August - September 2017
DESIGN
• An Artistic Oasis in Northern Seoul • Seoul’s Overpass Turned Green Space • Add Color to Your Korean
SIWA’s Year in Review
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 Enhancing lives through Friendship, Enrichment and Charity
Contents
Editor: Monica Williams
Editorial Team: Robin Carney, Anne Choe, Michelle Morrison, Veronica O’Connor, Greta Tonnon
Contributors: Lois Allore, Mhyla Borkowski, Anne Choe, Doria GarmsSotelo, Irene Nuutila, Sandhya Ramabadran, Sonali Rao, Georgia Scott, Johanna Widmann Art Director: Georgia Scott
Sponsorship Chair: Arcadia Kim All photos used by Discovery magazine, unless otherwise stated, have been provided by SIWA vendors or members and are the property of SIWA. Photographers who donate photos for SIWA’s use retain the rights to their photos.
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SIWA News
Design
SIWA Spotlight: Artist Helena Kim Ju
Making a Splash on Stage
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Seoul’s Park in the Sky
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Contributions Welcomed! Discovery is published bimonthly (six issues per year) by SIWA, with articles and content written by our members and associations. It is distributed exclusively for SIWA members and sponsors. All opinions expressed in these articles are those of the respective authors and may not reflect the official position of SIWA. All rights reserved SIWA 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent of SIWA. For submissions and questions, email discoveryeditor@siwakorea. com. To advertise in Discovery, email sponsorsiwa@siwakorea.com Seoul International Women’s Association Mailbox Seoul Finance Center Level 21, 136 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea 04520 www.siwakorea.com Stay connected:
SIWA Tour: Theme Park of the Future
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SIWA Accomplishments: Then and Now
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New Membership Benefits
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SIWA Alumna: Lunna Valerie Pergay
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SIWA Tour: Buk Seoul Museum
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Porcelain Art Therapy
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Korean Lesson
SIWA NEWS President’s Message
Recharged and Rejuvenated Dear SIWA Members, I hope all of you had a wonderful summer with family and friends. It was scorching hot back in the States with intermittent breaks of perfect fall-like days. Hotter than where Satan lives but nevertheless a great summer. I am recharged and rejuvenated having spent time with family and friends back home. Consequently, I am ready to return to my life in Seoul with my SIWA family and friends. One of the benefits of returning home is revisiting places that bring back lovely memories from the past. While visiting my son in New York City, I went back to The Met’s Cloisters in northern Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park. The museum contains exquisite art, architectural works, and gardens of medieval Europe evoking monastic life; archi-
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tecture elements were relocated from French medieval abbeys and integrated with new buildings. Indoor chapels, views of the Hudson River and the simple beauty of the place exude peace and tranquility in a bustling city of 8.5 million people. Nature and art are designed in perfect harmony at The Cloisters. As I look forward to the cooler days of autumn, I hope to see many of you at SIWA’s fun and exciting activities in the coming months. Anne Choe
SIWA NEWS Editor’s Message
Creative Korea: Innovating and Inspiring From Gyeongbok Palace to Jongno Tower, Seoul is a marvelous evolution in design. It’s the reason I parked myself in Gwanghwamun when it came time to choose my home here: I wanted to be inspired by a creative environment. I live a stone’s throw from Jonathan Borofsky’s statue “Hammering Man,” which celebrates the workers who create the commodities on which we depend. The hammer lowers to strike a blow every 77 seconds. (In Frankfurt, Germany, this summer, I spotted another version of the statue from my taxi.) Creative Korea might be dead as an official country slogan but the creative work in Korea is very much alive. The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design designated Seoul the World Design Capital in 2010 for its advancements in the field. This doesn’t mean that the city is the finest leader in design but that it has a people-friendly design vision meant to advance the city. You can see evidence of that now at Seoullo 7017, the elevated park that opened in late May. You can also see it in the redevelopment of its hanok in various corners of the city and in its growing street art. Recently, I’ve been inspired by some of the films at the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), which is screening 24 movies about architecture
and design under six themes through October 29 at Hyundai Card in Itaewon. I’ve also been inspired by the artistic talent of The Painters HERO, an ensemble performance combining art, comedy and mime daily in Jongno. The city’s creativity shines through its other residents, too, like SIWA member Helena Kim Ju, president of the World Egg Artists Association and a world renowned artist. I think you’ll enjoy reading about her in this issue of Discovery. Beginning with this issue, we’ll also be catching up with SIWA alum, like Lunna Valerie Pergay, who talks about her path to healing. If you know of a SIWA alum we should catch up with, please email discoveryeditor@siwakorea.com. Also, drop me a line and let me know what creative design inspires you. Monica Williams
Correction: SIWA’s motto is “Enhancing lives through Friendship, Enrichment and Charity.” It was misstated in the June/July issue of Discovery.
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SIWA NEWS
SIWA Spotlight
and a Dozen Reasons to Love Egg Art By Monica Williams Helena Kim Ju designed her first decorative egg in 1994 after spotting one during her travels, the beginning of an artistic journey that would take her and her art from Korea to New Zealand, Australia and many places around the world. “I can remember vividly the moment I first saw an egg art piece. It was while I was traveling in the United States with my family in the early 1990s,” she said. “I was so overwhelmed at the egg artwork that I was transfixed for a short time. That particular small egg helped me become what I am today. “The egg is the symbol of revival, blessing and hope, and perhaps that is why I have had the blessing of meeting a great number of different people, many of whom have become my precious friends. After her first class, with Korean artist Myungja, she adopted her own style. More than 20 years later, Ju has created approximately 400 decorative eggs. Her masterpieces are displayed around the world. She’s crafted egg art for Sir John Key and Helen Clark, former Prime Ministers of New Zealand; Lee Myungbak, the 17th president of Korea; the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team on the occasion of their World Cup win, the Willoughby Council in Australia on the 150th anniversary of the city, and the Christchurch City Council. In 2013, she reappraised her collection, destroying 250 eggs that weren’t up to the standards that she desired. “There are no perfect eggs, however, I wanted to create a higher level of craftsmanship,” she said. She regularly retouches her remaining
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eggs. Her life inspires her art, which is why she travels widely, learning from people of diverse backgrounds. Many of her eggs were created in New Zealand, where she lived for 10 years after what she thought was a quick visit. She also spent two years in Australia and still visits both countries for four months a year. “I had planned to stay in New Zealand for a short period of time, however, New Zealand Immigration granted me a Talent Visa, which combines with a Resident Visa automatically.” While there, the president of the New Zealand Egg Association introduced her to people from all walks of life, including people who could facilitate the purchase of ostrich eggs from farms in and around Christchurch. This, and encouragement from mentors, motivated Ju to work on her craft. Ju uses eggs from ostrich, emu, goose, duck, chicken and other animals as a canvas. Out of all
the favorite designs, ottchil (Korean for lacquer) is her favorite. This year, she created her own ceramic egg sculpture. For starters, she cuts through the egg, using a high-speed dental drill; sharp, fine blades allow for intricate carving. Afterward, the egg is placed in a specially constructed acrylic display box, which contains two holes for the hands to control the equipment. The box contains an automatic dust extraction system as the fine dust generated during cutting can easily penetrate the skin. Ju’s arms and eyes must be protected, and her nose and mouth covered with a breathing apparatus. Skin cream also is applied to all exposed surfaces of the body before the cutting process begins. It takes two to three months for her to craft a typical piece of art, however a “special project” can take 2 ½ years to complete. Why so long? “Before I commence any special project, I collect
all the information and visit many places to further ensure my project is meaningful and I set up outline of my project,” she says. “Upon completion, the egg is a story in its own right.” Her masterpieces aren’t for sale but production is dependent on sponsorship. Completed creations are valued at between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on complexity of detail and client requirements. In New Zealand, eggs can be covered by Insurance. Ju serves as president of the World Egg Art Association, an organization of some 2,600 artists globally. She also leads the World Egg Art Cyber Museum and founded the Encyclopedia of World Egg Artists. Her next project is to design an egg for Pope Francis, which will be presented to his Holiness during her visit to the Vatican on Sept. 10. August - September 2017
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Designed by Irene Nuutila
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SIWA NEWS
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By Lois Allore The Painters: HERO is a nonverbal ensemble of four or five men in black hats and paint-splattered vests who draw portraits live to music, interjecting comedy and dance on stage. Amazingly, they create pieces of art on large canvases using eight materials, including acrylic paint and charcoal. During the 70-minute performance at Seoul Cinema in Jongno, the ensemble interacts with the audience, choosing one lucky participant to join them on the stage. The heroes they paint include Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee and the Little Mermaid.
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My husband and I recently spent a wonderful Saturday evening watching The Painters: HERO, which we recommend if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary in Seoul to spend your time. The group performed at the SIWA Gala this spring. Nicole Kim at The Painters: HERO gave me some insight to the show and its performers. Below are edited excerpts: Q. How often do you change up the routines? A. For the theater show, it’s hard to change as music, video, dance and comedy is all combined and
DESIGN including Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Bangkok, Hollywood, and Washington, D.C. Seoul & Jeju performances have reached more than 1 million people in 5,000 shows within four years, the fastest ticket-selling ever. For now, except for event shows, we don’t have a touring schedule. However, we’re waiting for the good opportunity to perform on Broadway or at the Sydney Opera House soon. We’re confident that anyone will like our show, once they see us performing.
affect each other. However, when we have a good opportunity to find new elements through TV appearances or event shows, we try to apply them in the theater show gradually. In this way, we’re consistently upgrading step by step since 2010.
What is the background of your performers? Amazingly, none of the actors majored in art in school prior to joining The Painters: HERO team. With six months of rigorous training combined with their passion, they are now one of the best few actor-painters who can dance and draw at the same time.
Where do you get your ideas? Our biggest task is to find the best element to suit everyone’s taste. Even though we’re doing art performance, most of the ideas come from all types of media by chance, not just looking at art pieces. Sometimes an idea pops up during dinner time. In other words, we keep looking for the material and if an idea came out in our daily life, we gather it and test it out to be part of the show. Just like artists, writers or creators get their inspiration from everyday life, I guess we’re the same as them.
Do performers find you or do you scout talent? Even though it’s an art performance, we don’t look out for art majored actors. So we upload an official audition announcement. During the casting process we suggest actors present drawing skills, but this doesn’t affect the main factor for casting. The reason is we look out for cast members who have endurance and patience as they need to go through at least six months of training before they are ready to perform on stage. They need to push themselves to master painting skills so that at the end of the training, they would be able to draw even with their eyes closed. Without extraordinary passion, it is impossible to overcome all the training sessions. Therefore, our main criteria of choosing the cast is their passionate attitude for the show.
Any plans to expand to other countries? The show has been performed in major cities
Lois Allore, from the United States, has been a SIWA member since February. August - September 2017
Design Issue
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DESIGN
From Rail to Trail:
By Monica Williams Seoul opened a new elevated park in late May, transforming an abandoned highway overpass into a lively new skywalk. Crowds of pedestrians have been flowing to the linear park, peering down on Seoul Station below and snapping selfies amid the backdrop of surrounding high-rises. More than 2 million people visited the overpass in the first month, and the city government is hoping to attract as many as 10 million visitors by year’s end. The 1-kilometer walkway, Seoullo 7017, links Namdaemun Market with Seoul Station. The 7017 in the name marks the year Seoul Station Highway was constructed (1970) and the year of the overpass’s rebirth. The “17” also has a deeper meaning, as Seoullo 7017 is divided into 17 unique sections, on a structure that’s 17 meters above the ground. Seoul Mayor Park Won Soon suggested an el-
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evated park after assessors said the overpass had become dangerous after 45 years of vehicular traffic. Rather than demolish it, Park recommended it be refashioned after New York’s celebrated High Line. The sky park is part of his vision to make Seoul “a great city for walking,” while adding patches of green to a densely populated metropolis. Designed by Dutch architects MVRDV, the “sky garden” features more than 24,000 plants and trees representing all of the 228 species in the country, arranged alphabetically. The landscape will change according to the seasons: bright colors of leaves in autumn, cherry trees and rhododendron in spring, evergreen conifers trees in winter and shrubs and trees bearing fruit in summer. Among them are performance spaces, new hammocks for lunchtime visitors and a horticultural library. A traveler’s cafe offers storage and Fax services for foreign visitors. After dark, hundreds
DESIGN of LED lamps give the park a blue hue. “The most popular spots for kids on the park are the [fenced-in] trampolines, where kids can jump high up and see the whole of central Seoul,” the city government said in a release. “The little foot baths are also popular, especially during warmer weather. We change the water every 2 to 3 hours.” From a design standpoint, circles and cylinders abound. There are 645 cylindrical concrete planters that hold the plants. There are spiral staircases and the viewing platforms, poles, seats, trampolines and foot bath all are circular. Local architects lament that a European and American firms have been chosen for recent projects, as local burgeoning firms are overlooked. Still, the space is seen as a boon for the city. The 60 billion won revitalization project mostly has been well-received but the area’s longtime shoemakers say business is slowed by traffic congestion that began amid construction. They also fear gentrification. Realtor Lee Min-su says rents have increased about 25 percent in the neighborhood since the project was announced, but that hasn’t hurt her business. Below the overpass Kim
Deok Hyun, 37, recently opened the brewpub Taproom right below the park. A longtime home brewer, Kim found his new laboratory as soon as the mayor announced the project. New York’s High Line, a former unused freight railway, attracted 8 million visitors in 2016. In turn, the surrounding neighborhood has attracted developers, restaurants and galleries since its first phase opened in 2009. Seoul is just the latest in a growing string of cities worldwide looking to replicate Manhattan’s success. Rail trails have opened recently in Chicago and Toronto and are planned for Singapore, Helsinki, Philadelphia and Rotterdam, among others. London and Mexico City have failed to get a new park off the ground but it took less than two years for Seoul’s sky park to take shape. Environmentalists and landscape architects are quick to point out that Seoullo is dominated by concrete and lacks shade. But Seoul resident Chan Seoul glanced at the crowds on the overpass recently, calling detractors short-sighted. “The mayor had to do something with the space, which wasn’t being used. The trees will grow. This is just a start.” August - September 2017
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SIWA NEWS Member Benefits
SIWA membership has privileges! A growing number of businesses in Seoul offer discounts to SIWA members. Upon joining the organization, you will be given a Member ID Number, which you will be able to view in your online Member Account. Current SIWA members should mention their membership and membership number to enjoy discounts at local businesses.
Brera Jung-gu, Seoul 10% Discount on food and beverages.
Chakraa Hannam-dong, Seoul 10% Discount on food. Excludes buffet and lunch special menu.
Coco Lounge Itaewon, Seoul 10% Discount on any salon service (nails, eyelashes, waxing & tanning.) Excludes Laser Hair Removal. Appointment by phone or Facebook message recommended. Discount valid during the week of the SIWA Spring Gala only.
Create Wellness Itaewon, Seoul 10% Discount on massage treatments.
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High Street Market Itaewon, Seoul 10% Discount off any purchase. Excludes damaged label wines and special offers.
JP Hair, Haebangchon, Seoul 20% Discount off any service except for hair cuts.
L’Empreinte, Hongdae, Seoul 10% Discount on food and retail items. Excludes special menu items.
Marley Coffee Itaewon, Seoul 10% Discount for all beverages and dessert menu. Excludes drip coffee and alcoholic drinks.
NEW
DDP i-Play Kids Cafe Jung-gu, Seoul 20% Discount on admission for children ages 1-7 years old and adults. Free coffee or tea for each adult.
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Dr. Sung’s Clinic, NEW Hannam-Dong 10% Discount on skin care, OB/GYN and other selected services. Excludes skin care products and dietary supplements.
Eden Pottery, Itaewon 10% Discount on everything.
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New York Wholistic Care Itaewon, Seoul 10% Discount for any treatment, including 1-month Group Pilates classes. Free consultation for SIWA Members who register with NYWC at SIWA Coffee Mornings.
Suji’s Deli Coex Gangnam, Seoul 10% Discount on food and beverage during weekdays. Excludes new menu items, lunch specials and weekend brunch.
By Sonali Rao SIWA Moms and Tots (M&T) visited teamLab World earlier this year and had a wonderful time. If you aren’t familiar with teamLab, it’s like the theme park/museum of the future! It is a very creative mix of childfocused entertainment coupled with cool technology to keep parents...I mean kids, mesmerized. TeamLab is located in Jamsil close to Toys “R” Us/Pororo Park/Lotte World. While admission is steep, there are many coupons and discounts available so make sure to look ahead of time to get the most value out of your visit. You can expect to spend one to two hours there. SIWA M&T went first thing in the morning
(10 a.m.) and were so happy we did -it gets busy. Shortly after the entrance, children have a chance to color pictures of various sea creatures. Not excited yet? Well, after your child finishes coloring they can hand off their image to a teamLab staffer and have it scanned. The scanned image is then projected onto the walls as part of the animated aquarium surrounding the space! Super cool, right? After the first attempt, my daughter asked me to write her name so she could see her named fish floating across the wall. She LOVED it. The entire space is filled with similar displays. In another exhibit, children can digitally build bridges, roads and tunnels by linking together various modes of transportation (ex. car to car). Again, my daughter loved it. I had to physically pull her to the next exhibit. While my children are young (ages 2 & 4), I can easily see children of all ages enjoying. Linking technology with your child’s creativity in a very interactive way makes this place worth a visit. Sonali Rao, former SIWA Hospitality Chair, recently repatriated to Atlanta. August - September 2017
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DESIGN Jihyun Cho u
A trained artist, and former middle school art teacher, Jihyun is naturally talented with a brush. She has been going to Senan Atelier for three years. “Painting on canvas just hangs on the wall,” she says. “But porcelain is decorative and useful.” Her most challenging (and favorite) piece is a vase, on which she painted a landscape and image of her daughter. On her to-do list is a set of dragon-themed dishes for her son.
JaeYoung Yoo u
By Georgia Scott Imagine having an art piece that is not only beautiful, but elegant. Now imagine that when you need it to be, it is also useful. Are you with me? Let’s take it a breath further and imagine that even though you have so much to do and so much on your mind, you painted it yourself! And while painting this beautiful, elegant, useful art piece, you were unwittingly forgetting about all of those things you have to do, and everything that was on your mind.
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Welcome to the magically inspiring atelier of Senan Jeong, between exits four and five of Samgakji Station. Mentioned previously in Discovery as a place to take porcelain art classes, it is a cozy getaway that motivates creativity while relaxing the body and calming your senses. “Painting on porcelain can be healing,” explains Jeong. “I think it is a form of art therapy.” Inspiration can come from nature, fruit, patterns, or other art. Some are inspired by family, and paint motifs that represent their hobbies, zodiac signs, or interests. From there, Senan says, “just take it step by step.” “Porcelain art pieces are very useful when decorating interiors,” and they make great gifts. “Your art piece is the only one in the world. It will always be special because it has you mind and heart fired in it.”
JaeYoung loves her special tea time and has a massive collection of porcelain sets from which she dreamily chooses, according to her mood, and enjoys while looking out at her neighborhood park. “I have tea time every day. I feel relaxed. And when I use dishes that I painted, I feel happy seeing my work. Her advice to others is to start now. “I majored in public administration. Now I like art and I enjoy this life.”
Jaehee Oh u
When Jaehee discovered porcelain art, she had simply wanted a special hobby. She chose a saucer and painted delicate butterflies and flowers. She says is not very good, but in truth, it’s gorgeous! “That first class was a really, really special experience,” she says. Seven years later, she has an incredible collection of gold-trimmed memories. “When I go to the Atelier, I feel relaxed.”
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DESIGN
Before
After
PhOtographing the Perfect Sunset frOm Korea’s Mountains: Pre, during, and post processing
Before By Doria Garms-Sotelo About the trail: Jokduribong One day in June, I was on my way home from Seoul and still needed to get a workout in. I saw this mountain from the subway and it looked very interesting. Luckily, I had my camera with me and got off the subway and headed in the direction of the peak on foot. The trail head was a bit hard to find as some of the trails that were on my GPS were blocked off because the farmers were using the land to grow crops. The trail caught me by sur-
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After prise. It is quite steep in some places where you will need to use your hands to climb, even though the peak is only 367 meters. On this trail there are no bathrooms or places to get water so pack accordingly. I saw just a few people on this entire route. They views are breathtaking, but be careful not to fall off the mountain! There are not many
guard rails. The hike took about four hours and 30 minutes including breaks and photography. If you are not too tired at the end of this trail, you can continue onto Bibong. Getting there Take the subway to Bulgwang station and come out at exit 9. Keep walking straight.
DESIGN The trail head starts just beyond a steep well-paved road behind a Lotte Castle. If you use a GPS, the coordinates are: Lat 37.61213 Lon 126.94168 Recommended packing list for your adventure Whenever I am hiking in the summer, I take extra precautions because of the heat. On a typical hiking day, I usually take: Three liters of water It will get lighter with the more you drink and your body will thank you for it later High-protein snacks Protein will fill you up fast and keep you full. It also will help repair sore muscles. First aid kit You never know when you might get a blister or trek through a narrow path with thorn trees. Trekking poles Will make your decent much easier when you are tired or hiking down in the dark from doing sunset photography. I find that the cheap ones break easily. Gloves I don’t always wear them but find that you are less likely to bang up your hands if you have to use them to climb. Pants I like to wear pants (or capris) even in the summer if I am not familiar with a trail. They protect my legs from getting banged up from rocks and the bugs that might try to make friends with you. Long-sleeve shirt Will also protect you like pants. Flashlight A head lamp is best. You will need it if you plan on hiking down in the dark. An umbrella and/or rain coat Hat Sunscreen Bug spray Hiking boots Your camera
than paper. Bukhansan Dule-gil Another app that only works with Android is Bukhansan’s easy trail map. This app will even tell you about the different trails. Not all of these trails will take you to a peak but some will have spectacular views. The app even tells you how to get to the trail head. Storm Radar Tells you your weather conditions for your current location in real time. Air Visual Tells you the current and predicted air quality for your location or any place in the world. Ramblr A place where you can track your hikes and share with others. You can also search for hikes. Note that in this app, not everyone posts in English. SunriseSunset This is a great app for determining when the sun will rise and set for your location. It can help in determining how much daylight you have and determining how many hours to allow before taking that sunset shot. Adobe Photoshop Express If you are using a cell phone to take photos, Adobe has free templates to make your phone picture look a lot better. After you get home: Editing your photo I like to edit my photos using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. It’s one of the easiest and most popular photo editing packages out there today. As you can see by my “before” and “after” shots it makes a big difference in making your photo look more professional. Lightroom can even edit cellphone photos. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom starts at $9.99 a month and you can download it at adobe.com
Before Recommended apps to help with the hike OsmAnd+ A Korean app (you can change it to English) that works only with Android. Shows you all the hiking trails all over the world. This map is updated much more frequently than the paper maps you get at the ranger stations and it’s much more durable
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SIWA NEWS SIWA Alumna Spotlight
The Path to Healing By Lunna Valerie Pergay My name is Lunna, aka Valerie. I was in Korea as an expat wife from 2006 to 2014. Like most expat wives, I felt lost arriving in a foreign country unable to speak the language and being far from family and friends. Coming from a multicultural background of Filipina, American and French, I immediately connected with SIWA’s international appeal. I tried everything SIWA had to offer from taking classes, teaching, attending tours, and I joined the Bazaar and Welfare committees until I served as the Discovery Editor from 2008-2011. In tandem, I studied online to get a master’s degree in journalism from the London School of Journalism. I was also contributing regularly to all the English newspapers and magazines in Seoul. Life in Seoul looked good. Or so it seemed… I want to take you deeper within the truth of what I was going through that led me to the path of healing. When I arrived in Korea, I was dealing with a recurring health issue that required multiple surgeries. After one of the surgeries, I came home from hospital with a tremendous migraine multiplied by 100-kind of pain. An epidural puncture in my spine caused it. No painkiller worked to soothe my throbbing head. Then I remembered a friend who recommended I try a reiki treatment. I called her in desperation. It was late around 9 p.m. and I was still in tears in pain when the reiki healer, Myra, arrived at my home. She gave me an hourlong treatment and by some miracle, the pain disappeared. I didn’t understand what she did but I knew I had to learn whatever it was that could miraculously heal. Reiki is a hands-on healing modality that originated from Japan. The healing energy is passed
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down through an attunement process from a reiki master-teacher. Like a radio tuning into the right station, a reiki master attunes the person to connect with the healing frequency to allow energy to flow through them. We all have the capacity to heal but when we use our own energy, it gets depleted and we feel drained. Reiki comes from infinite source and flows through without depleting our own energy. A reiki healer becomes a channel of healing using his/her hands as conduits of energy. By placing hands on different parts of the body, blockages of energy are released that are causing pain or discomfort. It has a very relaxing effect akin to having a massage but without the forceful touch. It not only works in a physical plane but in an emotional and spiritual level as well. Receiving the reiki attunement blew my mind. For the first time I felt such connection to everything. I felt like an innocent child seeing all the light and divine beauty in the world. I knew then it was my path but I had no teacher or guide to show me the way. So I kept all I felt inside, hiding in a newly awakened spiritual closet. During this time, I was desperately trying to have a child. I had four miscarriages and each one broke me harder than the last. I felt incompetent as a woman unable to carry a child to term. Doctors found nothing wrong, saying, “It’s just nature’s way.” I left Korea in 2014 with a very heavy heart with another miscarriage 20 weeks along. Moving to Sydney, Australia, was perfect timing. It allowed me a new start when I was feeling really down. I immediately felt a strong connection to the land. Its surrounding waters and birds that came to visit me helped heal my wounded heart. I knew I needed more healing and proceeded head on to
SIWA NEWS
become a Reiki Master. I believe things happen for a reason and they say when the student is ready, the teacher appears. I met a shaman named Raghida and I knew she was the one. Something about her just radiated so much love. She helped open my eyes to see with my heart. Shamanism for me is a way of life. It’s a huge topic that is beyond the scope of this short article but I will share what it has brought into my life. It has taught me to truly connect to everything. When you come to see everything as one, that everything has spirit from the food you eat, to the trees you see, you cannot help but feel reverence and gratitude. We are all just visitors in this land when our time has past, it will still be here. This reminds me to live in the moment because there is nowhere to be but here and now. I find that tuning into this sacred energy allows me to see the bigger picture and not get caught up in the little stories and dramas of everyday life. I learn to live each moment as a gift and a blessing even if uncomfortable because it is a lesson that is teaching me something. Like nature, we must all be fluid and always be in perpetual movement accepting whatever comes with gracefulness and
ease. In my practice as a shamanic reiki healer, I incorporate shamanic tools and practices into the healing sessions. I also do monthly moon circles for women to strengthen the bond of sisterhood as I find many women have lost touch with this sacred connection of what it truly means to be feminine. I also volunteer my time with OzHarvest and Qantas Airlines collecting food from leftover flights to send to charities in need and also work with a children’s cancer group called Cure-Our-Kids spending time with French-speaking children from New Caledonia in the hospital. So my advice to those of you in Seoul is to enjoy every moment of being where you are. You are not there forever and Korea has so much to offer in terms of culture. Be open and learn from the Korean people who are so kind-hearted and proud of their culture. It is also important to give back in whatever way you can. There are many volunteer opportunities within SIWA and supporting this sisterhood is a very important job. SIWA to me was like the older sister, my onni, who always looked after me. I am truly grateful for what it brought into my life and the sisterhood that I still connect with to this day. August - September 2017
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DESIGN
Buk Seoul Museum of Art:
By Johanna Widmann The Buk Seoul Museum of Art is located in Nowon-gu, a district in northeast Seoul, and is one of the four museums of art in the city (with Seosomun, SeMA Nam Seoul Living Arts Museum and Nanji Residency). When you exit Hagye Station in Nowon-gu you’ll first see blocks of older gray towers lining the streets, when suddenly a very new and modern building that you wouldn’t expect in this neighborhood appears: the Buk
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Seoul Museum of Art. It is described as “an environmentallyfriendly museum where people meet art and nature.” You even get the impression that the museum is part of a big green hill surrounded by a well-maintained, easy accessible sculpture park. Entering the park is like entering another world -- there is so much space that contrasts with the compact apartment buildings you encounter so often when you are out and about in Seoul. The way to the museum gives you space
to breathe and open your mind for the things to come. The Buk Museum offers a variety of exhibitions for its audience. Exhibitions change regularly except for the children’s gallery in the basement and the outdoor sculpture garden. There is no admission fee. You should be aware that everything is in Korean, though; even the audio guide doesn’t have an English version. I first perceived this as a disadvantage, but as the saying goes, “Art takes place in the eye of the beholder.” I soon changed
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my mind. The outdoor sculpture garden alone is worth a visit to the museum. Make sure you go when it doesn’t rain. Step outside onto a wooden floor and you’ll find a wide patio with a few shaded seats along the edge. At the end of the patio there are tomatoes, eggplants and basil plant-
SIWA members recently visited the Buk Seoul Museum of Art. To see SIWA member Doria GarmsSotelo’s video of their visit, click here.
ed for kids’ classes in between the sculptures. They may seem meaningless at first, but maybe it is their unagitated presentation that makes them the center of attention. Being on the patio is like experiencing a little vacation over the rooftops of Nowon-gu. You just want to wander among the sculptures or sit there peacefully and read a book. The museum is exhibiting “Asian Diva: The Muse and the Monster” until October, which focuses on 1960s and ‘70s Korea, a time of dictatorship and industrialization at home and war and anti-war movements abroad. These influences created a hunger for freedom within the
suppressed Korean society, but these groups were marginalized by a military and male-centered system. The exhibition examines the pop culture amid civil and political unrest. I literally felt the spirit of optimism and social change when I wandered through the exhibition. When I first put the tour together, I wasn’t so sure if it would be successful, which means I wasn’t sure if the participants and I would like it. But my concerns were proven wrong and I found a real gem in Seoul. SIWA Membership Chair Johanna Widmann, from Germany, has been a member since 2016. August - September 2017
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SIWA NEWS
Recent SIWA
Joseon Royal Tombs and Temples
Tours
Shopping at Namdaemun Market
Lotte World Aquarium
Hiking to Seungga-sa in Bukhan-san
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Indigo Dye Workshop
Upcoming Events Get more information on tours and events and register online at www.siwakorea.com Aug. 23 Coffee Morning We will be joined by a North Korean refugee who will speak about her journey and experiences. Aug. 29 SIWA Meet and Greet Newcomers to Seoul, and anyone who would like to learn more about SIWA are invited to attend our monthly Meet and Greet gatherings. This event is open to both SIWA Members and Non-Members. SIWA Members will enjoy 10% discount on beverages. Above:
Blue House Tour Left:
Hiking Kalbawi Rock Below:
Noryangjin Fisheries Market
Aug. 30 International Culinary Exchange Cuisine from Uzbekistan at LazzaT Sept. 5 Community Service: Make a difference in someone else’s life at Anna’s House, where 500+ meals are served daily at the soup kitchen for the homeless. We participate every Tuesday in this community service project, except for the third Tuesday of the month. Sept. 9 Tour: Namsan City Wall and Sung-nye Mun: Mr. H.K. Choi will climb with us up and over Namsan, which means “south mountain.” As we follow the old Seoul City wall, Mr. Choi will share its history and restoration. We will continue to historic Sungnyemun, better known as Namdaemun (the big south gate of old Seoul). This hike is somewhat physically demanding, so please be prepared for physical exertion. Sept. 15 Tour: Treasures of Jung-gu, the Historic Downtown Center This tour is guided by Professor D. Mason and will cover the most interesting historic sites found right in the middle of old Seoul, often overlooked by expat-residents. We’ll finish and disperse at the Cheonggye-cheon Stream where participants can walk along it, have lunch together or just go on their way. Sept. 26 Tour: Seoul Folk Flea Market Are you hunting for secondhand vintage good or just want to see and feel the atmosphere? Then come with us! The market sells typical Korean items, everyday goods, souvenirs, traditional goods and traditional food allowing visitors to enjoy shopping and eating all under one roof. Sept. 30 SIWA Team for 5K Run/Walk at International Peace Marathon Festival
August - September 2017
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SIWA NEWS
Highlights from Recent Group Activities Working Women’s Network
Tunisian Cuisine
Expat’s Guide to Collecting Art in Korea
International Culinary Exchange
The ICE program aims to share culinary skills, food culture and traditional recipes among SIWA members. Come feed your soul and your belly. Coordinator: Michelle Morrison, culinaryexchange@siwakorea.com
Korean-English Conversation: Outdoor Activities
This group is designed for women who prefer evening informational and networking events. The Working Women’s Network gathers approximately once a month at a restaurant. All are welcome! Coordinator: Michelle Morrison, wwn@siwakorea.com
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Korean-English Conversation Group
Practice speaking Korean or English! We teach and encourage each other through our conversations. Coordinator: Park KyungHee, conversation@siwakorea.com Moms and Tots
Meet other moms, form friendships and link up for playdates for your children. Activities range from casual get-togethers at local play areas to themed parties and more. Coordinator: Mhyla Borkowski, momsandtots@siwakorea.com
SIWA NEWS
Fond Farewell
u
Mata Hari
Cultural Connection
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. Coordinator : Bockhee Lee, culturalconnection@siwakorea.com
Book Club
Those who volunteer for nonprofits generally do so because they believe in a given nonprofit’s mission. Beyond the mission, they may seek opportunities to work with or lead others. SIWA would like to extend our gratitude to our departing Interest Group Coordinators, who have served and enhanced our organization. Thank you to Moms and Tots Coordinator Heidi Hadfield and son Henry for their time and effort in organising successful events for SIWA members. During the last year, Heidi has organized 18 Moms and Tots events. They will be missed by all! We wish them well in their future endeavours.
On the second Friday of every month,the Book Club meets in Hannamdong (near Hannam Station, on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line). SIWA Book Club is free and exclusive for SIWA members. Coordinator: Ariane Amiot, bookclub@siwakorea.com
Seoul International Women’s Association also extends our sincere gratitude to:
Community Service
Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or orphanage for infants. Coordinators: Lydia and Monica, communityservice@siwakorea.com
Inyoung Choi for her outstanding service as 2016-2017 Photo Club Coordinator. Isabelle Min for her outstanding service as 2013-2017 Transition Group Coordinator. August - September 2017
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The traditional Korean color spectrum or Obangsaek has 5 traditional colors, each of which is associated with different parts of the universe. This thought finds its origin in ancient East Asian philosophy where people’s lives and beliefs were moulded by and in harmony with nature. The Chinese philosophy of YinYang and Five Elements or Eumyangohaeng (음양오행) stands for two opposite energies (light & darkness), the balance of which forms the ultimate truth, and the five elements that make up the world. This theory contains interpretations of the colors for the elements, seasons and directions, as shown above. Two Obangsaek colors are mixed to form secondary colors. This palette is called Ogansaek. Both Obangsaek & Ogansaek are used widely in traditional textiles & dresses, architecture, motifs & even foods. These colors are especially used in ceremonial attire for children and bride & groom, as they are believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. These colors can also be seen in the aesthetic arrangement of meat, rice & vegetables in Bibimbap. Obangsaek colors are used in the Korean flag.
Note: The names for the colors used here are the native Korean names. Other articles and texts usually reference the Sino-Korean names. The names have been mapped on a best-effort basis.
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Designed,
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Designed,
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at Lotte Hotel Seoul The Bazaar is one of the largest international fundraising events in Seoul, donating to more than 20 Korean charities each year. In 2016 alone, more than 30 embassies and several clubs, local businesses, sponsors, welfare organizations and volunteers joined the Bazaar. Embassies imported goods from their own countries; restaurants, charities, local clubs and businesses displayed their food and goods; & donated prizes for raffles–both small and great.
If you would like to be part of the 2017 volunteer team, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form.