Gwangju News
International Magazine for Gwangju and Jeollanam-do
January 2011 Issue No. 107
Gwangju FC The Plight of the Moon Bears Kunsthalle Roundup 2011 GIC 1st Korean Language Class
Weekday Classes Saturday Classes Level Days Textbook Level Textbook 서강한국어 1A 서강한국어 1A Beginner 1-1 Tuesday & Thursday Beginner 1-1 (Pre-lesson ~ Lesson 1) (Pre-lesson ~ Lesson 1) 서강한국어 1A 서강한국어 1A Beginner 1-2 Monday & Wednesday Beginner 1-2 (Lesson 2 ~ Lesson 6) (Lesson 2 ~ Lesson 6) 서강한국어 1B 서강한국어 1B Beginner 2-2 Tuesday & Thursday Beginner 2-1 (Lesson 5 ~ Lesson 8) (Lesson 1 ~ Lesson 4) 서강한국어 2B Intermediate 2-1 Tuesday & Thursday - Period: Jan.8 - Feb. 24, 2011 (Lesson 1 ~ Lesson 4) (Every Saturday for 7 weeks) - Class hours: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Period: Jan. 10 - Feb. 19, 2011 (Twice a week for 7 weeks) (2 hours) - Class hours: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (2 hours) - Tuition fee: 50,000 won - Tuition fee : 80,000 won (GIC membership fee: 20,000 won/ (GIC membership fee: 20,000 won/ year year and textbooks excluded) cash only and textbooks excluded) cash only
* The tuition fee is non-refundable after the first week. To register, please send your information: full name, Note * A class may be canceled if fewer than 5 people sign up. contact number, working place and preferable level * Textbooks can be purchased at the GIC to [email protected]
GIC is located on the 5th floor of the Jeon-il building, the same building as the Korean Exchange Bank, downtown. The entrance is located immediately to the north of the bank. Contact GIC office for more information. Phone: 062-226-2733/4 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gic.or.kr
2 Gwangju News January 2011
What’s On Gwangju News
On the Cover Publisher: Gyonggu Shin Editor-in-Chief: Maria Lisak Editors: Daniel Lister, Minsu Kim Copy Editors: Kyle Johnson, Kathleen Villadiego Coordinator: Karina Prananto Layout and Design: Karina Prananto Photo Editor: Debra M. Josephson Proofreaders: Austin Lewis, Jon Ozelton, Pete Schandall, Gina Covert, Kathleen Villadiego, Julian Raethel,
Address: Jeon-il Building 5F, Geumnam-no 1-1, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, S. Korea Phone: +82-62-226-2733 Fax: +82-62-226-2732 E-mail: [email protected] 7 Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145 Gwangju FC (ISSN 2093-5315) Printed by Logos (Phone +82-62-444-8800) Gwangju News Magazine is written and edited by volunteers.
Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.
Copyright by the Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of 18 this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, The Plight of the recording or otherwise - without the written consent of the publishers. Moon Bears Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor ([email protected]) regarding articles and issues. All correspondence may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.
10 Kunsthalle Roundup
Cover Photo
Photographer: CNU
Cover Photo: The snow scene in CNU campus, Gwangju
4 Gwangju News January 2011 January 2011 Issue No. 107
Featured Articles 7 Gwangju FC By Daniel Lister 10 Kunsthalle Roundup By Laurence Berridge 12 Photo Essay: Andong Festival By Simon Bond International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 14 By Lee Kee-eun What is Gwangju the Hub City Asian 16 Culture? By Selina Orrell Yoga Class 36 18 The Plight of the Moon Bears By Austin Lewis 20 Prevention of Perversion? – TSA Scanner Regular Columns By Julian Raethel 6 Local News: This Month in Gwangju 23 Korean Conflicts – Warning from 50 years By Jon Ozelton ago may explain Korean stalemate By Michael Bielawski 24 Photo Contest By Debra M. Josephson 30 Speaks Turns Five By Seth Pevey 26 World News Home Pages 32 Get Away By Rich Lee 28 World News: 2011 Global Preview By Gabriel Ward 34 Ice (and Inline) Hockey: Previously Unpopularly Sports in Korea 40 Language Study: Letters to KOTESOL By Dr. David Schaffer By Andrew Dunne Yoga Class Book Review: Deep Blue Night 36 42 By Elton LaClare By Marion Gregory Driving in Korea Restaurant Review: Muhan Sarang 무한사랑 37 44 By Gabriel Ward By Matthew D. Jenkins Diplomatic Gossip Korean Easy Cook Recipe: 잔치국수 Janchi Guksu 38 45 By Yang Hee-seon By Ted Clarkson Poetry Useful Korean Phrases 46 Verb ‘이다‘: to be VS Verb ‘아니다‘: not to be 43 By Kim Hyun-seung, Kwak Jae-gu, Ko Jung-hee By Jung Soo-a 47 Cartoon: Digby By Leroy Kucia
12 48 Living Tips: Tips for Working Visit (H-2) Photo Essay: By Marie Charmaine Pascual Igwe Andong Festival Cartoon: Dear Korea 49 By Jen Lee
50 Upcoming Events
52 Community Board
Gwangju News January 2011 5 Local News This Month in Gwangju A brief roundup of news stories from in and around Gwangju
Gwangju Citizens’ Football Club Launch 2. Gwangju Subway Line 2 December 16 saw the launch of the newest team to join the K- The possibility of a League, Korea’s professional football (soccer) league. second subway line Gwangju Football Club, a publically owned and funded in Gwangju has once venture, will be the 16th team to play in the top league, and again raised its head, will play its first fixture in March next year. with a practicality and feasibility study The team will be funded by the public, and through taking place this sponsorship and marketing deals. Members of the public will December. be able to buy shares in the club (one person, one share), making it truly community owned. The next release of shares When the existing is expected in February 2011. Over 1,000 people attended the Line 1 was planned launch, held at the Kimdaejung Center. and built (the first stage opening in Previously, Gwangju was home to Gwangju Sangmu, the 2004, and the army team which is restricted to choosing players serving extended line their mandatory two years military service. This team will opening in 2008) it relocate, and now play out of Sangju, North Gyeongsan was part of a design Gwangju subway line 2-1 and 2-2 Province, starting in the upcoming 2011 season. which originally plan project donga.com expected the city to Related article on page 7 have three lines: Line 2 Gwangju’s Rail Transport being a circle line, and Line 3 running loosely North-South. Gwangju’s underground and overground railways have been However, due to low use of Line 1, concerns over excessive in the news this month. construction costs, and a massive budget deficit, the plans 1. Song-jeong Station Redevelopment for the second and third lines were put on hold indefinitely. Song-jeong Railway Station, in Gwangju’s western Gwangsan Currently though, the thought of a second line has been District, west of the airport, has been selected by the Ministry resurrected, albeit in a different form, and a feasibility study of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, to undergo a full- and public consultation is taking place to both gauge the scale redevelopment, which will transform the existing appropriateness and practicality of constructing a new line, station into a fully-fledged transit and culture centre. as well as gather public opinion on the issue. The proposal for the new centre will improve the station Three possible routes for the new line are being considered, (which lies on the KTX line between Seoul and Mokpo), with the featured proposal running North-South, connecting develop surrounding transport links, and also include Baek-un Junction, Chosun University, Gwangju Station, convention centre facilities, and various cultural attractions, Chonnam University, and the Il-gok and Cheomdan such as a performing arts hall, and the Namdo Food Town. neighborhoods. Once the planned KTX upgrades are completed in 2015, trains will be able to travel from Seoul to Gwangju Song- The viability of light-railway style above-ground links is also jeong in just 90 minutes. being examined. Gwangju Mayor Kang talked about the Ministry’s decision on The public study will give local residents the chance to give December 3, and expressed his desire that the new complex their opinion on the proposed schemes, as many are believed be the “best” in Korea. “Gwangju Song-jeong will not simply to be concerned over cost, and the city’s need for a second be a station, but be developed as a passenger transit center, line. with excellent transport links, logistics and distribution Should the plan be approved, the new line would open in facilities, as well as cultural facilities, becoming the most splendid, beautiful transit center in Korea,” he said. 2022. By Jon Ozelton
6 Gwangju News January 2011 Feature
Gwangju FC
new year typically brings hope and possibility Of course, Gwangju Sangmu is no more and despite to many, though perhaps the dawn of 2011 will the new team continuing to play at the stadium named A bring a greater slice than most for those who in honour of everybody’s favourite Dutchman, the have followed the fortunes of Gwangju Sangmu players and coaching staff have been substituted. football club in recent years. Of course, hope brings Sangmu – the tag given to the city designated the duty with it no guarantees, but the new management staff at of hosting the country’s military football team – is no Gwangju’s Guus Hiddink World Cup Stadium have longer required, as military responsibilities are for been working hard to ensure the upcoming season will Gwangju to deal with no more. be more prosperous than those in recent memory. As the army relinquished their grip on professional In no uncertain terms, the Gwangju-based soccer fan football in the city, a new team has been born, the will most likely hope to forget the trials and Gwangju FC. The team’s manager, Choi Man-hee, a tribulations of recent seasons. Abysmal would almost leader entering the scene with experience behind him. be a generous word to describe 2010, where only Having been involved in leading a unified Korean Daegu FC’s marginally worse goal difference spared under-19 team to glory in the 1990 Asian Cup, he also Gwangju Sangmu the blushes of being the K-League’s managed Jeonbuk Hyundai for seven years up to the bottom team, an accolade the country’s fifth biggest early part of the last decade, giving them solid mid- city probably shouldn’t be worthy of. season stability throughout his time – a dizzy height
Gwangju News January 2011 7 Feature
The clock is ticking and with weeks till the season’s March kick-off, questions arise as to whether there will be enough time to learn about his recently assembled squad. When the army moved on since no players remained Choi was tasked with the assembling of a whole new team. University graduates provided 11 players, whilst special dispensation in the player draft gave them the chance to select more players than their K-League competition.
Choi has used this to put a young squad together, with most players under the age of 21. Whether the young team’s speed and agility will be enough to compensate for the lack of experience remains to be seen, to quote a famous Scotsman who once wore red in true clichéd football fashion “You’ll win nothing with kids”. Winning trophies though isn’t a workable objective for the inaugural year ahead, no team can realistically expect to challenge for honours a year after its re- inception.
The coach has selected a team he hopes have pride, in doing so it is no coincidence that seven of the players have an association with Gwangju, as well as many of the coaching staff, an affiliation which has not been present in recent years. Whether pride will be enough to win against teams with greater skill levels and more experience playing alongside each other remains to be seen, although the neutral would argue that it is unlikely.
At this early stage Choi refuses to give a prediction or Left and right photos: Scrimmage between team members (Dec.09, 2010) aim on 2011 aspirations in terms of league position. He aims to make the team popular, though he laughs at the Gwangju franchise hasn’t achieved since finishing the suggestion of making the team more popular than 8th in the 2004 season, after which they finished rock the Kia Tigers. “This is a baseball city,” said Choi. bottom four times out of six. Though with Gwangju’s baseball heroes recently “Managing this club is a great honour, though also a dethroned as champions there might be a chance of huge burden to make a good team for the citizens”, said winning back the support of a city who seemingly Choi. His usual cheerful demeanor becomes more turned their back on this club in recent years. serious. He clearly holds a lot of pride to be managing this club, a city he returns to after 35 years away. Choi looks to create a team who will attack and offer speed in abundance – something he calls “power play”. As the new coach he is relieved with the re-initiation of Whether this is the key to brining people into the Gwangju as a citizen’s team, referencing the lack of stadium remains to be seen, and whether such a style passion the military teams often play with since they of play is possible is a further mystery. “I don’t know have no real belonging to the city in which they ply the exact team, I have to learn about the players and their trade. “They just stay for 2 years and feel no spirit how they play before I can be sure of what style will for the team or town in which they play, so there will be suit them as a unit,” said Choi. a big difference between Gwangju FC and Gwangju Sangmu,” said Choi. The learning process will be aided by recent bouts with local universities, although drawing 0:0 with Honnam
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Left and right photos: Weekly training; Bottom: Celebration for the launch of the new team on top of Mt. Mudeung and then being held to a 1:1 draw with Chosun perhaps season, with a goalkeeper and a couple of new faces to wouldn’t have installed any extra confidence, and the strengthen the rear guard topping the wish list. Choi main thing learned was that there is a void in the appreciates he is in it for the long haul. He is excited by squad’s quality – one that needs filling. Such the prospect of working with these young players, opposition will prove no comparison to what the K- developing their skills and building them into a team. League has to offer in future opponents (fixtures to be “I want to work with these players and help them decided mid January). improve, help make them like Park Ji-sung,” said Choi.
The club naturally lack the funds some of the K- League’s power clubs possess, and so have employed a By Daniel Lister long term strategy to develop existing talent. To Photos by Gwangju FC provide more immediate strength, plans are in place to sign some experienced players before the start of the
Gwangju News January 2011 9 Events Review Kunsthalle Roundup A round-up of recent events at Kunsthalle Gwangju
Background International Centre as well as the ministry of culture, and the Asian Culture Complex (once constructed) it’s For those unaware, the Kunsthalle is an art space in rapidly heading towards becoming one of the most downtown Gwangju, distinguished by being created important locales in an ever-evolving Gwangju. from shipping holders. Displaying creative works from both Korean and international artists, the Kunsthalle is A round-up of recent events rapidly establishing itself as a valued and open-minded hub of cultural activity, catering to the citizens of this Throughout the months of November and December fair city. the Kunsthalle has welcomed all members of the public for an ongoing program of events. On the last Owned by Korean art group Platoon, it is the second of Friday of November, Uli Gaulke’s evocative its kind in Korea, but one of many worldwide. Since its documentary Comrades in Dreams was screened to an official opening for its first exhibition in May, it now intimate crowd of interested guests. As a German boasts an average of 2000 visitors per month. made film about individuals from various countries (including North Korea) all pursuing their passion for According to one of the driving forces behind the film projection, it was a highly apt film to screen. Kim, project, director Tom Bueschemann, the Kunsthalle Hyun-jeong who was involved with the filming of the aims to be a “platform to bring different artists, as well North Korean portion of the film was present to as art and culture groups from Gwangju together to answer the variety of interesting questions offered, build networks”. With the backing of the Gwangju and talked about film production in North Korea.
10 Gwangju News January 2011 Events Review
Then on the first Friday in December, the Kunsthalle Massim presents an eclectic selection of animated welcomed guests through its glass doors once more, shorts from some of Korea’s finest animation artists. hosting an artist’s open talk. It gave the unique Director of Sentimental Eve Sung Goo-won, as well as opportunity to ask the then displayed artists some Massim’s own Young, Min-go will be present, offering questions about their artwork. Other members present background on the screenings. included Gwangju Museum of Art curator Byun Gil- hyun and Chonnam National University’s established Saturday, Jan. 15 from 5pm - Night Flea market Professor Chang Suk-won, each reflecting on the hosted artists and on current issues in the Gwangju art Once again, traders will set up stalls offering their scene, as well as the future of art in the city. wares. If you too feel like getting involved, don’t hesitate to contact the Kunsthalle (mail@kunsthalle- The following weekend, the Kunsthalle teamed up with gwangju.com). Got some old clothes and books to get the GFN, playing host to one of Gwangju’s hottest rid of? Like baking and making? Get in contact! events of the year. Over 400 guests showed up to enjoy live indie music, drinks and a huge prize giveaway. The Friday, Jan. 21 on 7pm - Open talk 2 event was perceived as a great success by all, with the resident DJ spinning tunes until guests could no longer This talk will aim to discuss and promote the dance. forthcoming Asia Culture Complex. Members of the ACC committee will be present to take your pressing And to close the first successful year of the Kunsthalle, questions about the development of the area and a Night Flea market was held. Only a week shy of the speculate on the future impact it might have on the Christmas now passed, the flea market offered the city. closest equivalent of a traditional German Christmas market that Gwangju will ever likely see. There were Friday, Jan. 28 from 8pm - BYO DJ Night 40 independent vendors offering a variety of wares such as used clothes, vegetables, original artwork, Organising DJs from Seoul and Gwangju, the books and even watches. To embrace the season’s Kunsthalle opens up once more for more unashamed merriment, mulled wine, traditional German snacks BYO party fun. Bring your own drinks and snacks to and even carol singing accompanied browsers’ delight. make it the kind of party you want it to be. What’s next for the Kunsthalle? Reflection After a number of inspired events this year, the Kunsthalle is contributing to Gwangju’s steadily Ever since Gwangju’s democratic uprising of 1980, increasing reputation as one of the more active and where many students and civilians lost their lives progressive cities in the country. Be a part of this fighting for their beliefs, this city has upheld a expanding community by stopping by the latest reputation in Korea for being liberalistic and free- ongoing exhibition or checking out one of the thinking. Places like the Kunsthalle and the Biennele upcoming events. maintain such a reputation, by providing a venue for reflection and appreciating art. The Kunsthalle is From now until February 8, the hall will host a variety highly unique in that it is openly supportive towards of installations by local artists. Such pieces include a any new ideas, welcoming the local community, with series of natural objects molded from aluminum foil by the simple yet sincere intention to promote creative Kim Kang-seok, a fanciful “vegetable garden” interests. I feel lucky to live in a city which possesses arrangement, highlighting the potential for simplicity such a fine platform for creativity and innovation . in economic trade by Cho Soo-chin, and expatriate Brian Hunter offers a collection of stirring narrative The Kunsthalle is located downtown, in front of the video confessionals, artificially dubbed by various Asian Culture Complex Construction Site, a short walk public figures such as Salvador Dali, Bob Marley and from the International Centre and the YMCA. It is Francis Bacon. open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (and later during events). Keep an eye out on their website Complimenting the exhibition will be a series of new for even more events to come: www.kunsthalle- events, following the success of past reception: gwangju.com Friday January 7 @ 7 p.m. - Movie Night: Korean animation films Story and photo by Laurence Berridge
Gwangju News January 2011 11 Photo Essay
Andong Festival
earing masks to ward off spirits, or hide place in Hahoe, with a lot of the performers making the amongst spirits in a custom prevalent in trip from Andong itself, the high point of the festival is W more than one culture, how many of us have the Seonyujubul Nori. Seonyujubol Nori is something dressed up and used masks at Halloween? In South rather special to behold, and is a fire play performed on Korea the culture and history of the mask is celebrated a boat along the river Naktong. In the past the custom once a year in the town of Andong, and the nearby folk was for poets to write poems and once one of these was village of Hahoe (pronounced Ha-Hway). finished people would shout “drop the fires”. Today there is just the one boat on the river with several The tradition of mask dance in Korea goes back people dressed in hanbok serenading the watching centuries, and was used in shamanistic rituals. In the crowd. The custom of dropping bundles of fire from the village of Hahoe the tradition of mask dancing goes top of the cliff is still carried out as well. The true magic back centuries and is preserved today by a mask dance is perhaps provided by the traditional fireworks. Where team that performs Mudong Madang, a dance where western fireworks are all over in a flash and a bang people make offering for health and wealth to a female these fireworks really romance the crowds as they drop goddess. This troupe then performs a second act called little sparkles of fire rain on the river and beach for chuji madang where an abundant harvest is promised, perhaps an hour. The fireworks are suspended across and this is finished with a dancer chasing away demons the river on four sets of wire which rather resemble a and evil spirits. The stage has now been sanctified, and huge washing line. Once lit you can stand between other acts follow. these wires and have sparks fall on either side of you, The festival also features performers from across and yes it really does feel like fire rain. Korea, and around the world. The international flavour is given to this event by performers who come from Transport China, Mexico, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia From Gwangju catch the intercity bus to Dong-Daegu (East and Thailand. Performances by these groups are Daegu) – (Travel Time: 3.5 hours / Regular fare: 12,300 - scattered across Andong and Hahoe, and are 19,900 won/ Interval time: 1 hour). From Dong-Daegu, take another intercity bus to Andong (Travel time: 1hr40 performed several times over the course of the week minutes/Regular fare: 7,300 won) long festival. The main festival site also offers people On arrival in Andong you’ll find a large festival site about the chance to make there own mask, enjoy a fashion 10 minutes walk from the bus terminal, and 15 minutes show with naturally dyed garments, and watch some from the train station. Those who want to head onto Hahoe younger mask dance performers in action. village need to cross the road and find bus #46, which takes 40 minutes to get to the village (Regular fare: 1,100 won). The real charm of the area is the Hahoe folk village itself, and it’s little surprise to me that when foreign Accomodation dignatories –including the Queen of England and a Andong: Accomodations are fairly easy to find. The former U.S .president– visited Korea they came here. Andong Park Tourist Hotel is 50,000 won a night, and is a The first thing to note is the stunning location on a 10 minutes walk from the bus station. There are also plenty of motels between the bus station and the tourist hotel. bend in the Nakdong river, with the imposing Pyungdae rock face on the side of the river the villagers Hahoe: If you go to Hahoe you can stay over night at the who have lived in this village all their lives are clearly village in one of the minbaks. Call the Travel Phone (+82- 54-852-3588, +82-54-840-6974) for reservations. blessed. Indeed the village has produced a former Korean prime minister, Ryu Seong-ryong .
As well as all the mask dance performances that take Story and photos by Simon Bond
12 Gwangju News January 2011 Photo Essay
Gwangju News January 2011 13 Feature
International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012
ust over two years ago, the world turned its eyes attention from foreign tourists and “the passion of in fascination to China as it presented its first nations.” In China’s case, their vast population was J ever Olympic Games in 2008. Two years later, enough to support the Expo. But for the Expo to be China stole the world’s gaze again as the city of successful in South Korea, which has only a percentage Shanghai hosted the 2010 World Expo. Although the of China’s population, it will require dedication from recently closed Expo 2010 may not have grabbed the foreign visitors as well as it’s citizens. same attention as the Olympics – though it similarly reignited Chinese pride – it was still put on the world With only a year and a half left to prepare for the Expo, stage. Now, as 2012 draws nearer, with Yeosu, South there is seemingly little interest from the majority of Korea scheduled to be the next host, it may be time to South Koreans. The Expo is to be a national ceremony, question what this will mean for the nation. managed by our nation’s taxes, therefore the entire country, not just the city of Yeosu, should be The Expo will be held in Yeosu from May 12 to August celebrating. 12, 2012, presenting the theme of “The Living Ocean and the Coast.” It is essential that the Expo draws On average, more than 400,000 people visited
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Zone, the Culture Zone and the Water Zone, in which visitors will be able to experience marine culture.
The Expo Digital Gallery is an ubiquitous avenue displaying Korea’s cutting-edge IT technology. The façade of the exhibition hall will become a platform for various exhibitions. There will also be an environment where visitors can participate in creating the exhibition to their liking. Visitors will be able to interact and participate in the Expo by using mobile phones, PDAs, kiosks, and motion recognition sensors.
The success of the Shanghai Expo was largely due to a great effort from the Chinese government and citizens. They used an exceptionally surprising policy, forcing companies to provide days off to any employee that wished to visit the Expo. For this reason, 90 % of the Expo’s visitors were from the various regions of the country.
Furthermore, the efforts that the Expo Previous page: The Big-O and Expo Digital Gallery; This page: The volunteers put forth, in a city known for concept plan of International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 its brisk attitude towards strangers, to help visitors enjoy the Shanghai Expo Shanghai’s Expo daily, resulting in a total of over 60 deserves recognition. Compared to China, the million visitors. How did they attract so many people upcoming Expo in Korea will most likely lack such local to Shanghai? visitor attention. To solve this problem, the Yeosu Expo organization committee is managing the Dream Expo First of all, Shanghai 2010, themed “Better City, Better Supporters program to encourage university students Life,” became the largest Expo ever held in history. The to visit Yeosu. However, this may not be enough. Expo’s building site was 70% the size of South Korea’s Yeouido land, and it included more participating There are still additional problems that need to be countries than any other Expo in the past. looked into, such as the lack of direct transportation from Seoul to Yeosu via KTX, a potential lack of local Despite Shanghai’s successful city emphasis, Yeosu, in accommodation, and too little promotion of the event. contrast, will tackle more environmental issues. We are Though such problems are to be expected, there is now living in a world where islands and grasslands are further worry due to the recent national assembly cut disappearing due to rising sea levels and global on the Yeosu Expo’s budget. warming. The Yeosu Expo will propose solutions to some of these problems, with topics such as the Organization is not a simple matter. The Expo is one of environment, art and culture, IT, and Design to be the world’s three major global events, alongside the addressed. It will also feature special facilities such as Olympics and the World Cup. This will be Korea’s the BIG-O and the EXPO Digital Gallery. second Expo, after the 2003 Expo in Daejon. Now is the time for Korea to shine and show their passion to The Big-O is a symbolic architectural feature of the the world. Yeosu Expo, where the sea transitions into an open By Lee Kee-eun theater. It is to be composed of three zones, the Eco Photos by International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012
Gwangju News January 2011 15 Feature What is Gwangju the Hub City of Asian Culture?
rriving in town at the YMCA it is hard not project is economically good for the city, tourism is not to notice the massive crater in the ground its specific aim. The success of the project can bring surrounded by fencing. For what appears development of tourism but along with this a growing A to be a pretty huge project, there is not interest in Asian culture,” she said. much information about it and the public seems to continually question—what does the label “Hub of Asian Culture – how can one place, hardly noticeable Asian Culture” mean exactly? Where does this on a map of Asia, be a focal point for cultures from seemingly grand title stem from and what purpose such a wide and varied space? The project is “working does it hold? with other Asian countries in a forum project. It is a chance for Asians to find the true value of Asia by The Gwangju News met with Lee Jeong-ah from the recreating it and introducing it into the world. People Asian Culture Complex. Soft-spoken and delicate in can change their ideas about Asia and at the same time demeanor Lee is in charge of the information center strengthen competitiveness of Asian cultures,” Lee and plans and manages promotional events. The said. project has been running for six years and she has been working within the company for five, so she The project’s website claims that it will be has witnessed a large amount of the development "transforming Gwangju into a culture of novel process. The former president Roh Moo-hyun concepts", though questions arise as to how these originally suggested the project when he was a concepts would be novel. “[They will] recreate Asia by candidate, to help make South Korea more evenly- recreating the culture contents and through this we can developed. In 2003 a committee was held and in introduce and show the real Asia to the people in the 2004 the project began. world. It is the future of the continent,” she said, using the example of Daein Market to show how these The name remains somewhat ambiguous and cultures will be distributed. It “move[d] the artists to potentially misleading, so let’s break it down.The the market to help support them so they could word “hub” represents an “adopted policy that introduce their artwork to the people and offer the begun in 1995 formed by the local government to chance for the artists and citizens to exchange and try and strengthen local competitiveness,” Lee said. communicate with each other.” This is part of a plan to One of the main concerns with the word is that it is establish so-called cultural rooms across the city where often used to attract more tourists, and its meaning art and culture can be enjoyed. I really enjoy this idea then gets lost. However, in this case, “although the of “cultural rooms” being scattered around the city. An
16 Gwangju News January 2011 Feature
example of how the project has achieved this so far is the Kunsthalle, next to where the complex is being built.
Lee Jeong-ah gives the impression that the project aims to enhance the overall quality of the public's experience with art, culture and the lives of Asians on a more international level. It aims to “find the true value of Asia and bring the development of the culture industry by almost recreating it and reintroducing it to the world,” she said highlighting the project’s goal.
Whilst the website discusses how problems such as modernization and environmental disasters can be solved. How are such seemingly large problems overcome by one scheme? “The lack of the spiritual Previous page: Hub City of Asian Culture – Gwangju Project, This page: Top left: Vision and policy objectives value, modernization, and the importance of the of the ‘Hub City of Asian Culture’ – Hub City of Asian nature and environment has been neglected to Culture Hall; Top right and above: ‘Searching of ‘Hub City enhance the convenience of the human life and it is of Asian Culture’ even worse in the Asian cultures. The modernization has been achieved in a very short space of time,” Lee said. This is a truth familiar to South Korea in be formed, such as an education belt in Sangmu. Such particular. “The philosophy of Asia puts more areas should provide more access for the public to emphasis on the harmony of nature and environment appreciate art and culture within the city. As well as than to use it on the community and individual,” Lee this there will be education programs, events and said, highlighting the importantance for such a large discussions enriching people with knowledge. Although cultural project to have a strong basis of cultural and the name is ambiguous, its intentions are good. humanitarian values in order to progress. Tourism will be beneficial to the city through this project but as Lee explained, it is not the underlying It seems the development aims to re-enforce aim. The old 5.18 memorial building will still stand, traditional cultural and philosophical views that are placing emphasis on how the traditional values of perhaps shared across Asia through the project, Korea will be progressing with new ideas and scope for specifically via art and culture. Allowing the public, the city. artists, designers and educators to share ideas in a collaborative manner. Lee says that cultural belts will Story and photos by Selina Orrell
Gwangju News January 2011 17 Current Issue
The Plight of the Moon Bears
n recent years the Republic of Korea has been Jirisan area. Worldwide, the World Conservation Union's anxious to improve its standing in the international Red List of Threatened Animals lists the Moon bear as I arena. The 2010 G20 Summit hosted by Seoul “vulnerable,” but declining population is not the only provided Korea with one of its best opportunities to be concern; animal rights activists have been lobbying for years seen as a modern, successful nation. At long last, the to stop bear farming on the basis of its cruelty to the animals. peninsula would receive attention for something other than the threat of war across the DMZ. Bears hold a special place in Korean lore. According to the founding myth of ancient Joseon (Gojoseon), a bear As the world briefly turned the spotlight to Korea and a tiger once approached the god Hwanung, wishing however, a small but vocal network of activists decried a to become human. Hwanung issued a challenge to eat controversial practice that continues to tarnish Korea's only garlic and mugwort in a dark cave, and the bear cosmopolitan reputation: bear farming. The Asiatic black emerged victorious, transforming into a beautiful woman. bear, commonly called the Moon bear, in reference to the This bear-woman eventually gave birth to the forefather white or yellow crescent on its chest, is brutally exploited of the Korean people, Dangun. for its gallbladder bile. If legend declares Koreans the bear-people, why would the The Moon bear is very similar to the American black bear, government allow such mistreatment of their totem but with longer, softer fur. An average adult male may animal? Bear farmers and bile hawkers claim that weigh 140-200kg, with a lifespan of 20-40 years in the traditional Chinese medicine demands it, apparently. Many wild. It has a widely varying omnivorous diet, including contemporary practitioners recommend other treatments, carrion, insects, fruits, nuts, and honey. The Moon bear is and there is underwhelming historical reference to bear an active climber, often picking fruits from the tops of bile, suggesting that current market demand was created trees and creating a feeding nest in the branches. by the more recent snake oil salesmen. Moon bears range all over Asia, but the peninsular Korean Mammal gallbladders secrete a specific chemical called population has steeply declined due to poaching for body ursodeoxycholic acid, or UDCA. While gallbladders parts. An animal that once numbered in the tens of produce bile primarily to aid digestion of fats, cholesterol thousands on the Korean peninsula now has a known and vitamins, when isolated UDCA can have many population of around sixteen in South Korea, all in the medical functions beyond those of ancient superstitions.
This page and next page: Moon bear in the wildlife conservation area 18 Gwangju News January 2011 Current Issue
mental trauma and physical atrophy. Some farms hold the bears like this for years on end, milking them for bile through a tube inserted directly into the gallbladder. This and other extraction processes are extremely painful and prone to infection. Throughout their farm lives, bears are prevented from hibernating as they would in the wild. This causes them to quickly lose their sanity, and inspectors have seen them chewing on their paws, ramming their heads into hard objects, and attempting to harm themselves in other ways. After too many years they lose their ability to produce bile, and they are often killed for meat and other organs sold for traditional medicine. A recent survey conducted by Green Korea found that the Doctors currently use it to treat liver cirrhosis, gallstones, vast majority (over 87%) of Koreans disapprove of bear and gastric bypass complications, for instance. slaughter for gallbladder use. Traditional medicine Experimental purposes for UDCA therapy include practitioners often prefer superior substitutes over bear treatment of various neurological conditions, from strokes bile. Moreover, synthesized UCDA has made this entire to degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s and industry completely unnecessary. Large pharmaceutical Huntington’s. Research also suggests that UDCA is the firms are able to synthesize UCDA using bovine primary reason that bears do not suffer excessive tissue gallbladders taken from slaughtered cows. This product is atrophy from prolonged immobilization (hibernation) as legal, freely traded, regulated, and much more effective humans do. for all proven medical uses than bear bile. It is also considerably cheaper. Traditional Chinese medicine uses include topical application for sore throat, skin sores, and hemorrhoids; oral The Korean government finally ruled against live administration for epilepsy and liver cleansing; and to extraction methods; now they must technically be kept “brighten the eyes.” Though the UDCA in bile has been unharmed until the age of ten – Moon bears can live past medically proven as a mild anti-inflammatory, many of the thirty – until they may be slaughtered for their traditional applications do not stand up to scientific scrutiny. gallbladder and its contents. Korea's Ministry of Environment regulates over one hundred bear farms, We naturally produce this chemical in our own bodies. though activists claim that inspections are either nominal Human organs produce bile containing around 5% UDCA, or nonexistent. This is despite the fact that in 1993 the but bears can have up to 40% in their bile, hence the Korean government joined CITES, the Convention of name based on the Latin word for “bear.” For this reason, International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and bears are both poached and farmed mostly for the harvest Flora, which declared trade in these creatures, in whole or of a relatively obscure organ that sells in Seoul for up to in part, illegal. Meanwhile, China has begun regular $500 USD per gram. investigations into inhumane bear farms, and Vietnam South Koreans consume a disproportionately high has completely banned the practice, instead ushering percentage of the world's production of synthesized abused Moon bears onto sanctuaries. UDCA every year, but many still opt for “the real thing.” In response to international and domestic pressure to Rather than a controlled, measurable and trustworthy stop inhumane bear farming practices, many Korean bear pharmacological source of UDCA, traditionalists insist on farmers now use North American black bears instead. a highly irregular product that often contains pus, debris, Treatment on the farms is the same. Even if this skin and other impurities, some of which are toxic. circumvented the CITES mandates, condoning animal Furthermore, when tested many samples of “bear bile” torture certainly does not help Korea's image on the were in fact extracted from other animals. international stage.
Animal rights activists will point out that while the human Sources: Animals Asia Foundation animalsasia.org; World Society for the benefit of bile extraction is dubious at best, for the bears it Protection of Animals wspa-international.org; The Bear Facts: The East Asian is often nothing short of torture. The animals are kept in Market for Bear Gallbladder traffic.org pens barely large enough to move in, and sometimes in so-called “crush cages,” which confine the bear in a space By Austin Lewis too small to even stand up on all fours. This causes severe Photos by Jocelyn Stokes
Gwangju News January 2011 19 Current Issue
Protection or Perversion? TSA Scanner
or many travelling this winter, you should be added to the list at this time of writing. well aware of the latest security measures F waiting to greet some of you with open arms Why have they been put in place? before you board your plane. Well, as you can imagine there are many theories on It’s been over eight months since the introduction of this. Here are a couple: the body imaging scanners in airports in the United 1. The official U.S. Department of Homeland Security States. Since its inception, other countries including (DHS) statement from Secretary Janet Napolitano has France, Canada, the U.K. and Nigeria have also identified the “Christmas Bomber” incident in Detroit adopted the technology to heighten security measures. on December 25, 2009 as reason enough to implement However, it has not been a smooth transition. The the measures. In April, Napolitano said “these new scanners and alternative “pat down” procedures have measures utilise real-time, threat-based caused turbulence throughout the U.S. in particular, intelligence…both seen and unseen, to more effectively with many claiming that the Transportation Security mitigate evolving terrorist threats.” Administration (TSA) and the Obama administration So the Obama Administration feels the need to beef up have traded civil liberties in order to keep tabs on security all over the world to keep travellers safe from “terrorists.” an ever-evolving global terrorist network. In the United States there is even a call to advance these This has been one of the biggest backlashes that has measures to land transport, including trains and faced the federal government since it took office. In trams. If people don’t want to go through the scanners what has undoubtedly been a fanatically rushed change they can opt for a full-body pat down by a TSA official. in security, many are demanding action. 2. To begin with, there are major doubts about the What are they? validity of the Christmas/Underwear Bomber incident The scanners have many names: millimetre wave from different sources. Can this new technology even scanners, naked body scanners, backscatter x-ray detect what previous forms of security could not? machines-- and all passengers travelling to and from (Sniffer dogs, precious “beep” scanners, etc). There are the airports that have these machines will be subjected many questions still unanswered as to whether Umar to scanning. According to the TSA, “once inside, the Farouk Abdulmutallab acted alone, and the fact that [passenger] will be asked to stand in a position and his father had warned the C.I.A. prior to the incident remain still for a few seconds while the technology has raised many eyebrows. If you want to look into creates an image of the passenger in real time.” This this, there are numerous reports from Al Jazeera, The image uses up to eight seconds of x-rays which create St. Petersburg Times and many other independent the 3-D image for security officials. They are looking for news sources that claim the incident was encouraged anything that is deemed dangerous to be concealed on, in some way in order to invoke these changes. or in, the human body. Investigative journalist Webster Tarpley in February 2010 went as far as saying that there is a “shadow Where are they? government within the government that wanted this to Currently 68 airports in the U.S. have them. Also happen.” Many feel that in doing so, the government London Heathrow, Manchester, Charles De Gaulle in has continued the march towards stripping people’s Paris and Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino (FCO) in Rome individual freedoms as seen with aspects of the Patriot have all adopted them so far. There are more being Act in October 2001, directly after 9/11.
20 Gwangju News January 2011 Current Issue
Images from a TSA Scanner dailytech.com
Why is the public in outrage? exposure than most other occupations… [and] there is More importantly, why do people believe that this is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a robbing them further of their rights as citizens? Is it a demeaning experience.” blatant violation of privacy laws and constitutional Recently another pilot for ExpressJet refused the rights? (There were over 600 complaints last year measures and wasn’t allowed to go to work. This about the scanners in the U.S. alone.) resulted in the pilot suing the TSA – and winning. The answer is not only in the health risks the scanners What the agency has now said is that they will change pose due to high radiation exposure, despite the claims the regulations for pilots and crew. At this time of by Napolitano that they are safe, but also with the writing it still remains vague and yet to be seen. second option, the “pat-down.” If you wish not to go through the scanners the TSA officials are obligated to Health risks: give you a full body search, including the feeling of your There has been much debate about this. Both the NHS genitals. This is subjected to everyone: the elderly, the and Obama Administration have claim they have the handicapped and even small children. backing of both the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Standards & Technology It is a question to most: which is the lesser of two (NIST) that the scanners are indeed safe for an 8 evils? second run on the individual passenger. Napolitano wrote in a USA Today article “AIT machines are safe, Is there a third option? Yes there is: don’t fly. efficient, and protect passenger privacy.” The privacy However, in the US if you do make a fuss and opt out issue is another matter entirely; but she has claimed you will be severely questioned and posed as a security that these two companies are “independent.” The threat. And to add insult to injury you could be fined problem is they are not totally independent from the up to US$11,000 for interfering with the screening federal government. process. Pilots and flight crew are being forced to go through these scanners every time they fly. Following Many scientists believe that ionizing radiation levels the suspension of a pilot who refused to be scanned, (the exact same used in the scanners) can affect an the Allied Pilots Association (APA) took action. The individual’s gene pool as well as putting many at risk of president of the APA wrote a letter which was skin cancer, particularly the security officials who are published in The Atlantic in November. He stated “we standing around the machines all day. What is targeted already experience significantly higher radiation
Gwangju News January 2011 21 Current Issue
Security Chief under George W. Bush and only days after Obama took office launched his new firm The Chertoff Group. Since 2005, during his term with the Bush Administration Chertoff has been pushing the Rapiscan scanners and now holds a major stake with them. While he holds a powerful influence in Washington many are questioning the morality behind Chertoff’s motives and the introduction of the scanners on a massive scale, and so rapidly, without further testing.
So, what’s the score? Basically, it comes down to the same question when it comes to government. Are A TSA body scanner latimes.com they acting in the best interests of the people, or is the skin and tissue immediately beneath it. Dr. David themselves? Brenner from Columbia University’s Center for Radiological Research is one of many voices speaking Napolitano has stated that “the vast majority of about the threat. He states that the doses are far higher travellers say they prefer this technology to alternative than what has been estimated (up to 20 times!) and screening measures.” Well, in a Reuters poll in mid- “the population risk has the potential to be significant.” November approximately 97 percent of respondents The Massachusetts Institute of Technology have are now less likely to fly in a response to the scanners. claimed that even low doses of the radiation can delay What is also interesting to note is that the Obama or even prevent the regeneration of damaged DNA. Administration has kept rather quiet on the issue, even when the peaceful protests were announced. National Opt-Out Day: This was staged in the U.S. on November 24, the day before So either the government is indeed acting in the one of the biggest travelling periods – Thanksgiving. This people’s best interests by keeping the transportation event didn’t achieve as much as the organisers had hoped. system as safe as possible and clamping down on With millions involved over the country, the plan was to terrorism, or it can be seen in another way, that the stand up for civil liberties and delay travel so it would force only thing being clamped down on is the right to action. Many airports reported that there wasn’t too much refuse. By buying a plane ticket you are guilty before delay (other than what was expected). Either the proven innocent. And all in the name of the mainstream media has suppressed the story or many government's agenda, whether it be submission or bowed down to pressure when it came crunch time in suppression. order to get to where they were going Whatever your interpretation, what is almost certain is Who makes the scanners? that these new measures will reach many airports around the globe. Imagine Gwangju Airport with One manufacturer behind the scanners is American groping security guards and thermal body scanners. It company Rapiscan. Republican Congressman Ron Paul seems unreasonable but it could be the way the world openly attacked Michael Chertoff during session in is going, all in the name of “security.” November claiming he “was making money off this” despite the risks. Chertoff was the former U.S. Homeland By Julian Raethel
22 Gwangju News January 2011 Perspective
Korean Conflicts Warning from 50 years ago may explain Korean stalemate
wangju –After the exchange of artillery fire between the two Koreas last month, it is again evident there are two G distinct reactions from people. First is the rest of the world panicking and media reporting the imminent threat of all out war. And then there are those of us actually here in Korea. At first it was big news and everyone was talking about it while glued to the nearest TV. But within hours it was business as usual; everyone continued on their way home from work or whatever it is they do in their weekday routines. It was barely a topic of conversation days later. Most people here are calling bluff on both sides just because there have been so many similar incidents in recent history. But some The island of Yeonpyeong after a recent artillery battle people may be noticing the ongoing pattern that seems to always between North Korea and South Korea donga.com maintain a subtle state of fear while never actually escalating into a full war. This creates a regional political climate that, while international network for the proliferation of nuclear technology never admitted, may be working out okay (or a bit better than and know-how.” okay) for some political and economic interests on both sides. Journalist Webster Tarpley reported on his radio show about the For example the weakening US dollar got a boost from another joint U.S./ Korean hoguk military drill taking place that day. The possible war involving the one plus trillion dollar/year US complex Korean sea borders make naval drills very risky. Over military budget, just after the Seoul G20 where the US announced the past 11 years there have been at least three similar incidents by it will inject 600 plus billion dollars into its economy, and these islands. This time the South fired into what the North ultimately the world economy. And the US military bases in both claimed was their waters. The North reportedly faxed the South Japan and S. Korea are further justified; both were scheduled to before and after this firing. The resulting exchange took at least disband by 2012, at least until the sinking of the S. Korean four casualties for the South, and it is unclear about causalities for Cheonan last spring. That incident is still disputed by China, the North. Both sides continue to blame the other. Russia, and North Korea. Another result is that the hard-line He also had this to say about the overall situation; “The main idea policies against North Korea of the Lee Myung Bak is that the U.S. uses the DPRK as a reliable source of tension to administration are further legitimized as they are with every force the ROK and Japan back into obedience when they begin to incident. act too independent.” Now that may sound far fetched but it is Now let’s go back 50 years ago to January 1961 when U.S. also consistent with the political thought of one of the most highly President Dwight Eisenhower warned in his farewell address of a regarded philosophers of the past 500 years; the Italian Niccolò “military industrial complex” then just emerging. He said this of Machiavelli. Machiavelli famously stated in his literary work The its pervasiveness in politics at that time; “The total influence … Prince; “It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved,” economic, political, even spiritual … is felt in every city, every meaning sometimes fear is necessary to push a population into a State house, every office of the Federal government … we must desired policy. While Machiavelli is highly regarded as a moral not fail to comprehend its grave implications.” person in history, that doesn’t mean this concept of manipulation with fear couldn’t be used for ill intentions. Ex-US Naval Officer and investigative journalist Wayne Madsen reported at least two world leaders allege the U.S. may be partly Looking back at teachings and warnings from history may be responsible for arming North Korea. Pakistani’s President Pervez necessary to really understand Korea’s situation. It is also worth Musharaf reported that Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, an international noting another live-fire hoguk military drill took place at the same arms dealer that he says was working with the CIA, arranged for island as the previous incident on December 20th and 21st. centrifuge components to be shipped to North Korea through a Despite threats of nuclear retaliation from the North there luckily Dubai company. Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers, who once has been no new fighting to report. Hopefully the scare from last tried to have Khan arrested but says he was blocked by the CIA, month will be enough for the foreseeable future. said Khan was “the primary salesman of an extensive By Michael Bielawski
Gwangju News January 2011 23 PHOTO CONTEST
Submit your best shot of Korea! To enter the Photo Contest, simply send your name, photo and picture description to [email protected]. W I N N E R
Photo by Mark Eaton
Mt. Mudeung in the fall Photo by Van Hoang 24 Gwangju News January 2011 The photo contest winners are chosen by Debra M. Josephson
Debra M. Josephson, a professional photographer for over 15 years, received her B.F.A. in Studio Arts, specializing in Drawing & Painting at The Ohio State University in 1995. She later embarked on her M.A. in Studio Arts at New York University in 1999. In addition to exhibiting, her career highlights include working on a creative level with Mattel Toys and Bloomingdale’s Headquarters. Debra moved to Korea in 2009 and currently works at Chinju National University of Education.
Ethnic Cafe drink Photo by Mesa Schumacher
Snowtree Photo by John Jackson
Gwangju News January 2011 25 World News Home Pages
Want to write about news from your country? Contact the Editor for more information: [email protected].
India Indonesia
Nicole, a 20-year-old from I don’t mind with animal lovers pampering their pets, but Bangalore, became the first Indian seriously, what is up with people spending money to woman to be crowned Miss Earth in marry their animals? As in, a real wedding ceremony, in the contest held in Vietnam. Indeed front of an officiant with vows and all that? a proud moment for India! This was the first time an Indian had won the To commemorate the regency’s 805th anniversary last pageant. Indian designers are November, the regent of Tulungagung in East Java, boasting the recognition received Indonesia held a culture festival, including one exhibition for beauty and intelligence of an of cats’ Islamic wedding. Now, seeing cats getting married Indian woman as indicative of in a religious way makes me feel insecure about my own tremendous growth India has moralityslashdecency, even though it might be interesting shown in the world of fashion. In an to see how the cats recite their vows. (And maybe getting interview with the Times of a divorce later. How do cats divorce?) But some religious India,(http://goo.gl/L3daT) a leading news media, Nicole groups took offense to the event and filed complaints. said that she is a strong believer of destiny and regards her achievement as a plan made by God for her. You can The regent’s defense? That the whole ceremony was an catch a glimpse of sizzling Nicole’s portfolio and read her ‘accident’. I guess someone accidentally threw 3000 dollars blog at: http://nicolefaria.com/ needed to fund the ceremony and called the reporters, and By Pradeep Kumar S. accidentally planned to make it as a tourist show. By Media Romadona New Zealand Keep the Faith United States Real concerns of a potential suicide bombing panicked a Teachers become “Pants Police” New Zealand Interislander Ferry to call in a Special Tactics Group last month. The “threat” actually turned out A Tennessee school director decided that he was tired of to be a Jewish man exercising a prayer ritual during the looking at male students’ underwear every day. Young three hour journey between the North and South Island. It boys believe that it’s cool to let their pants hang below is a Jewish custom to strap small leather boxes (known their bums. What was his creative solution? To “Urkele” as tefillin) which contains religious text. In New Zealand the students by making them pull their pants as high as 50% of the population are Christians, but it is a largely possible, secure them with a strong, plastic, zip tie, and sectarian society and little is known about the Jewish faith take their picture for the whole school to see. Nothing among the masses. Some are criticising the over cures an ugly and inappropriate habit like shame and a exaggerated response. New Zealand’s Race relations giant wedgie. Maybe students can now focus on their commissioner Joris de Bres told The Dominion Post "just studies and stop walking the halls like penguins! because someone is doing something religious in public, that doesn't mean that they are a terrorist.” So, in defense Source: www.weirduniverse.net of Mr de Bres, I’m going to start my own religion, so I can do whatever I like in public. By Aisha Hobbs By Julian Raethel
26 Gwangju News January 2011 World News
England Australia The cost of not re-offending
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has come under fire The story of most concern this past month from Down lately for supporting a movement to lift the cap on tuition Under is that of the planned action against New South fees at English Universities. Such a movement would see Wales Police for the wrongful arrests of children and fees likely increase by three times their current amount. In adults. The arrests were made based on information from supporting Prime Minister David Cameron’s decision, the police computer system which turned out to be Clegg’s public opinion has U-turned swiftly from a erroneous. As a result of an un-updated criminal generally well-revered idealist to an unreliable apologist. database on previous offenders, numerous unlawful Until recently he was popular with left-wing enthusiasts arrests were made on supposed breaches on bail and students alike for promising to scrap tuition fees conditions such as expiring curfews. Also, and sadly a altogether – only to go against such promises once little less surprising, indigenous children make up a elected. disproportionate number of these arrests. So far the NSW Police have coughed up over $AUD 2.7 million to 22 Students have been letting their disagreement be known people in the past fiscal year alone and one individual through a continued series of street protests throughout recently received $200,000 in compensation and with the country. Regrettably, many in London especially have continuing claims of “false imprisonments, assault and turned violent, leading to damage to both public and malicious prosecution” more payouts are on the horizon. private property. Several protesters have sustained One can only guess that forking out millions in payouts is injuries in what is being considered police brutality, while cheaper and easier than keeping the system up-to-date. police have responded that appropriate force was used to neutralise difficult situations. www.smh.com.au/nsw/arrest-victims-line-up-for-justice- 20101227-198lf.html It is thought that student protests will continue until the government’s plans to raise tuition fees are scrapped. By Kathleen Villadiego
By Laurence Berridge
Uganda
‘I told you so’ Ugandan style. (BADA)
Because everybody finds themselves wishing really badly they could tell a loved friend 'I told you so!', however rude it may seem, an innovative Ugandan musician came up with the word BADA!
Add a few calypso moves to the word and your point will Tequilaz Fiesta Bar come across so well, to the recipient it will feel like swallowing dozens of quinine pills! Tequilaz is the first Latino-Mexican Cantina in Gwangju. We are located near Chonnam University. Come and try Since many Ugandans spend all their savings during the the best margaritas in town and the best deals in tequilas! festive December season and then have no money for Menu: Bean and Chicken Burritos, Quesadillas, Tacos de dry January, we, the ones that know how to put away a chorizo, Chimichanga, Enchiladas, Nachos penny for the rainy day always find that word BADA Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7 p.m. till late! resourceful. www.tequilaz.com Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzdWlPDT-SA to practice your BADA dance moves. [email protected] 062-512-8645 By Edward Musisi
Gwangju News January 2011 27 World News 2011 Global Preview What will be the biggest news stories in the coming new year? Gwangju News’ Gabriel Ward makes his predictions.
he West African in government. The country has nation Ivory experienced severe economic T Coast is likely to turmoil over the past two years, be in the news in early and in November last year an 2011. It held a 85 billion euro bailout for the presidential runoff country from the EU and IMF election on November was announced. On December 28 of last year. However newsfall.com 7, an austere budget consisting the two candidates, of 6 billion euros in spending Alassane Ouattara and incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, cuts was passed. It is feared both claimed victory. Mr. Ouattara was widely that Portugal and Spain may recognised as the winner by the west, and Ivory Coast's also eventually need to be travelpod.com Electoral Commission declaring he received the bailed out, as they, like Ireland, majority of the popular vote. The country experienced have a high government debt-to-GDP ratio. Thus there a civil war in 2002, and tensions between the northern is a chance they too will be making headlines this year. and southern parts of the country have remained high since. Sadly there has already been violence from the Look for the coverage of supporters of both men, while a swift resolution of the the United Nations situation seems unlikely. Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban, Sudan, a nation that has South Africa from been beset by conflict November 28 - December between its northern and 9. The 2010 convention southern regions for held in Cancun, Mexico green.yahoo.com decades, will see a last month concluded with referendum held in its an agreement being made. Participating nations southern region this recognised that their current pledges towards carbon worldbulletin.com month. The vote is to see if emissions cuts need to rise, but did not actually reach a the south wants to secede binding agreement requiring them to meet these from the north and become an independent nation. On increased pledges. The feeling upon the conclusion of December 11, 2010, the ruling party in southern Sudan the convention was that while the agreement was not publicly backed its citizens to vote for independence. groundbreaking, it is a step in the right direction and This is disparate with the peace agreement of 2005 will possibly provide the basis for a more between the north and south that ended decades of comprehensive agreement this year in South Africa. civil war. Whether this is a sign of things to come in the wake of the referendum remains to be seen. Tensions New Zealand will hold a general election at the end of have been high in the lead up to the referendum, the year to determine its next prime minister and hopefully we don't read of renewed conflict following government, which has a three year term. Currently the the tallying of the votes. government is a coalition led by the National party, and its leader John Key, is the prime minister. It is expected that a snap election will be held this month in Ireland, and that it will result with a change New Zealand is also hosting the Rugby World Cup
28 Gwangju News January 2011 World News
from the September 9 - Given the amount of October 23. The current campaigning that goes on world champions are in U.S. politics, and the South Africa. They, inordinate donations that Australia, and New wealthy individuals give Zealand are always the top to political parties, one three favourites, with New can expect to see the lead newzealandrugbyworldcup.com Zealand usually being the up to next year's abcnews.go.com number one favourites only to capitulate under presidential election begin this year. In particular, pressure. look out for news relating to who will be the Republican candidate to run against President Obama. That is assuming that no one in Obama's The U.S. will host this party challenges him to be the Democrat's year's APEC summit in presidential candidate, as it has been suggested in the Honolulu on November 10, media that this is a possibility. 12, and 13. The annual summit will see the leaders The other two topics to look out for regarding the U.S. from APEC's 21 members are the ongoing debates over the health care reform in attendance. APEC's that was passed last year, and tax cuts. The website describes the abc.net Republicans will no doubt continue to be unrelenting organisation as “the in their struggle against health care reform, and tax premier forum for facilitating sustainable economic cuts will be a major issue in the lead up to next year's growth, co-operation, trade, and investment in the election. Asia-Pacific region” China is increasingly being seen in the news as it This year’s G20 continues to rise as an economic powerhouse. summit will be held However its human rights record and authoritarian in France in tendencies have increasingly been under the November. It is a international spotlight, with the argument that if it summit comprised truly wants to become a world leader, it will have to of 20 member match its economic might with an improvement in the nations, whose way it treats its citizens. Hence it is almost inevitable finance ministers, that the Chinese government’s authoritarian tendencies will continue to be in the news this year. ctv.ca and heads of their central banks meet to discuss policies relating to international financial The face of Burma’s democracy movement Aung San stability. Suu Kyi, was released on November 13 last year. She has spent 15 of the last 21 years under house arrest, This year has seen the rise of a new phenomenon in the and was the leader and founder of the now disbanded form of WikiLeaks. Founded by an Australian Julian National League for Democracy. Burma’s equivalent Assange, the website is a whistle blowing organization. of the likes of Mandela, Gandhi, and Bhutto, Suu Kyi It says it is trying to make governments more is the daughter of the general who negotiated Burma’s accountable and transparent by making classified independence from the British in 1947. She is still information public. Its most recent release was at the able to draw large crowds to her rallies calling for end of November, where it began to publish US peaceful democratic reform, but only time will tell if Embassy cables from around the world on a daily she is ultimately successful. The reclusive leaders of basis. The White House, and U.S. politicians in general Burma’s military junta have a habit of capriciously expressed their unhappiness with Assange, while some placing her under house arrest. Thus Suu Kyi will European leaders derided the U.S. Assange was likely be in the news in some way this year, helped by arrested in London on November 7 and faced the fact that a movie about her is being made. extradition to Sweden on rape charges. On December 16 he was released on bail. Still facing allegations of rape, Assange has vowed to continue his work with By Gabriel Ward WikiLeaks.
Gwangju News January 2011 29 Community Speaks Turns Five
f you've ever hit downtown Gwangju for a night As the five year anniversary of their original efforts out, you've likely passed through Speakeasy. finds Speaks in a much more developed and complete I Saturday nights, the place comes alive with state, Gwangju News took a look at where it has been, throngs of weekend warriors looking to blow off steam. and how it has changed the landscape of our fair city. Foreign and local patrons come to mingle here, and the flowing drink helps lubricate social exchange. You'll I went in on a Sunday, finding the atmosphere quite see old salts who've been here for years and green contrary to how it had been only 24 hours before. Gone college grads fresh off the plane; run into old friends were the huge crowds, the blaring music and the and make new ones. Simply put, Speakeasy is a good general bacchanal setting of the previous night. place for a party. But behind these weekly blowouts lies Instead, groups of friends were sitting around small a complex past and a deeply loyal following. tables watching the championship of the darts league which the pub sponsors. People had brought in fast Five years ago the idea for the western style pub was food to munch on as they watched the game unfold. On hatched by two friends who decided that, variety being one wall were stacks of English and Korean books, the spice of life, people might embrace an alternative to pictures of long ago soccer teams (featuring the bar’s the soju and melchi style hofs which grace Gwangju's patrons) and even a wall of trophies. every neighborhood. Furthermore, these being the days before the recent influx of western teachers to There was a sense of history, and it seemed like none of Gwangju, they reckoned such a place would have little the people here were strangers, but old friends. I milled to no competition. These two Canadians, Michael around a bit, speaking to the people in the bar, and Simning and Dave Martin, were the masterminds began to notice they felt a real sense of ownership and behind the project’s inception. pride about the place.
30 Gwangju News January 2011 Community
Previous page: Mural at Speakeasy, gwangju-happenings.strange-lands.com; This page: Left: Speakeasy bar, speakeasygwangju.com; Right: The orginal crew in 2006: From left to right: Derek Hannon, Michael Simning, Peter Zhang and Dave Martin, Speakeasy Facebook Group
The man I was there to interview was Irish born Derek a lot of fun on a Friday or Saturday night, Speaks is Hannon, who worked for the two creators of Speaks important in that it has created a base of operations during its earliest days and has since purchased the for some foreigners in the Gwangju community, and in bar. He now acts as proprietor. doing so has created a family of like minded people who use the place as a sort of clubhouse. "It's your local, and people are very proud and loyal to their local," Derek said, when asked about the friendly "We've had dozens of wedding receptions, atmosphere. Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, even a mock wedding for some friends who were going home to tie the knot. It is no wonder that the people who call it their local It was sponsored by Burger King," Derek laughed. are so proud of the place. Speaks has done a lot to improve the quality of life in Gwangju for foreigners After he poured me a pint I got the opportunity to and Koreans alike. From its creation five years ago, speak more to the bar’s staple customers. Dave Martin, a great musician himself, used Speaks as a musical venue for Korean bands, bringing in groups Drew Roben, a long term steady patron of the pub, from Seoul and letting them play at the pub as a called it "Home away from home." friendly, somewhat smaller venue away from home. After a few years of this Speaks has become known Kris Stella, a staple amongst the bars patrons said, country wide by bands as a groovy place for a weekend "Speaks is where I met my friends." gig away from the capital. Stu Waller, another fixture of the pub who possesses "Dave put us on the musical map, and created a place an obvious flair for the dramatic, said, "I would be in Gwangju to see great live music. I've tried to nothing without Speaks!" continue that," Derek said. Clearly, Speakeasy pub means a lot to many people Derek also spoke with reverence about the work of here in Gwangju, and it continues to develop and Michael Simning, who used the bar as a means to give change. Derek and his wife recently had a baby boy, back to the local community. and he has plans to improve the bar.
"He [Michael] started a tradition with the foreign The essence of the place is probably summed up by the crowd in here to go and visit the Sung Bin Orphanage words so elegantly painted by the door under a large every Saturday, and even established fund raisers to try picture of a pint of frosty Guiness. "Speakeasy, You'll and send one orphan to college." never drink alone."
The barroom itself serves an important purpose. While By Seth Pevey
Gwangju News January 2011 31 Travel Get Away
or many in Korea, travel is high on the agenda. (www.kangsantravel.com) frequently offers a Being away from home in a faraway land means 190,000 won return ticket. Students can get a F there is much exploring to be done. Saving for substantial discount when making a reservation that weekend away or summer holiday needn’t burn a through the website and providing adequate student whole in your pocket, though, with a little advance I.D. upon check-in. The only drawback with the ferry planning. is that you’ll be arriving on Japanese shores a fair distance short of the big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Traveling in Korea is made simple with a transport which means a train trip is required; this could cost network that is first class. The bus network is cheap almost as much as your flight ticket! and runs like clockwork and reaches out to all corners of the country. Complimenting the buses is the high Flights to China can also be very expensive with the speed rail network. KTX, Korea’s version of the bullet main carriers, especially in the summer. Again though, train, offers a 37.5% discount for 4 passengers a flight to China, usually Beijing or Shanghai, can be travelling together; this service, called dong ban seok, done cheaply with enough advance planning. Two of (동반석) almost brings the price for a one-way to Seoul the cheapest airlines recently have been China Eastern in line with the cost of the equivalent bus ticket. These and China Southern Airlines. They tend to release tickets are available through the internet or direct from budget seats for full month periods and then all the the train station. Internet bookings for the discounted prices will revert back to a standard fare. Looking 3-4 dong ban seok, however, are only available on the months in advance gives you some time to sit back and Korean version of the KTX website. check every few weeks and see how the prices have changed for the date you are looking to fly. Being in Asia also brings with it the opportunity to do some travelling outside of Korea, and it’s here where a For those with an eye on South East Asia, there are little information can save you a lot of money. The now several budget airlines competing for business closest countries many consider visiting are Japan and with the traditional airlines. The newest airline to get a China. A burgeoning budget airline industry has foothold in the market has been Air Asia emerged in Korea recently and it is possible to smash (www.airasia.com); although only offering one flight high prices offered by traditional carriers if you know option, from Incheon to Kuala Lumpur, the where to look. Air Busan (www.airbusan.com) flies possibilities when in Kuala Lumpur are endless. There from Busan to Osaka for only 190,000 won on their are very frequent seat sales on the website that offer cheapest ticket. From the 27th of January, they will be free flights with only taxes to pay. For return flights, flying to Taipei, Taiwan, from as little as 230,000 won KL to Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and others, return. These fares are readily available for those who the total price can often be as little as 20,000 won. If can be ready to book a ticket usually about 3-4 months you happen to miss a seat sale, it might be worth ahead of time. Jeju Air (www.jejuair.net) is also waiting for the next, they come around fairly competitive with flights to Osaka. There are also ferry frequently. A good return ticket price from Incheon to services that connect Korea and Japan. The popular KL is around 200,000 won. Air Asia’s presence in beetle ferry takes three hours to reach Japan and fares Korea really has opened up a great opportunity to start from 275,000 won return when booked through explore South East Asia for a heavily discounted price. their website (www.jrbeetle.co.jp/english). It can often be cheaper booking the ferry ticket through a Another popular destination is the Philippines. Flights travel agency, though. Kangsan travel with Cebu Pacific Air (www.cebupacificair.com)
32 Gwangju News January 2011 Travel
depart from Incheon to Cebu and Manila, plus Busan to Cebu. Promo flights can be bought for 150,000 won round-trip and this represents exceptional value to get somewhere that offers world class beaches and renowned hospitality. Promo flights do sell out quickly and sometimes availability for popular times and public holidays is very limited but you will give yourself a great chance of securing a ticket by knowing your dates and checking back regularly.
Other airlines worth a mention are Eva Air, (www.evaair.com)—they offer excellent value on Top left: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, goway.com; Top right: The Great Wall of China, telegraph.co.uk; Above: Cebu, flights from Seoul to Taipei, Taiwan—and Jin Air, the Philippines, worldtourismplace.com which (www.jinair.com) flies to Macau, Guam, and Bangkok, among others.
Finally, for those who wish to find the best fare to places like the USA or Europe, there is a website that searches hundreds of airlines for the optimum price. This website is similar to Expedia but on a larger scale. You can’t book the tickets directly through this website: instead it quotes prices that you should be able to find directly with the quoted airline. You can search for these types of flights at ITA Software (http://matrix.itasoftware.com/)
With rising taxes and constant concerns about climate change, we might well be at the peak of budget airline travel, so there has been no better time to take to the skies and get to those places you’ve longed to explore. Happy travels!
By Rich Lee
Gwangju News January 2011 33 Sport
Ice (and Inline) Hockey: Previously Unpopular Sports in Korea
orea is regarded as a country of four seasons. Well, winter has arrived! And, the swift change in K temperature doesn't just mean an increase in heating costs. It also means that participation in certain outdoor sports, such as baseball and soccer, is increasingly coming to a halt. But, fear not! The turn of the season doesn’t mean a complete cessation of sport. With each drop in temperature, for instance, skiing and snowboarding conditions improve, and if you want to take part in a team sport, there is the option of ice hockey. Yes, ice hockey!
Recent years have witnessed the emergence of several recreational ice hockey teams in cities throughout the country, including Seoul, Daejeon, Cheongju, and Gwangyang. There is also a team in Gwangju, where every weekend, a group of Canadians, Americans, and Koreans take to the ice for a few hours at the Yeomju Sports Complex. Celebrating their third-place finish at the recent inline hockey tournament in Seoul are some members of the Although the thought of playing ice hockey might be Gwangju ice hockey, from left to right, Chris Wilson, intimidating, especially for those who have never even Brandon Lucky, Quentin Boehr, Andrew Dunne, and Pil skated, progress can be made quickly, no matter your skill Young. level or experience, or lack thereof. And, contrary to popular belief, ice hockey is considered safe, as long as safety regulations are adhered to. Perhaps most to make slow but steady progress. Earlier this year, for importantly, protective equipment should be worn. instance, Anyang Halla became the first non-Japanese Wearing equipment, combined with common sense, such team to be crowned champion of the ALH since the league as avoiding contact with other players as well as the was formed in 2003, a victory which garnered media reckless use of your stick, will make the game extremely attention in North America and Europe. For example, Bill enjoyable and safe. Meltzer, a correspondant for the National Hockey League, praised the Halla's growth in recent years, stating Perhaps you would rather be a spectator than a "Anyang’s victory was not a major surprise". Similarly, the participant, at least at first. People are welcome to come to International Ice Hockey Federation devoted an entire the Yeomju Sports Complex any weekend to watch the column to the Halla's win, calling it "historic". Gwangju team in action. Or maybe you would prefer to watch professional ice hockey. You might be surprised to For those unfamiliar with ice hockey, it is the official learn that Korea has two professional teams - Anyang winter sport of Canada. However, the sport is considered Halla and Chuncheon High1 — both of which compete in to have evolved from outdoor stick-and-ball games played the Asian Ice Hockey League (ALH). in Europe, such as the Irish sport of hurling and the Scottish sport of shinty, which were modified and adapted Even though, historically, Korea has not been an ice hockey to the icy conditions of Canada in the 19th century. The playing nation, professional ice hockey in Korea has begun sport then increased in popularity in other countries that
34 Gwangju News January 2011 Sport
Left: Members of the Gwangju ice hockey team that took part in the recent inline hockey tournament in Seoul, from left to right: Quentin Boehr, Pil Young, Andrew Dunne, Brandon Lucky and Chris Wilson; Top right: A member of the Gwangju ice hockey team performing a hockey stop; Bottom right: Some members of the Gwangju ice hockey team take warm-up shots ahead of a scrimmage at the ice rink in Gwangyang.
were sufficiently cold for natural reliable seasonal ice The popularity of inline hockey in Korea is evidenced not cover, such as the Czech Republic and Latvia. With the only by the growing number of teams cropping up all over advent of indoor artificial ice rinks, ice hockey grew in the country, but also by the fact that inline hockey popularity in countries without cold enough winters for tournaments regularly take place throughout the country. outdoor ice rinks. Nowadays, the game enjoys immense For instance, at the end of November, several members of popularity in numerous countries across the globe. the Gwangju ice hockey team, took part in a two-day tournament in Seoul, similar to the one in which we And, if you think ice hockey is the exclusive domain of competed in last year. Although they could not repeat their men, think again! Although there are not as many first place performance of 2009, they could not have been organized leagues for women as there are for men, there more pleased with both the competitive level and the exist leagues of all levels, including the National Women's organisation of the tournament. The bumps, bruises, and Hockey League, as well as university teams, and national blisters amassed will certainly not deter them from taking and Olympic teams. Ice hockey is, in fact, one of the part again next year. fastest growing women's sports in the world. While ice and inline hockey are not as popular in Korea as Another almost equally popular form of they are in other countries, such as Canada, Finland, and hockey, both internationally and in Sweden, the two sports are certainly gaining interest and Korea, is that of inline hockey. Like momentum in "The Land of the Morning Calm". And, with ice hockey, inline hockey is a fast- Anyang Halla's recent victory in the AHL, along with the paced team sport. The primary emergence of both more and more recreational ice and difference between ice and inline inline hockey teams across the country, it seems likely that hockey, aside from the use of ice and inline hockey will continue to gain in popularity. skates with wheels in lieu of ice skates, is that the latter If you are interested in finding out more information can be played on virtually about ice or inline hockey in Korea, or if you are interested any surface that is smooth in playing, feel free to "shoot" me an email, pardon the and dry. This makes pun: [email protected] inline hockey an attractive alternative to ice hockey. Story and photos by Andrew Dunne
Gwangju News January 2011 35 Health Yoga Class
ocus your mind first and the rest will follow. This is students to achieve new poses through her flow yoga what yoga teaches its students. A calm mind and technique. If a student is having difficulty, Laurie F body will help to create balance in other parts of your encourages them to take time out and work on each life. To do this while living in a foreign country, as challenge step by step as it arises. you face a new and different challenge every day, can be an intimidating task. Thankfully, there is now a yoga class in “Yoga makes you really in tune with your body,” says Johns. Gwangju, called Aboveground Yoga, taught in English each “You must create space in your body for yoga. For example, week. Aboveground Yoga provides its students with much if you’re feeling stressed, you may get headaches and then needed balance in the whirlwind of expat life in Korea. you start to focus on the pain and nothing else. Yoga helps you redirect your awareness to problem areas in order to Taught by Laurie Johns, the classes are on Tuesday nights help you relax.” at 5:45 and Saturdays at 4:30. The Anusara classes, which focus on maintaining calm and creating equanimity Aboveground Yoga is a cooperative program. The students (helping to keep your emotions level,) last about two hours. give their teacher suggestions on what they’d like to learn Students of all levels are welcome. and Johns tries to incorporate as much as she can into the next class. She sees teaching yoga as a similar entity to The class was created by both Johns and Andrea teaching a language: you take everything step by step and Hildebrand. The two began organizing a class when they build on what you already know to avoid getting ahead of realized that an English yoga class was well-desired in yourself. Most of her current students are beginners, so Gwangju. Johns tries to teach everything she knows to help her students build confidence in their practice. After taking yoga at a few local gyms, Hildebrand wasn’t too enthused by what she found. “I think people should practice “We all agree Laurie is doing a great job of leading us in a whatever kind of yoga satisfies them, but for me, [Korean truly meaningful practice and I know [it] has filled a void yoga] lacked a sensitivity to some of the main principles of for a number of people who want [to] practice this type of yoga that I feel are integral to a truly healing practice.” yoga,” says Hildebrand. Wanting to fill that void, she contacted Johns. The two If you’re interested in signing up for the classes, held on women compiled a list of interested people and began either Tuesdays or Saturdays, contact Andrea Hildebrand at teaching classes in late October. 010-9198-4771 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Also, checkout Aboveground Yoga’s Facebook page under Johns is both a student and teacher of the practice, having “Gwangju Yoga”. achieved a Level 1 Anusara Certificate in Driggs, Idaho from John Friend’s famous teaching course. She also participated Story and photo by Marion Gregory in a yoga teaching course at Shoshoni Yoga Retreat in Boulder, Colorado. Her expertise comes across as she helps
36 Gwangju News January 2011 Perspective Driving in Korea
riving in Korea is always an adventure. From the 0.2. Most people do not stop or slow down when turning novice to the well-seasoned driver, Korean driving right at a red light. I am not sure of the actual law, but the D culture can be quite a shock to those of used to de facto law seems to be ‘if you’re turning right you do not driving in western countries. We are all familiar with the less have to stop or slow down for any reason other than than prudent driving practices of taxis and the jarring avoiding immediate collision’. Perhaps even the latter is movements of Korean buses. Yet when it comes to actually optional. getting on the road and having to cooperate with these and other obstacles in order to not result in an accident, it is The directional arrows painted on the road do not always quite a different story. Therefore, in order to ensure that you correspond to reality. At first I thought it was just a have a safe and happy driving experience I have compiled a difference in the meanings of the arrows, but after I while brief list of things to be aware of when driving in Korea. I began to realize that the directional signs painted on the road are often wrong, 1. Traffic cops are virtually misleading, or just plain ludicrous. For non-existent. Having come example, coming into Gwangju from from California, a state Jeonju there is a signal on the famous for its ubiquitous highway that indicates that you can highway patrol, I was turn right to get onto the Gwangju somewhat taken aback when bound highway. I realized that there really aren’t any traffic cops in Also, going towards the intersection at Joseon University’s Korea. Initially this brought a front gate you can turn left or straight from either of the sigh of relief, owing to many two left lanes. Thus, if you are in the far left lane and are less than pleasant encounters intending to go straight, the person on your right may be with them. But traffic cops do turning left. Possibility of accident occurring: high. actually serve a purpose; they Congested highway prevent people from driving 0.4. An intersection with a “비보호” (literally: No socius.or.kr recklessly. Hence, in Korea protection) sign means that there is no turn signal; you the disincentive to engage in just have to wait until it is safe to turn. dangerous maneuvers is quite low. The following, for example, are common driving procedures/voluntary There are many other things about driving in Korea that afflictions: we might find quirky, dangerous, or ridiculous, but discovering those is part of the fun, right? Koreans drive 1. Pulling far ahead of the cross walk when stopping at an just as well as people of any other nationality, it’s just that intersection the bad drivers seem to have a little more leeway then we 2. Mercilessly cutting other drivers off might expect. However, as long as you keep your cool and 3. Extreme speeding drive defensively you will likely come to enjoy driving in 4. Color blindness (especially at red lights) the R.O.K. 5. Tunnel vision when others are trying to get over By Matthew D. Jenkins Caveat: There are, however, a great number of speed and traffic violation cameras, but they are not everywhere, and GIC lends ‘Driver’s License Test Guidebook for Foreigners’ the fine one incurs at their violation is minimal (about published by the Driver’s License Agency (DLA) in English $30-$90) compared to the whopping $400-$1,000 fines and Chinese to those who need it upon request, for a max. we Californians are accustomed to. This matters when it of two weeks. comes to predicting the behavior of other drivers. One Please contact the person-in-charge (Karina Prananto) if would do well to be vigilant of what other drivers are doing you wish to borrow it. and to not categorically assume that they will obey the law.
Gwangju News January 2011 37 Current Issue
Diplomatic Gossip
t the end of November, self-proclaimed whistleblower website WikiLeaks obtained and A released to the public domain an unprecedented amount of recorded diplomatic communications between the U.S. Secretary of State and 274 different embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions.
The website's operators sent over a quarter of a million of these messages, still commonly called “cables” by the Department of State, to major newspapers around the world and hosted them for download. According to WikiLeaks, the majority—133,887—are actually not classified, and a comparatively small amount of 15,652 were labeled “secret.” But that's still 15,652 more state secrets than their originators ever intended to see the light of day. laktoz.net Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini immediately dubbed this unprecedented release of classified and secret documents “the September 11th of world diplomacy.” But the world. It turns out the rulers of the Arab world are was it really? afraid of Iran and its nuclear ambitions. Russia is a mafia state. Afghanistan is run by opportunistic and corrupt The biggest attention- officials. Really? This has all been painfully obvious for grabbers, at least gracing quite some time. Forthcoming cables could reveal more the front page of Der Spiegel revelations, perhaps that China cheated in the Beijing as soon as the news broke, Olympics or that Kim Jong-il was not actually the first to were the extremely candid popularize the tracksuit. personal and political assessments of world These leaks are really much more impressive and leaders by U.S. diplomats. informative from many other nations' perspectives—U.S. These ranged from foreign policy is transparent already (relatively speaking, Burlosconi seeming of course) and anyone who reads up on specific matters “feckless” to Kirchner can get a good handle on it themselves. seeming stressed out. Medvedev “plays Robin to Most relevant for those of us residing on the peninsula are Putin's Batman.” Qadaffi is some recent discussions regarding Korean unification. running around with a Communications between Chinese, South Korean, and “voluptuous” Ukrainian U.S. officials indicate that Beijing is comfortable with the nurse. Riveting news, idea of a unified Korea under Seoul's control, though the certainly, but perhaps better Chinese would “not welcome” U.S. military personnel suited for a tabloid. north of the 38th parallel. The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister allegedly referred to Pyongyang as a “spoiled Some of the most damning child.” Again, this is likely not a surprise to most of us, but evidence of international it is still powerful nonetheless. These comments were skullduggery was already recorded in February 2010, shortly before the Cheonan readily accepted by much of sinking.
38 Gwangju News January 2011 Current Issue
recently exposed would eventually be public domain under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) anyway.
“Whistleblowing” may not be the best description for WikiLeaks' mission. Certainly,many conversations that were not meant to be public have come to light, but none of them have proven particularly damaging to the U.S. or its diplomatic interlocutors. Actual whistleblowing will likely become much more difficult in already repressive regimes around the world because of this heavily publicized incident.
The WikiLeaks debacle may indeed resemble September 11, but not necessarily in its ostensibly disastrous effects on American foreign policy. The illusion of government secrecy is collapsing, just as our national security seemed to with the destruction of the twin towers. The subsequent insecurity paved the way for heavy-handed countermeasures such as the mcclatchhydc.com USA PATRIOT Act, domestic wire-tapping, and, lest we forget, two wars. But how The man behind WikiLeaks is Australian Julian Assange. will the “powers that be” react to the recent violation of The website's earlier release of a war video it calls their privileged confidentiality? While Julian Assange's “Collateral Murder” brought it to the public spotlight, but brainchild has been at pains to remain unpredictable, the more recent leak of such enormous proportions has switching multiple servers and encouraging peer-to-peer made Assange and WikiLeaks household names. Some call downloads, large government entities are nothing if not the website's enigmatic founder a hero and champion of predictable. If history is any indicator—and it always is— freedom of speech in the digital era, while others have this does not bode well for the medium that the already dubbed him a terrorist. perpetrators use to expose “state secrets.” Unfortunately, WikiLeaks and its army of hacker “defenders” are most The U.S. Department of State and military should find this likely triggering a powerful crackdown of freedom of entire ordeal embarrassing primarily because they were expression on the internet, essentially making victims of unable, even with their post-9/11 “secure” everyone who uses it. communications, to keep their data under wraps. WikiLeaks appears happy to make public any illicit information that it can, but most of the documents By Ted Clarkson Wikileaks logo from wikileaks.org
Gwangju News January 2011 39 Language Study Letters to KOTESOL
Dear Professor Shaffer, of proficiency in another language or languages. It is a myth to think that language learners must master their first I was wondering if you could help me. I know language before they begin learning a second language. It is how important writing is for the students. But also a myth to think that beginning to learn a second I f i n d i t v e r y d i f f i c u l t t o m a k e w r i t i n g language at a young age will hinder a child’s development in m a t e r i a l s i n t e r e s t i n g f o r m y s t u d e n t s , their first language. In many parts of the world, children grow especially elementary school students, as it is up in bilingual or multilingual speech communities and learn so challenging for them to write anything in two or more languages from a very young age without any English. What can I do? negative effects. In fact, research has shown that children who learn a second language at a young age excel in their Elementary School Teacher other subjects at school.
Dear E. S. Teacher, Linguistically yours, Dr. Dave We have to be careful not to have similar writing expectations of young learners that we have of older learners. Making materials interesting hinges on topics that Dear Professor Shaffer, children are interested in and activities that they enjoy doing. For example, children like eating and they like drawing and M y s t u d e n t s d o n ’ t s e e m t o b e i n t e r e s t e d i n coloring. For beginners you could have them draw a picture a n y t h i n g . T h e y g e t b o r e d e a s i l y i n m y of a food they like, write the name of the food underneath speaking class. I don’t know what teaching (“pizza,” “potato chips”), and then color the picture. For more methods are appropriate for my middle school advanced young learners, you could have them write a students. I don’t have confidence in teaching booklet. Title the booklet (one piece of paper folded in half) speaking. What should I do? “Foods I Like,” and have the young learners draw a picture of a food they like on each remaining page. Under each food Youngsung, Sangmu picture have them write the sentence “I like ______.” Dear Youngsung, Repetition of patterns is very beneficial in learning. When the students are finished making their books, have them read All students have things that they are interested in, and they their books to the class, praise them, and then display their will stay on-task as long as they are interested. It is the job of books on a bulletin board or on the wall to instill pride and the teacher to find out what her students’ interests are and to confidence in your students. provide learning materials and activities that match these interests. I do not know the age or proficiency level of your Linguistically yours, students, but regardless, there are three general reasons for Dr. Dave students to be bored with a class or course: (1) the materials are not interesting, (2) the teaching methods are not Dear Professor Shaffer, interesting, and (3) the teacher is uninteresting or seemingly uninterested in the students. To solve the first, the teacher I think it’s hard to speak English very well can conduct a needs analysis by asking the students what without being proficient in Korean. So, I think their interests are and then prepare teaching materials y o u n g c h i l d r e n h a v e t o s p e n d m o r e t i m e accordingly. To solve the second, the teacher should be sure l e a r n i n g K o r e a n b e f o r e t h e y a r e r e a d y t o to incorporate many interactive activities, not only teacher- learn English. What do you think? student interaction, but lots of student-student interaction, too. For the third, the teacher needs to show interest in what Dear No-Name, she is teaching and in the students she is teaching. Teacher interest will convert into student interest. Learning a language has very little relationship to one’s level
40 Gwangju News January 2011 Language Study
not. (With young learners, acting out the acceptable and Linguistically yours, unacceptable behaviors is helpful.) Make it clear what the Dr. Dave punishment for bad behavior is (for example, sitting alone in a corner and not participating in activities), and enforce it at all times. It may be difficult to institute rules in the middle of a Dear Professor Shaffer, course. If so, one solution that is very effective is to notify the student’s parents of their unacceptable behavior. A few students in my class are sometimes very impolite. I can no longer endure it. I can’t Linguistically yours, t h i n k o f w a y s t o s t o p m y s t u d e n t s f r o m Dr. Dave behaving like this. What shall I do? Corporal By Dr. David Shaffer punishment is banned. What shall I do? Dr. David Shaffer is a professor of English at Chosun University, where he teaches graduate Regards, and undergraduate courses as well as TESOL Troubled Teacher certificate teacher-training programs. He has served in Korea TESOL for many years and is Dear Troubled, presently the President of the Gwangju Chapter. There can be many reasons for students to be impolite, but this can be controlled by the teacher if she makes clear from If you have a question for Dr. David, please send an e- the first day of class what is acceptable behavior and what is mail to [email protected] letting us know your question, student’s age and proficiency level
Time & Place: Every Saturday, 15:00-16:30, GIC office (5th floor of Jeon-il Bldg) [ GIC Talk ] For more information, visit www.gic.or.kr or contact Moon So-eun at: [email protected] Check out pictures from previous GIC Talks http://picasaweb.google.com/gictalk Click for the highlight clips of GIC Talk at www.youtube.com/user/GICTALK GIC Talk is given for the Gwangju community. Have a topic you’d like to talk about? Let us know. Write to [email protected] January 8 January 22 Topic: Propaganda in the Roman Empire, mostly Topic: Reflective practice-non verbal communication in regarding Caesar Augustus the class room Speaker: Christopher J Dawe (BA, Classical Civilizations Speaker: Brian D. Thomas (elementary school teacher, and Latin Literature, Brigham Young University) soccer team president, former Olympian and former GIC Dedicated on 30 January 9 BC, to commemorate the safe return to presenter and friend of the global world) Rome of the Emperor Augustus, the Ara Pacis Augustae (literally, the Reflective language teaching involves teachers systematically Alter to the Peace of Augustus) is the quintessential work of the Roman gathering data about their teaching and using this information to make Golden Age. While also having imagery consistent with Roman informed decisions about their practices. (farrell,2007) Because the historical and mythological beliefs, this alter to peace contains several center of the language teachers reflection is based on his and her obvious (and some not so obvious) depictions of Augustus and his actual teaching experiences, our actions in the classroom are family. These include processional images of the imperial retinue and deliberate, not based on what has always been done or on feelings and reliefs of the emperor’s family in divine roles. These were no doubt impulses. included by Augustus to solidify his rule and emphasize Roman dependence upon him. The imagery of the Ara Pacis provides not only January 29 a wonderful study on Roman art but also, “examinations of art history, Topic: What life is like for a modern American opera Augustan culture, imperial propaganda, and social history.” singer January 15 Speaker: Raines Taylor (MM Voice Performance, Rice Topic: Growing up with Dyslexia University) Opera, in all its grandeur, can be one of the most expensive live art Speaker: Owen M. forms to produce, oftentimes leading to an unsavory reputation as The World Federation of Neurology defines dyslexia as "a disorder being stuffy or inaccessible. While its roots are in Europe, opera has manifested by difficulty in learning to read despite conventional become a global art form, with companies springing up across six instruction, adequate intelligence and sociocultural opportunity." It is continents. Cultures have taken opera and adapted it as their own, estimated that it affects between 5 and 10 percent of any given leading to its nuanced presence in modern life. population, and a teacher in Gwangju has a unique expertise in this surprisingly common learning disability. This talk will explore what In this talk, we will survey the evolution of opera along many twists and dyslexia is, who it affects, and how it can be spotted. The speaker will turns to its current existence. The speaker will share his experience in also show that a learning disability need not prevent one from living a training and working as a singer, giving the audience insight into the successful, happy life. level of preparation (and luck!) that it takes to succeed in this larger- than-life art form.
Gwangju News January 2011 41 Book Review
Deep Blue Night
he road trip has been a mainstay of American literature since it first appeared in Jack Kerouac’s T On the Road more than half-a-century ago. In that time, we have come to regard it as something indigenous to America – a manifestation of the frontier spirit. I’m sure I speak for most when I say that I never thought I’d see the day when a writer from the ‘hermit kingdom’ would turn his hand to what has been – in the main – an American form of expression. That said, Choi In-ho is an anomaly among a writing establishment that has preferred to turn its gaze inward to the dominant themes of Korean history.
But, like it or not, foreign adoption, emigration, and political and personal exile are also themes that are central to the Korean postwar experience. Deep Blue Night hones in on the last of these as it follows the adventures of two men bound by their need to escape the oppressive conservatism of Korean society. Like most exiles, their notions of America prove deeply misguided. Contrary to the liberation they’d expected, their American experience binds them ever more tightly to their homeland. A California road trip offers one last chance to find what they’ve been seeking, but sadly for them, the in his garden. However, a perceptive reader will discern freedom of the open road serves only to throw into that this is actually a tale about how dreams and sharper relief the various forms of confinement from ambitions crushed by tragedy can be resuscitated by time, which they suffer. patience and effort. The message of The Poplar Tree serves as an interesting counterpoint to Deep Blue Night, The story culminates in a harrowing late-night journey which – in the end – advises submission to one’s down the Pacific Coast Highway. The landscape is conquerors. recounted in vivid detail, and we come to realize that what’s being described is not just a physical voyage but an Over the years, Choi In-ho has solidified his reputation as emotional and spiritual one too. When the car crashes at the infant terrible of the Korean literary scene. Self- the edge of a precipice, the author’s point is clear. declared ‘autobiographical’ tales, such as Deep Blue Night, Pursuing the journey any further would come at the risk which feature liberal use of recreational drugs have no of a complete breakdown for the characters. In the final doubt placed him under an uncomfortable spotlight. The scene, both exiles pledge to return to face the forces that good news for us is that the pressure cooker of Korean had inspired their flight. society has unwittingly assisted in the creation of gripping stories such as those contained in this book. The other tale contained in Deep Blue Night offers readers welcome respite from the angst conjured by the title story. By Elton LaClare On the surface, The Poplar Tree is a story about a man Originally published in the Gwangju Blog who trains himself to leap over a towering poplar planted (www.gwangjublog.com)
42 Gwangju News January 2011 Poetry
with our blue palms put near the fire, Poetry nobody spoke. All of them knew that Translated by Chae-Pyong Song and Anne Rashid to live is sometimes to keep silent, as if drunk, as if returning home Standing on the Mountain—Dedicated to Gwangju fiddling with a dozen yellow corbina or a basket of apples. T Amid the long-troubled coughing Climbing on the Mountain, I look over it-- and cigarette smoke that is like a bitter medicine, my city that always blooms like flowers, snow flowers piled up little by little and then everyone’s ears were drenched the city that fought for freedom with the chords of snow flowers. like a knife blade driven through the air, After midnight, the place where even the green grass of graves alienation and aching bones became warm with the names of brothers. all swept into the snowfield, It now encroaches upon the fertile field yet, where does the night train flow now, and expands into the vast suburb, following chimney smoke. with a few windows shaped like maple leaves? Calling out those moments that I longed for, Now new roofs have risen high upon hills and forests, I threw a handful of tears into the fire. and ivory sounds drift down from the high, illusory towers By Kwak Jae-gu (1954~) that intellect, poetry, and night laboratories have built. He was born in Gwangju. He studied Korean literature at Chonnam Climbing on the Mountain, I look over it, National University. He debuted as a poet with “At Sapyung Station,” my hometown that always blooms like flowers. which won the Spring literary award organized by the Joongang Daily in 1982. From 1981 to 1987, he worked as a member of “May Poetry.” Roads lie untied like chima strings; He now teaches creative writing at Suncheon National University. familiar bars, bookshops, barbershops, still streams and trees greening the streets bring neighbors near to hold hands. For the Bruised Souls And the whistle sounds we all hear in the morning and in the afternoon Under the sky even the bruised reed carry away my dream and my innate sorrow to a far, faraway place. shakes freely for one season— if a tree is deeply rooted Ah, the mountain which I would climb even if the trunk is sawed off, new buds sprout. to sing out upon whenever heavy with cares The bruised souls, let us shake fully, and my beloved city I will return to when old let us suffer, shaking fully. to look vastly through the glasses of recollection-- my hometown where poets grow! Even the floating weed that moves without root, it will bloom, where water collects around it. By Kim Hyun-seung (1913-1975) Like everywhere in the world a brook will run, He was born and raised in Gwangju. He is known for sublimating his Christian imagination into poetry as in “The Prayer of Autumn.” He is like everywhere in the world a lamp will get lit. also known for founding a literary journal, New Literature, in 1951. In Let us go, suffering ones, putting our skin side by side. the 1950s, he taught creative writing at Chosun University and If we decide to be lonely, won’t we be able to go anywhere? mentored many great poets known around the country. If we risk our life to go, would the setting sun be a problem? Passing over the land of suffering and sorrow, let us stand on the field deeply rooted. At Sapyung Station Even if we block it with two arms, the wind will blow. There are no eternal tears, The last train never came. is no eternal lamentation. Outside the waiting room snow blossoms piled up all night. The sawdust stove was making a fire Under the sky even in the pitch dark night and every window was blindingly bright a hand comes along that we can get hold of. with falling white millet flowers. By Ko Jung-hee (1948-1991) Some were dozing like the old moon, She was born in Haenam, Jeollanam-do. She worked for the YWCA in some were coughing with cold. Gwangju in the late 1970s, and after that Gwangju became her spiritual Recollecting the moments I longed for, home. She is known for resistance poetry, particularly based upon the I threw in a handful of sawdust into the fire. Gwangju Uprising, as well as for lyric poems. She died young while Even if, deep inside, we were full of words, hiking on Jiri Mountain, a mountain she loved a great deal.
Gwangju News January 2011 43 Restaurant Review
texture and is a perfect compliment to the kimchi which has a nice bite to it. To give an idea of the size of the chunks of the dish’s three main ingredients – kimchi, pork, and tofu – scissors accompany one’s meal, so that they can be chopped into more manageable pieces for mastication. The spiced, fermented cabbage is in sheets, rather than pieces before cutting, the tofu in chunks, and the two pieces of pork that come in the meal need to be quartered. Together with the broth this is a meal rich with flavour.
If one goes there in a group, say three of four people, then the kimchi jiggae comes in one giant bowl, and everyone just shares from it. For me, this was a novel way of serving it the first time I saw it.
My belief of Muhan Sarang being a top quality establishment was reinforced when, the following day, I told a Korean co-worker where I’d been for dinner the night before. Their eyes lit up while telling me it is the best place for kimchi jiggae that they knew of. They 무한사랑 then enlightened me to the fact that one can get unlimited refills not just of the side dishes, but of the aforementioned main ingredients. My co-worker told Muhan Sarang me that they always get three rounds whenever they go there. I myself could not eat that much, but my opinion of the place went even higher after learning this piece or some reason I only noticed a restaurant that I of knowledge. had been walking past on a daily basis during F the summer. This is after having been living in As far as the side dishes go, they are standard, except the same area for over a year. The name of the that Muhan Sarang serves a fantastic egg dish, and this restaurant is Muhan Sarang Kimchi Jiggae. I I did get two rounds of. The atmosphere of the proceeded to then discard all memory of it, until I was restaurant is like all good Korean restaurants; bustling, eating dinner with a Korean friend a couple of months with friendly staff who provide an efficient service, a ago. They had heard of it and told me that while they’d place where people of all ages and groups of all sizes never been there themselves, it has a strong reputation go. There are no tables, only floor seating which I like. as being a top-notch kimchi jiggae establishment. I took this as a sign, and the conversation finally Story and photos by Gabriel Ward enshrined in my memory that the place existed, and that I owed it to my culinary senses to check it out.
I left my first Muhan Sarang experience feeling like I’d just eaten a paragon of kimchi jiggae and a sense of Directions: slight regret that I only went there for the first time after having lived in the vicinity of Bongseong-dong, To get to Muhan Sarang, take bus 28, 59, 75, or 76 and get off at Jo Bong Cho Kyo bus stop. It will be either right next to the bus where it is located, for a little over a year. stop or directly across the road depending on which direction one is coming from. Either way one cannot miss it. If one cannot get Served in the ubiquitous black stone bowl, this any of those buses, take bus 27, 37, 48, or 98 and get off at variation of our delightful dish has nothing extra in it Bongseon Samik Apt (south). Then walk to the main intersection that one won’t find elsewhere. What’s different is the only 30 metres or so away and take a right. You will pass a quality and size of ingredients. The kimchi has the Holly’s Coffee on the corner, and Muhan Sarang is 50 metres perfect amount of spice to it, and the pork is succulent ahead on the left. while its tenderness is divine. The tofu has a soft
44 Gwangju News January 2011 Recipe
Korean Easy-Cook Recipe 잔치국수 Janchi Guksu
How to make Janchi guksu
Things to prepare: Anchovies (70g), green onion, dasima (kelp)(50g), noodle (180g), eggs (2), kimchi(60g), dried laver, sesame oil (15ml), sesame, soy sauce (40ml), chili pepper powder, pepper (15g),water (2L)
Cooking method: 1.Add anchovies, dasima and green onion to water and boil. After boiling once, take out dashima and keep boiling for 40 minutes.
2. Make jidan and cut up kimchi anchi guksu is a Korean noodle dish in a broth green onion and dried laver. made from anchovy and dasima (kelp). Beef (Separate the egg yolk from Jbroth can be substituted for the anchovy broth. It white. Fry them each. And slice is served with a sauce made from various ingredients them.) and jidan (fried egg), dried laver, and kimchi are added on top of dish.
Janchi means party and guksu means noodles. People 3. Make the sauce by mixing together the sesame oil, soy eat janchi guksu on special occasions like weddings, sauce, slice of pepper, and chili and birthday parties. Because the noodles are long, pepper powder. people wish for longevity in life or marriage when eating janchi guksu.
Because janchi guksu is traditionally eaten at 4. Add noodles to the boiling weddings, the expression "when will you feed us water. When it starts to bubble guksu?" is a way of asking "when will you get up, pour one glass of cold water. married?” Also, "a day to eat guksu" means a wedding Do this twice more. After that, rinse the noodles with cold water. day.
Story and photos by Yang Hee-seon 5. Put noodles in a dish and pour the broth over it. Add Yang Hee-seon is a junior majoring in Business jidan, kimch, green onion, dried laver and sauce. Management at Chonnam National University
Gwangju News January 2011 45 Useful Korean Phrases
Verb'이다' : to be VS Verb '아니다' : not to be
Grammar Dialogue Verb '이다' : to be VS Verb '아니다' : not to be 소라: 안녕하세요? 소라예요. 만나서 반가워요. [Annyeonghaseyo? Sorayeyo. Mannaseo bangawoyo.] 1. Verb'이다' : to be Sora: Hello, I am Sora. Nice to meet you. '이다' is the form which links a subject with its predicate, indicating equality or identification. 존: 안녕하세요? 존이에요. 어느 나라 사람이에요? If this form is attached to the noun, there can be no pause or [Annyeonghaseyo? Sorassi. Eoneu nara saramieyo?] space between it and the Noun. It is pronounced like a part of John: Hello, I am John. Where are you from? the Noun. 소라: 한국 사람이에요. It has two different forms '예요' and '이에요'. 존 씨는 미국 사람이에요? - '예요' is used when the Noun ends with a vowel, and [Hanguk saramieyo. Jonssineun miguk saramieyo?] - '이에요' is used when the Noun ends with a consonant. Sora: I am from Korea. John, are you from America? Example: 의자 + 예요 --> 의자예요. (It is a chair.) 존: 아니요. 미국 사람이 아니에요. 캐나다 사람이에요. 책 + 예요 --> 책이에요. (It is a book.) 소라 씨, 이게 한국말로 뭐예요? . [Anio. Miguk saram anieyo. Kaenada saramieyo. Sorassi, ige hangukmalro mwoyeyo?] 2. Verb '아니다' : not to be John: No, I am not American. I am Canadian. This word is used for making negatives. '이다' is attached Sora, what do you call this in Korean? directly to a noun, and is pronounced as one word with the noun. When you make the negative construction of '이다', the 소라: 가방이에요. [Gabangieyo.] subject marker '이/가' is attached directly to the noun, and then Sora: It is a bag followed by the negative verb '아니다'. Example: 존: 저게 책이에요?. 이게 책이에요. ---> 이게 책이 아니예요. ( It is not a book.) [Jeoge chaekieyo?] 존씨는 미국사람이에요. ---> 존씨는 미국사람 아니예요. (John John: Is that a book? is not American.) 소라: 네, 맞아요. 책이에요. [Ne, majayo. Chaekieyo.] By Jung Soo-a Sora: Yes, that’s right. That is a book. Jung Soo-a is an instructor at the GIC Korean Language Class
존: 저게 연필이에요?. [Jeoge yeonpirieyo?] John: Is that a pencil? 2011 소라: 아니요, 연필이 아니에요. 의자예요. GIC Korean [Anio, yeonpiri anieyo. Euijayeyo.] Sora: No, it is not a pencil. It is a chair. Language
존: 고마워요. Class Schedule* [Gomawoyo.] John: Thank you.
Reference: 김성희 외. (2009). For more information, please contact Mun So-eun 서강한국어1A 서울: 도서출판 하우 at (062) 226-2733/4 or e-mail [email protected] 서강한국어. Retrived December 18, 2010, from http://korean.sogang.ac.kr 2nd March 12 - April 28 3rd May 14 - June 30 Vocabulary: 어느 [eoneu]: which 나라 [nara]: country; nation; state 4th July 9 - August 25 사람 [saram]: person, human 5th September 5 - October 22 한국말 [hangukmal]: Korean language 6th November 5 - December 22 가방 [gabang]: a bag 책 [chaek]: a book 연필 [yeonpil]: a pencil 의자 [uija]: a chair * Dates may be subject to change
46 Gwangju News January 2011 Cartoon
Gwangju News January 2011 47 Living Tips
Tips for Working Visit (H-2)
he number of foreigners coming to Korea increases 6. Those who have year by year. According to the Ministry of Justice, voluntarily left the T the number of foreign residents in Korea has ROK in accordance surpassed one million. They come to Korea for different with the standards purposes such as business, work, education and research. or procedures put One of the main concerns of foreigners coming to Korea is forth by the head of to bring their family with them and give them an the Minister of opportunity to find a job and work in Korea. Justice. 7. Those who have Working Visit 방문취업제 (H-2 Visa) and Visa been selected by Types test of proficiency It is possible for people who were invited by foreign in the Korean nationals who are already staying in Korea to work in language as Korea through Working Visit (H-2 visa). H-2 visa is a type organized by the Minister of Justice of visa that allows foreigners to be employed or engage in vocational activities. However, the employment of foreign Procedures for Working Visit (H-2) workers is limited to a predefined list of industries in Application Korea, depending on visa category. There are at least 11 Foreign nationals who wish to apply for an H-2 Visa must types of visa categories in Korea: (Short Term Employment apply at an embassy overseas. Those seeking over 90 days (C-4), Working Holiday (H-1), Professorship (E-1), of stay must apply for an alien registration card. Also Working Visit (H-2), Foreign Language Teaching (E-2), applicants may apply for employment recommendation Research (E-3), Technology Transfer (E-4), Professional upon completing employment education at an educational Employment (E-5), Arts Performance (E-6), Special facilities designated by Ministry of Labor. Foreign Profession (E-7), Non-professional Employment (E-8)). nationals who were granted a Working Visit Status may stay for three years from the date of entry. Parents of People Qualified for H-2 visa Application spouse or study abroad (D-2) holders may stay as long as The following are the people who are eligible for H-2 visa D-2 remains valid. Extension of stay must be applied at application: the local immigration office prior to the expiration of current term of stay. 1. People of no less than 25 years of age are qualified for this visa status. Required Documents for Application 2. Those born as a citizen of the Republic of Korea The common requirements for H-2 visa application are (R.O.K.), who are registered in a Korean family register or passport, 2 passport size color photos, application form, have been removed from a Korean family register and/or and transaction fee. The documents vary depending on their direct descendants. visa category. 3. Those who were invited by Korean citizens who are closer than 3rd cousins by relation or 1st cousins by ties For those who were invited by Korean citizens who are other than relation (such as marriage) and who have a closer than 3rd cousins by relation or 1st cousins by ties residential address in the Republic of Korea. other than relation (such as marriage) and who have a 4. Those classified as "those involved in independence residential address in the Republic of Korea, the following movement". Those who have performed some meritorious documents are needed: family registration transcript of service for Korea or have otherwise contributed to its the inviting party, family registration transcript or official national benefit. documents from related countries that can prove their 5. Study abroad (D-2) status holders who have studied in relationship, invitation letter, and personal reference of the ROK for at least one semester and wish to invite their the inviting party. spouse or parent(s).
48 Gwangju News January 2011 Living Tips
For study abroad (D-2) status holders who have studied in wholesale livestock, (9) wholesale of household goods, the R.O.K. for at least 1 semester and wish to invite their (10) collection and reselling of recyclable material, (11) spouse & parent(s), the following documents are needed: wholesale of machinery and related products, (12) retail certificate of enrollment, transcript of records that has of home appliances, (13) specialized retail of other goods, been issued within the past three months, invitation can (14) store retail, (15) hotel and motel business (this shall only be allowed if the D-2 holder gets over B+ credit, exclude the hotel business pursuant and is applicable official documents from their country that can prove only to ethnic Koreans holding foreign passports who are family relationship between D-2 holder and family, official at least 45 years of age), (16) general restaurants, (17) documents from their country that can prove the other restaurants, (18) passenger courier service by land, aforementioned parents or spouse are overseas Korean. (19) cold storage, (20) travel agency & other travel aids services, (21) business facility maintenance and repair Types of Activities Permitted services, (22) janitorial services of buildings, (23) For visit as temporary co-residence with relatives, the business facility & industrial facility cleaning, (24) social following activities are permitted: tourism, medical welfare services, (25) sewers, waste treatment, material treatment, field trip, friendship tournaments, non-profit recycling & environmental restoration, (26) automobile organizations’ culture and arts activities, attending repairs-general, (27) automobile repairs-specialize, (28) meetings, collecting academic data, market survey, motorcycle repairs, (29) bathhouses, (30) industrial business communication, contract signing, and any other laundry, (31) private care-givers & nurses, and (32) other business or commercial activities under such purpose. self-consuming production activities and family employed activities in a household Below is a list of activities that correspond to the Korean Standard Industrial Classification (employment within the For more details on “Employment Procedure of Working scope of headcount quota stated in the Certificate of Visit (H-2) Visa Holders", refer to employment of foreign Special Recruitment issued by the head of an employment workers-procedure of foreign worker employment- security office to the employer) that H-2 visa holders are working visit (H-2) visa qualification and employment allowed to engaged in: procedures at http://oneclick.moleg.go.kr/CSM/CcfMain.laf?csmSeq= 1. growing crops, (2) raising livestock, (3) coastal 3&ccfNo=1&cciNo=1&langCd=700101 or fisheries, (4) inshore fisheries, (5) manufacturing, (6) www.immigration.go.kr/HP/IMM80/index.do. You can construction, (7) wholesale of agricultural and livestock also call 1345 for quick information access. produce, (8) other industrial agricultural products and By Marie Charmaine Pascual Igwe
Comic
Gwangju News January 2011 49 Upcoming Events
area of Hwacheon, Gangwon-do that Festival is famous for clean region where Sancheoneo and otter live. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is opened in every January at Hwacheon, which has the fastest ice freezing in the country because of cold valley wind and clean water. This is a unique theme experience festival full of good shows and 40 various experience programs such as ice sledding, snow sledding, snow sculpture and ice soccer.
Inje Icefish Festival January 28 - February 6, 2011 Soyangho Lake area, Nam-myeon, Inje, Gangwon-do Province The icy Inje streams sweep down the offering insight into the country’s snow-covered Seoraksan and history and Culture. Bangtaesan Mountains to Soyangho For more information: Lake, the site of the Inje Icefish www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr Festival. Visitors to this stunning Muju Namdaecheon Ice Festival frozen January 8 - 16, 2011 snowscape Namdaecheon, Muju, Jeollabuk-do can sample Namdaecheon is holding its first Ice raw ice fish, Festival, and activities will include fried foods, sleigh riding, trout ice-fishing and and ATV motorbike riding. participate ice For more info: 063-320-5703 bowling or ice (Korean only) soccer. There are even Boseong Tea Fields Festival of special Lights hands-on The Pulitzer Prize Photographs ~ February 6, 2011 activities for Exhibition Jeollanam-do,Boseong-gun international ~ February 22, 2011 Hoecheon-myeon Yeongcheon-ri visitors. Mokpo Culture and Art Center Botjae Tea Plantation, Dahyanggak Contact: 062-360-2600 Pavilion Observatory Opening Time: 10 am - 5 pm This winter a magnificent festival of (weekdays); 10 am - 6 pm lights will take place in the green tea Exhibitions (weekends) fields of Boseong, one of Korea’s Admission fee: 10,000 won (adult), most well-known tourist destinations. The 1st Doll Freemarket Gwangju 6,000 won (children) For more info: Jan. 9, 2011 Travel through the 145 award- www.boseong.go.kr or 061-850- Gwangju Design Center winning photographs from 1942 to 5221 (Korean only) Entrance fee: 2,000 won 2010 which have appeared in 27 Opening time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. cities. Mokpo is the final city in the The 9th Hwacheon Sancheoneo exhibition’s tour of Korea. For more info: 1588-7890 or Ice Festival Vietnam Art Exhibition-Landscape January 8 - 30, 2011 www.pulitzerkorea.com and Mind of Vietnam Hwacheoncheon site at Hwacheon- Gwangju Museum of Art TRICK ART eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do ~ February 6, 2011 and other 5 eup and myeon. ~ February 27, 2011 There are 40 works that provide Kimdaejung Convention Center Real winter covered with snow and information on Vietnam, depicting it’s ice in every January in the whole Contact: 062-360-2600 beautiful scenery and tradition and Opening Time: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
50 Gwangju News January 2011 Upcoming Events
Admission fee: Adult:12,000 won, For more information: Children:10,000 won www.usquareculture.co.kr
Performances
2 Days and 3 Nights with Mom in Gwangju January 29 (Sat) - 30 (Sun): 6 p.m. on Sat, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sun. Duration: 100 minutes Admission Fee : 33,000 - 66,000won and María Valverde Graduated from a prestigious Language: English (with Korean university and doing well in her subtitles). company, Mi-ran visits her mother in A look at the lives and relationships rural Jeong-eup without any notice. among girls at an elite British Her mother lives alone since all her boarding school. family have left the home town. Mi- ran actually has been seriously ill, 2. A Prophet something her mother figures out by Genre: drama, crime chance. This story is about the love Starring: Tahar Rahim, Niels between a mother and daughter. Arestrup and Adel Bencherif Keith Haring: Pop Superstar Language: French (with Korean ~ February 27, 2011 (closed every Kim Jae-dong's Talk Concert subtitles). Monday) Season 2 in Gwangju A young Arab man is sent to a Sangrok Art Exhibition, Gwangju Art "No Brake Season 2” French prison where he becomes a Museum February 22, 2010 from 6 p.m. mafia kingpin. Opening time: 10.30 a.m - 7 p.m. Duration : 100minutes (Mon-Thurs, Sunday); 10.30 a.m. - 9 Admission Fee : 66,000won 3. Last Chance Harvey p.m. (Friday - Saturday) Chonnam University Gymnasium Genre: drama, romance Admission fee: 10,000 won (adult), Mr. Kim will come to Gwangju with a Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Emma 6,000 won (children) powerful 'Talk Concert - No Brakes Thompson and Kathy Baker 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of Season 2'. He has an outstanding Language: English (with Korean death of American pop artist Keith record of selling out venues - 32 subtitles) Haring. His exhibition will feature his times and counting. In London for his daughter's famous artworks. wedding, a rumpled man finds his romantic spirits lifted by a new Natural History Museum woman in his life. U-square Movies Cultural 4. A Serious Man Center Gwangju Theater Genre: drama January 7 - Chungjangno 5-ga(two blocks back Starring: Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard February behind Migliore) Kind and Sari Lennick 27, 2011 Phone: 062-224-5858 Language: English (with Korean It is a Films change weekly to bi-weekly. subtitles) natural Check online for calendar and A black comedy drama centered on history prices. Larry Gopnik, a Midwestern museum Admission fee: 8,000 won for one, professor who watches his life with all 21,000 won for 3 films, 30,000 won unravel through multiple sudden exhibits for 5 films, 50,000 won for 10 films incidents. made of The following movies will be shown junk! in January: Gwangju Theater will screen 24 best Eagles made of bicycle parts, a movies in 2010 for one month. Please pelican made of iron, and a penguin 1. Cracks check http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju made of fire extinguisher are just Genre: drama, romance, thriller for movie list (Korean only) some of the exhibits. Starring: Eva Green, Juno Temple
Gwangju News January 2011 51 Community Board
GIC News Art
Gwangju News Mailing Meditation Session: Gwangju Artist Collective We are sending Gwangju News to each of Introduction to Meditation We are a group of artists and art lovers. you every month but some members do not Time & Place: Every Saturday, 17:00- We meet up about once or twice a receive it because of incorrect address or 18:00 (after the GIC talk) month at the GIC for workshops, no address at all. If you wish to update your GIC office (5th floor of Jeon-il Bldg) discussions and community art events. mailing information or if you do not receive Instructor: Jennifer Lee Ullrich (ESL Look for us on Facebook or send an e- Gwangju News, kindly send your current instructor and Zen student) mail to: mailing address to [email protected] [email protected] Anyone is welcome to come and learn GIC Journal: how to meditate at these free Community Social Discourse of Disquiet introductions to meditation sessions. A new space for writers, artists and You may bring a zafu cushion and a photographers. This publication allows blanket. Wear loose, warm, comfortable Sung Bin Orphanage people to explore different forms of art in clothing. The session begins with an Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for creative/ South Korea. We would like to bridge the introduction to the techniques we'll active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic long- gap between arts that are perhaps lost in employ while sitting for 30 minutes. term volunteers to join in our regular translation.We would like to hear your ideas We will close with a short reading from Saturday program. We would like you to give and opinions. a zen book and a Q&A. at least two Saturdays per month. As well as If you would like to get involved then please being a friend, you will be asked to teach e-mail at [email protected] basic English to girls aged 7 to 14. Meet Please join our facebook group - GIC Sports every Saturday at 1.30 p.m. in front of Journal: Social Discourse of Disquiet. downtown Starbucks. All are welcome. For Please look at the work-in-progress at Gwangju Men’s Soccer more volunteering information please http://gicjournal.wordpress.com The Gwangju international soccer team contact Al Barnum at: Check out the "What's On" page for art plays regularly most weekends. If you [email protected]. events in Gwangju. are interested in playing, e-mail: [email protected]. Apostolate to Migrants Center GIC Facebook Page Address: 802-4 Songjeong -2dong, Catch the latest news of GIC and its Gwangju Ice Hockey Team Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju programs by joining our Facebook page at : Looking for men and women of all ages Phone: 062) 954-8004 www.facebook.com/gwangjuic to join us every Saturday night from Subway: Get off at Songjeong Park (송정공 You can also follow us online in Twitter with 7:30 to 9 at Yeomju Ice Rink near 원) Station and walk toward Songjeong our user ID: gwangjuic World Cup Stadium. If you are Middle School. interested, contact either Andrew Busses: 29, 38, 39, 62, 97, 98, 99 Gwangju Guidebook Dunne at [email protected] or Chris Get off at Yeonggwang-tong intersection The Gwangju Guidebook website is Wilson at [email protected] bus stop and walk toward Songjeong compiled to provide information on anything Middle School. you want to know about living in Gwangju. Gwangju Chaoreum Taekwondo Masses: Every Sunday at 3 p.m. at the The information ranges from daily life to Address: 1187-3 Chipyeong-dong Seo- Migrant Center; travel within Gwangju and Jeollanam-do to gu, Gwangju 10 a.m.Indonesian Mass; law matters to work information. Volunteers Phone: (062) 384-0958 7 p.m. Vietnamese Mass; are hired to make this website run. If you Location: Chaoreum Taekwondo Gym 11 a.m. Mass for multicultural families (2nd are interested in becoming one, simply join is located on the third floor of Jeong- Sunday) our Facebook group ‘Gwangju Guidebook yeon (K-1) building (just beside the bus Volunteers’. stop) Gwangju Jumbo Taxi We need volunteers for these positions: Buses : 62, 63, 64, 518 (bus stop: 상무 If you’re traveling in a big party or simply - Page/ Sector Editors 대우아파트 - Sangmu Daewoo Apateu) need transportation in and around - Moderators Taxi directions: "Sangmujigu Kumho Gwangju, Gwangju Jumbo Taxi provides - Fact Checkers Daewoo Apart ro gajuseyo". service to Bus Terminal, Airport and others. - Encouragement Gatekeeper (Host) Method of instruction is in English With a seat capacity of up to 9 people, you - Decision Making Supervisors Weekday Classes: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 can travel in comfort. Friendy and We are looking forward to your p.m.(from Monday to Friday) hospitable, Mr. Kim will help you travel with participation! Sunday Classes: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. safety and comfort. Whether you are going from/ to Gwangju Airport or simply to travel Check out the Gwangju Guidebook website around the city, give Jumbo Taxi a call. in two languages: Call to reserve at 010-5086-7799 (Mr.Kim) www.gwangjuguide.or.kr (English) and or refer to www.gjtaxi.co.kr for the price www.gwangjuzhinan.or.kr (Chinese). list.
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