & 1PM. COEX Art Hall.

3. Summer & Boarding School Expo

on Sunday 10 November, 1:30-4PM. Free admission.

Intercontinental Hotel COEX, Gangnam.

4. Past Life of Koreans at the Children’s

Museum of the National Museum of Korea.

Open Run. Free admission. From 9AM.

ENTERTAINMENT/ THEATRE 1. Chicago – Musical,

6 July – 31 August.

Times: 8PM Tue-Fri / 3PM & 7:30PM Sat / 2PM & 6:30PM Sun. Tickets: W120,000 – W40,000.

National Theatre of Korea.

2. Stand Up Seoul with comic Baron Vaughn, 16-17 August at 10PM at Club

Horizon Hall, Renaissance Hotel.

Advance W30,000 (by 9 Aug) or W35,000.

Free ticket draw via korea4expats.com – entry deadline 8 Aug.

3. World Traditional Medicine Expo,

6 September-20 October.

South Gyeongsang Province.

4. Icheon Rice Festival,

30 October -03 November.

Free admission. Gyeonggi-do.

OTHER 1. International Residents Cooking Contest (home country dishes) by WWOOF. Competition 03 October from 11AM in Gyeonggi-do; Application deadline 20 August.

2. Buddhist Teachings with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche on 3 and 4 August at 10AM. Free admission. Donations accepted.

Saturday topic ‘Everyday Meditation at Bongeunsa (Temple) in Gangnam.

Sunday topic “Buddhist Wisdom for the Modern World” at Sangdo Zen Center in Dongjak-gu, Seoul

3. K-League Football/Soccer ,

August matches in Seoul 17 & 28 August at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Tickets W10,000-W20,000.

4. Home-style Italian lunch

every Sunday at 1PM in the basement of the Franciscan School in Hannam-dong.

Cost W18,000.

Menu posted each week on Korea4Expats.

Adult and family friendly.

3. Ronn Branton Summer

Night Jazz Concert – Water, 20 & 24 August. Regular Tx W50,000/ W35,000/W25,000 (30% discount for K4E Visitors. Also free ticket draw on K4E – entry deadline 8 Aug).

Tuesday concert at Sejong Cultural Center at 8PM and Saturday at Seoul Arts Center at 7PM.

4. Itzhak Perlman Violin Recital, 14 October at 8PM. Tickets W180,000 to W60,000.

Seoul Arts Center.

I

Anne Ladouceur

s an experienced expat residing in Korea for over 10 years. You can find more information on all events listed above on her website at korea4expats.com

LIFE IN KOREA

추석 음식 Chuseok eum-shik: Chuseok dishes 1. 송편 Songpyeon: Half moon shape rice cake

Dough

Filling

Korean word

Pronunciation

Meaning

쌀가루

ssal-gga-ru

rice flour

물

mul

water

소금

so-geum

salt

콩

khong

beans

깨

ggae

sesame seeds

밤

bam

chestnuts

설탕

seol-tang

sugar

2. 잡채 Japchae: Mixed dish of vegetables and beef

Main ingredients

Seasoning

Korean word

Pronunciation

Meaning

당면

dang-myeon

sweet potato noodle

버섯

beo-seot

mushroom

시금치

shi-geum-chi

spinach

소고기

so-go-gi

beef

달걀

dal-gyal

eggs

양파

yang-pa

onion

당근

dang-geun

carrot

간장

gan-jang

soy sauce

깨

ggae

sesame seed

참기름

cham-gi-reum

sesame oil

설탕

seol-tang

sugar

Korean word

Pronunciation

Meaning

고사리

go-sa-ri

bracken

도라지

do-ra-ji

balloon flower roots

시금치

shi-geum-chi

spinach

간장

gan-jang

soy sauce

깨

ggae

sesame seeds

참기름

cham-gi-reum

sesame oil

Korean word

Pronunciation

Meaning

생선 살

saeng-seon-sal

fish fillet

호박

ho-bak

zucchini,

버섯

beo-seot

mushroom

밀가루

mil-gga-ru

wheat flour

달걀

dal-gyal

eggs

소금

so-geum

salt

물

mul

water

3. 나물 Namul: Seasoned boiled vegetable

Main ingredients

Seasoning

4. 전 Jeon: Korean pancake

Main ingredients

Seasoning

Hyejin Kim

is a Korean language teacher who for several years has taught a university language programs and government programs. Heyjin also teaches ‘Active Korean Class’ for SIWA, course designed to teach practical expressions in Korean. If you have ever taken a Korean class but still want more, Heyjin is the teacher for you.

August/September 2013 Discovery 31

32 Discovery August/September 2013