INCHEON May 2011 | No.09
SAMSUNG AND INCHEON TWO-BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT BRANCH SCHOOL OF SAINT PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY IN SONGDO
Incheon Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea Contents
Pictorial 04 Incheon 2014 Asian Games Organizing Committee Unveils Official Posters
Focus 06 A Springtime Walk along the Green Axis
Specialty 12 Samsung and Incheon Two- INCHEON Billion Dollar Investment May 2011 | No.09
Published by: Incheon Metropolitan City Date published: May 2011 Publisher: Mayor of Incheon Editor: Spokeman Yoon, Gwan-Seok English Language Editor: Professor Mark Helliwell at Inha university Edited by: You, Dong-Hyun (Team Head, New Media PR Team) Lee, Yong-Nam (Editor) Cover Story : Address: Incheon City Hall, 29 Jeonggak-ro(St), Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, Korea Event Scene on Children’s Website: www.incheon.go.kr E-mail: [email protected] Day, the fifth of May. Design & Print: 032design (+82-32-777-7032) Global Incheon 16 People 26 Foreign Viewpoints 36 Branch School of Saint Petersburg Cheonjamun Containing the Sorae Fish A Slice of the Ocean State University in Songdo Truths of the Sky and Earth
Coffee Story 20 News in Incheon 30 Information 38 Queer Things, Queer History Congratulations on the New Festival in Incheon Now “Coffee” Baby! Incheon provides childbirth subsidies for the third child
About Incheon 22 Incheon Food 34 Songdo Global Center Now Open Soft succulent crab meat, the Taste Free Meal Happy to share the of Spring moment with friends for lunch PICTORIAL INCHEON 2014 ASIAN GAMES
Incheon 2014 Asian Games Organizing Committee Unveils Official Posters - Representing the Harmony and Peace of ASEAN
The 2014 Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee “The design mainly focuses on embodying the energetic image unveiled posters for the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 as of athletes by incorporating the identity of the host city well as for the official games. Incheon and the emblem of the Asian Games.”Official Games Reflecting the design of the emblem of the Games, the main posters have been designed by categorizing the 28 Olympic poster is designed to impart the image of a running athlete by sports into categories - racket sports, ball sports, water sports, incorporating several graphic elements. In addition, the poster athletic sports and weightlifting.“ These official posters will be effectively represents dynamic athleticism and rhythmic used for the official events of the Incheon Asian Games and images so as to convey that the Incheon Asian Games is a various promotional materials in order to increase public festival in which Asians can pursue harmony and peace interest and foster a festive atmosphere for the Games,”said through sports. one committee staff member. Mr. Kum-jun Park, the designer of the main poster, explained, MAY 2011. NO.09 04·05 FOCUS MOUNTAIN CLIMBING IN INCHEON
A SPRINGTIME WALK ALONG THE Green Axis MAY 2011. NO.09 06·07
Spring comes as silently as it disappears. You know it is here when the flowers bloom and the trees sprout leaves under the bright sunshine. But catch it while you can, before summer swallows it up, especially if you are a mountain lover. Gyeyangsan Mountain lies at the start of what has come to be known as the “green axis”of a meandering mountain range that runs through Incheon. The vitality of the land runs through this green axis, making for unparalleled hikes under the sunshine in the soft spring wind.
The month of March often wanders between winter and spring. The piercingly cold wind softens and the sun gently warms as the days grow longer. March renews us after the long winter cold. It is the time to get your heart pounding again. It is the time for climbing the mountains of Incheon again. Incheon is home to a green axis of mountains that make up the Hannam Range. The names of the peaks are familiar to residents: Gyeyangsan, Cheonmasan, Wonjeoksan, Hambongsan, Manwolsan, Mansusan, Geomasan, Gwanmosan, Obongsan, Munhaksan, Cheongryangsan, and Bongjaesan. Nearly 53㎞ of mountains and hills, all springing up with energy and vitality, providing marked natural relief to the citizens of a city of gray buildings. FOCUS
Gyeyangsan, Cheonmasan, and completed in 2009, after about two years of construction, as Wonjeoksan Mountains part of an effort to reestablish a contiguous connection Our mountain journey begins at Gyeyangsan Mountain. Its between green axis activities in Incheon. It leads us to 395m make it Incheon’s highest. We follow the climbing path Cheonmasan Mountain and the base of our next hike. near Gyeongin Women’s College. The higher we climb, the Cheonmasan’s high and narrow mountain path of stones is a better we feel. Our minds are soon refreshed. An hour and a tough climb. But it feels good somehow to conquer that rough half later we reach the summit. We soak up the picturesque mountain road. You find the Cheongna Free Economic Zone scenery in all directions: Yeongjongdo and Ganghwado Islands some time after setting out. Although still under construction, to the west; downtown Incheon to the south: and Bucheon, the Economic Zone will shine someday. Gimpo, and Seoul visible afar. In April, Gyeyangsan fills with Although the way to Wonjeoksan Mountain is presently azaleas, to gorgeous aesthetic effect. obstructed by the Gyeongin Expressway, Incheon City plans to Accessible from the lower part of Gyeyangsan is the Zing May include installation of green paths connecting the trails in the Eco-Path, which connects mountains once isolated by the Lu 1 City Project. Likewise, a 6-lane road also severs the green construction of an 8-lane road installation. The Eco-Path was axis between Wonjeoksan Mountain and Hambongsan MAY 2011. NO.09 08·09
Mountain, our next hike. The City plans to install a tunnel-style bit more difficult for the green axis restoration project to eco-path to link the nature of these pristine peaks with the overcome. Blocking the way are the Gyeongin National Road people who enjoy them. Someday soon, the air of Incheon, too and the Number 1 Line of the Gyeongin Subway, not to often polluted by vehicle emissions, will be purified and mention the downtown area. Restoring this area, overlapped refreshed once again by these fabulous tresses of greenery. with roads and railway, will be formidable. The City is considering green roads to make the connection. Hambongsan, Manwolsan, and Gwanmosan Once made, however, hikers of Hambongsan will gain more Mountains immediate access to Incheon Family Park, located in the valley Let’ s have a look around Hambongsan Mountain. It is an easy near Manwolsan Mountain. The park, which originally served climb, almost like walking up a hill. At its peak, to our east we as a public cemetery, has been regenerated and is now a take in downtown Bupyeong, the northern port, and nearby peaceful place of congregation between the living and the industrial zones. It serves as a reminder of Incheon’ s historical dead. role as a national industrial leader. From there, we take the Metasekwa Road, always a perfect The obstacle between Hambongsan and Manwolsan will be a reflection of the new life of spring, and a precious moment to FOCUS
relax and take in nature’ s best. Passing through the Manwolsan Tunnel, up the main road toward the outer-ring circular road, via Mansusan Mountain, sits Gwanmosan Mountain. It offers a spectacular view over Incheon Park, which always awakens residents’ childhood memories of picnics with mom and dad.
Munhaksan, Cheongryangsan, and Bongjaesan Mountains Standing in the central area of Incheon, Munhaksan Mountain, like other mountains in Incheon, is not really all that high. And yet, climbing some minutes along its soft ridge, the great story of Incheon unfolds before our eyes. The deep blue sea and the mysteriously floating islands are seen in the distance. The spring sunshine and soft wind breeze in from the West Sea. To one side sits Songdo International City, a true spectacle: a cityscape that seemingly changes on a daily basis, the imaginary becoming reality before our very eyes, a true testament to Incheon’ s long success story. Indeed, Incheon’ s history has always been one of national development. In the days of yore the mountain held Munhaksan Fortress, traces of which can be seen on the hillside and towards the top. Although military facilities still look down on the West Sea, the view from Munhaksan Mountain provides an inspiring transition, from a place our ancestors defended against foreign invaders, to an area bustling with international business and trade. Not far from Munhaksan Mountain, we encounter Cheongryangsan Mountain. The two mountains, separated by MAY 2011. NO.09 10·11
a main street and apartment buildings, will be Free Flow of Nature connected to each other by yet another green path. The Incheon Green Axis Restoration Cheongryangsan is actually quite steep. Expect to be Project·Reconnecting breathing heavily while climbing its stairs and rocks. Incheon proudly boasts a green axis of mountains along the Hannam Reaching the peak takes about 20 minutes and the Range, from Gyeyangsan Mountain to Cheonmasan, Wonjeoksan, view is worth the hike. The West Sea is dotted with Hambongsan, Manwolsan, Mansusan, Geomasan, Gwanmosan, ships and populated with birds flying idly by. Incheon Obongsan, Munhaksan, Cheongryangsan, and ending at Bongjaesan Bridge, a celebrated symbol of Incheon home and Mountain. This 52㎞ mountain axis provides the city with a kind of a abroad, also graces this picturesque scenery. If the hike green rain, pouring fresh air across all of Incheon. This range, didn’t get your heart pounding, the view surely will. however, has had to bear the brunt as the nation industrialized and Across the main street is the last leg of our climb, modernized. The east-west Gyeongin Expressway, Gyeongin Subway, and Gyeongin National Road run across the north-south Incheon Bongjaesan Mountain. Don’t let its elevation, at a mere Green Axis like belts cinching its waist in as many places. Incheon 100m above sea level, fool you. The climb is Metropolitan City is rightfully taking action to reconnect the somewhat tough. At its peak, however, we can mountains to each other and in turn the people to the mountains. The embrace the deep blues of the sea and the islands Incheon Green Axis Restoration Project commenced in 2007, and will scattered like jewelry across it. As a way to end a day reconnect the range with two eco-paths, two arch bridges, one of hiking, it is perfect: the way back to civilization swinging bridge, and six green paths. The project is expected to be seems somehow more brilliant than before, as if a walk completed by 2013. For more information, please contact Incheon City Environment along the green axis has brought color back to a life of Policy Division at 440-3533. gray urban existence, like the coming of spring but within. SPECIALTY
Samsung AND INCHEON TWO-BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT
Samsung will advance into the development and manufacturing of biosimilar products and new pharmaceuticals using their extensive research and development capabilities and acquired technology. The Samsung Group, Korea’s largest industrial group and most globally recognized company, chose Incheon Free Economic Zone IFEZ in Songdo International City as the location for the headquarters of its latest expansion, into the bioengineering field. This decision is an important development in the seventy years of the company’s existence. MAY 2011. NO.09 12·13
Samsung Brings Biotechnology to Incheon When Samsung, one of the leading companies in Korea, decided to invest in the field of bioengineering at a location in Incheon, it put the city in the spotlight of Korea’s growing CJ Institute for Integrated Research and Development medical and technological industries. Incheon is now in a (22,546㎡) Eyesense, Inc. (6,559㎡) CELLTRION position to become the leading center of biotechnology in the (190,706㎡) nation. Samsung is investing over two billion US dollars and Samsung JV Site Area (274,000㎡) will occupy nearly 300,000 square meters of space in Songdo. Berna Biotech Korea (33,578㎡) Samsung took its first step into the field of biopharmaceuticals KD Corporation (9,138㎡) in a joint venture with US-based Quintiles, a consulting company, and invested over 300 million dollars. The company will sign its final contract with Quintiles in April 2011 in order to begin the construction of its biopharmaceutical production plants. The company aims to be producing medicines by the end of 2013.
Biotechnology is the Future In 2007, Samsung began a project to determine the best major course of action for its future. When biotechnology was decided upon, Samsung Group’s CEO Lee Gunhee announced that the company would shift its focus to that field for the next generation of the company. As a result, it will invest a total of 23 billion dollars in the biotechnology field, including biopharmaceuticals, solar power, electric automobiles, LED A Growing Industry in the IFEZ technology, and a range of medical equipment. Incheon has already begun its transformation into a center for Incheon was a logistically ideal location for Samsung’s biotechnology. Songdo is home to the University of Utah Inha biotechnology headquarters. With an international airport and DDS Research Center, GE Health Care Research & seaport and large amounts of warehouse space, Incheon was Development, I-Sens, and various cancer research centers are an easy choice for the corporation. in full operation. Songdo International City is already the home of several Celltrion, one of the world’s leading biopharmaceuticals biotech companies, such as Celltrion and CJ Bio. This was companies, is also located in Incheon and has been in attractive to Samsung because the industry has already taken operation there since its founding in 2002. Samsung’s root in the city, which is also conveniently close to the investment will bring even more companies to Incheon, Samsung headquarters in Seoul. whether to do business or those considering establishing a The proximity of Songdo International City to the airport makes facility there. for smooth transportation of overseas employees who The city is adding a bioengineering department to the Incheon frequently come for various periods of time. There is also an University in 2012 and designing a masters program in extensive amount of new residential development in the biotechnology that will be implemented in 2015. Through this, Songdo area, as well as hotels, parks, and international Incheon is investing in the high-technology job market as well schools. as supporting the effort to improve the quality of life of citizens of the world. SPECIALTY
Behind the The process of Samsung’ s decision to select Songdo story
Samsung’s decision to implement biotechnology facilities in investment, they began working to get the attention of the Incheon came as a surprise for all of Korea. Citizens of Incheon corporation. Incheon faced stiff competition from Daegu, the were excited to learn that the company was expanding into their home town of Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul. home territory, and Mayor Song Yongil explained the details of A few top city officers along with the mayor worked tirelessly the decision to his constituents in an official announcement. behind closed doors with Samsung negotiators in order to secure According to the mayor, it took seven months of careful their chances of securing the investment. It took more than negotiations behind closed doors in order to persuade Samsung twenty meetings at Samsung Headquarters to make them reach a to come to Incheon. favorable decision. This contract with Samsung is an example of turning the Incheon’s negotiators focused on the city’s impressive resources, impossible into the possible. Serious negotiations began in July namely the international airport, harbor, and free economic zone. of 2010 when Samsung decided against locating its This finally persuaded Samsung to bring its investment to the biotechnology department in Sejong City. At the same time, city. Incheon was seeking domestic investment in its International Samsung’s vice president Kim Soontak announced that the Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), so the match was perfect. company plans to move into the future with biotechnology in the When IFEZ officers realized the potential for Samsung’s city of Incheon. MAY 2011. NO.09 14·15
Bio Infrastructure of Songdo International City
■ Bio manufacture facilities Name of company Size (㎡) Established in Product Celltrion 190,706 2005 Arthritis medicine Blood analyzer, immune sensor 2011 Eyesense 6,559 (Diagnosis device for myocardial (Scheduled) infarction) KD Corporation 9,138 2011(Scheduled) Medicine separator Vaccine for hepatitis B, Berna Biotech 33,578 2010 Quinvaxem (Vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
■ Bio lab Established in Name of lab Location and size (㎡) Details (Project period) joint Center for Lee Gil Ya Cancer Basic research in the field of 2008 Biosciences (jCB) and Diabetes Institute bioengineering Utah-Inha DDS Building B, Songdo Development and clinical 2009 Research Lab Techno Park application of DDS Integrated lab for bio CJ Research Lab 27,579 2010~2012 pharmaceutical and samples Hanil Science Development of testing 5,032 2010~2012 Industrial & bio devices Ewon Research Development of testing Institute for Bio 5,032 2010~2012 and diagnosing methods Science Johnson & Clinical education on In progress Johnson high-tech medical devices
■ Bio-related university departments Name of university Department Entrance quota (person) Gachon University of Department of Pharmaceuticals 25 Medicine and Science Department of Life Science / Inha University 40, 50 Department of Bioengineering University of Incheon College of Life Science 80 Yonsei University Department of Pharmaceuticals 25 SPECIALTY
Global Companies Rush to SONGDO
These days, many conglomerates in Korea are rushing to Incheon’s Songdo International City to participate in some of the many investment projects underway there, such as the Biosimilar Project (Samsung), the construction of a shopping mall (Lotte Group) and a yacht racing arena (Korean Air), all of which herald a bright future for the city.
Lotte Group is planning to construct a can accommodate about 2,100 vehicles, million in the shopping town large commercial multi-complex, Lotte and the overall parking capacity of the development, the green light has been Shopping Town, in Songdo with a shopping town will approach 7,500 given for the attraction of even greater massive investment of KRW 1 trillion. The vehicles when combined with the foreign investment into Songdo shopping mall, with an approximate area parking facilities of the nearby Central International Business District (IBD), of 220,000㎡, will be connected with the Park. With construction scheduled to stimulating economic activities 68-story Northeast Asia Trade Tower commence in the first half of 2012, throughout the adjacent commercial (NEATT), Songdo Convensia Convention Lotte’s development is expected to areas. Center and the Sheraton Hotel. When attract more visitors from home and CJ will establish its CJ Bio Research construction is complete, a commercial abroad to Songdo. Center (site area: 22,546㎡; floor area: multi-complex similar to COEX in Seoul Lotte’s shopping mall development, 33,000㎡) at #13-27, Songdo-dong, will be created within Songdo. along with the relocation of the Yeonsu-gu, within the Songdo Bio The new shopping town will be headquarters of POSCO Engineering & Complex (Songdo 4 District). As the occupied primarily by a department Construction to Songdo in May 2010, is most globalized business area of the store, large-sized retailers, a multiplex especially significant in terms of the company, the bio sector is a primary cinema and an ice rink, as well as advancement of Korean conglomerates focus of the CJ Group with its main diverse shops and convenience stores. into the new town. Moreover, based on production facilities in China, Indonesia, There will be a new parking area that the total foreign investment of USD 50 and Brazil and marketing head offices in MAY 2011. NO.09 16·17
13 countries around the world. CJ aims accommodate more than 3,000 vessels to nurture its bioengineering sector in in the near future. Songdo so as to concentrate its world- The VTT Technical Research Centre of class process technologies, secure Finland , the largest multi-technological market competitiveness in terms of applied research organization in Site Area: A1 Block and A2-4 Block (Site: global unit costs, and take the lead in Northern Europe, is working to conclude approximately 26,000㎡ , Floor Area: approximately 67,000㎡) the next-generation of promising bio an MOU with Incheon Free Economic Developer : Lotte Consortium sectors by developing advanced, Zone for entry into Songdo International Project Cost : approximately KRW 750 billion (Officetels excluded, FDI: approximately USD 50 functional bio materials. City. Established in 1942, the key million) With approximately KRW 70 billion in technology fields of VTT include Main Tenants : Lotte Department Store (8 stories, 23,000 ), Lotte Mart (2 stories / 12,000 ), investment, the CJ Bio Research Center biotechnology, chemistry, energy, and ㎡ ㎡ Lotte Cinema (7 stories / 3,000㎡), will be realized through a 3-phase information and communication Shopping Mall (2 stories /27,000㎡), Lotte World design process. It will eventually employ technologies. Holding more than 1,100 (Ice Rink / 860㎡) Project Period : November, 2010 to March, 2015 up to 300 bio researchers. Construction patents and patent applications, VTT is a (Officetels: to be completed in January 2016) will commence within the first half of highly competitive research center. this year. Songdo International City has now Korean Air is also planning to construct become an attractive investment its Marina Yacht Club at Wangsan destination for both Korean and foreign Site Area: # 13-27 Songdo-dong (Songdo 4 Beach. Under this project, diverse firms. Based on diverse globalized District) Site Area : 22, 546㎡, Floor Area: 33,000㎡ facilities including a yacht club, club facilities such as Songdo Campus, which Investment Size : KRW 70 billion house, maintenance unit, and parking houses campuses of many world- Developer : CJ Cheiljedang Main Sectors : Bio Industry areas will be established on a site of renowned universities, as well as a 133,460㎡(including both land and knowledge-based industrial cluster and water areas) that encompasses the bio industry, Songdo International City is Wangsan Beach area. It will be used for turning imagination into reality, yachting competitions during the 17th propelling itself and Incheon to become Site Area : 133,460㎡(both land and marine water areas included); across Asian Games Incheon 2014, and its the heart of Korean industry and the encompasses the Wangsan Beach facilities will be further expanded to economy. area Developer: Korean Air Project Cost: KRW 150 billion (KRW 16.7 billion from Incheon City) Main Facilities: Yacht club, club house, maintenance unit, parking area Project Period: First Half of 2012 to September 2014
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Characteristics : Non-profit research center established in 1942 by the Finland Government Sectors: Biotechnology, chemistry, energy Capacity: Research personnel (2,700 researchers), 10 research centers within Finland, patent holder (1,100 patents including patent applications) GLOBAL INCHEON
Branch School of Saint Petersburg State University in SONGDO
Incheon Metropolitan City Mayor Song Young-gil and a number of local business representatives visited Russia on a 7-day mission from March 20 to 26 in order to engage in consultations and promote Russian-Incheon exchange, cooperation and investment activities. They secured an agreement to establish a sisterhood relationship between Incheon and Saint Petersburg and to create symbolic squares representative of each city within the other city. The two sides also agreed on the establishment of branch schools of Saint Petersburg State University and Moscow State University [u2]in Incheon as well as the promotion of diverse friendship activities including surveys on and a lending service for historic Korean relics kept by Russia.
Incheon Square in Saint Petersburg The Incheon delegation’s visit to Russia was undertaken as a ceremony for‘ Incheon Square’on March 21 (held at a site follow-up to the adoption of the Bilateral Friendly Relations near the Admiral Kuznetsov Naval Academy in Saint Agreement signed by Mayor Song and Russian Special Petersburg) and announced plans to create a‘ Saint Petersburg Presidential Envoy Alexandere Veglof when Mayor Song Square’in Incheon, emphasizing the enhancement of bilateral conveyed the flag of the Russian warship Varyak. Now, cooperation. Incheon is the first Korean city to have a square Incheon City and Russia have entered into more practical named for it in Russia. At first, there was an agreement to cooperative relations through cultural and economic create an‘ Incheon Street’. However, both sides finally agreed exchanges. to create ‘ Incheon Square,’ thereby elevating the The Incheon City delegation first participated in a naming implementation plans. With the momentum of the naming ceremony, the marine square located in Incheon City that exhibits a monument to the Russian warship Varyak will be remade as‘ Saint Petersburg Square,’fostering the lead of the two cities in the development of more friendly bilateral relations. MAY 2011. NO.09 18·19
Mayor Song also visited the Central Naval Museum in Saint Petersburg, where the flag of the warship Varyak is now enshrined, and successfully concluded the Agreement on Historic Archive Exchanges with museum director Andrei Lyalin. Through the new exchange agreement, Incheon Metropolitan City plans to implement diverse cooperative activities including the exhibition of Russian military articles and other items that convey the Korean political situation as well as the marking of Dokdo Island and the East Sea in the 18th and 19th centuries and the return of Korean relics held by Russia.
Branch School of Saint Petersburg State University in Songdo International City The Incheon City delegation visited Saint Petersburg State University and Saint Petersburg City on March 22 in order to solidify bilateral relations. Saint Petersburg and Incheon initiated the development of friendly relations when Incheon returned the flag of the Russian warship Varyak. returned the flag of warship Varyak. Saint Petersburg State On the same day, Mayor Song met with Saint Petersburg State University plans to establish its branch school in Incheon’s University Dean Nikolai Mikhailovich Kropachev and Songdo International City in the near future. Mayor Song was concluded the Framework Convention on the Establishment of the first Korean political leader to deliver a lecture in front of a Branch School of Saint Petersburg State University within the Saint Petersburg students. He gave a lecture in English Incheon Free Economic Zone. Established in 1724, Saint entitled,‘ The Political Situation of Northeast Asia & the Petersburg State University is a world-renowned university, Russian Role’after signing the agreement. producing many excellent graduates including eight Nobel Mayor Song then met with Saint Petersburg Governor laureates as well as Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko, who is deemed number three Russian Premier Vladimir Putin. Although an MOU for the in the Russian government, and agreed to promote bilateral establishment of a branch school had been concluded cultural exchange activities from September. During the between Saint Petersburg State University and the University of meeting, Governor Matvienko suggested the dispatch of art Incheon in 2009, its implementation was temporarily stalled and music performance groups to Incheon in September as until being expedited with President Medvedev’s promise to part of Incheon-Saint Petersburg cultural exchange activities. support the establishment of the branch school when Korea Letters from King Gojong Mayor Song moved to Moscow on March 23 to meet Itar- Tass President Vitally Ignatenko and deliver his message for peace on the Korean peninsula. Mayor Song stressed the importance of resuming the 6-party talks and the important role of Russia in the realization of peaceful relations between the two Koreas. He also expressed his willingness to possibly host the next six-party talks as well as youth soccer games in Incheon between those six countries. COFFEE STORY
Queer Things,Queer History “Coffee”
From ‘Western Sungnyung’ to ‘National Beverage’
Maxwell House, Instant Coffee, Although I do not go abroad frequently, if I have the chance to carry one thing with me that I in the 1930s would otherwise dearly miss while traveling in other countries, my answer is none other than Korean-style coffee, which I enjoy after meals. Korean-style coffee refers to instant coffee mixed with cream, and sugar as well as vending machine coffee (also instant). Indeed, Korean-style coffee is one of the must-have items for Korean overseas travelers, and many Koreans have found themselves looking for Korean coffee vending machines after meals in foreign restaurants. Korean coffee that suits the tastes of Koreans may qualify for designation as a national beverage. It is unclear when coffee was first introduced into Korea. It is just assumed that coffee arrived after the opening of the port when some western countries established consulates in Incheon. And it has been said that it was the Daebul Hotel in Incheon that first sold coffee in Korea. Reverend Henry G. Appenzeller, who arrived in Incheon on April 5, 1885, wrote in one of < On One Day of Novelist Gu-bo>, his reports that the taste of coffee served by the Japanese hotel in Korea was good enough Park Tae-won, 1934 MAY 2011. NO.09 20·21
even for foreigners. Yu Gil-jun, the author of Seoyu Gyeonmun “( Observations on Travels in the West”), said in his book that Westerners mainly eat bread and butter, and drink coffee as frequently as Koreans drink Sungnyung (scorched-rice water) after a meal. Indeed, coffee is never separated from the western meal table. Accordingly, no one would deny the assertion that coffee was surely served to Reverend Appenzeller along with other dishes. Quite famous stories have been passed down that King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty loved coffee and that Miss Sontag sold coffee for the first time in Korea in 1902 at the
‘Yangki Market’. Since then, instant coffee has been easily available to the public. Also US Army Field Ration C Box, in the 1950s And since then, the Dabang, which played the role of safe house for intellectuals during the Japanese occupation, also began to serve as social clubs for many Koreans. Many Koreans came to Dabang to meet friends, have a blind date or listen to music, while other Koreans used Dabang as their business offices. There is the phrase‘ Dabang coffee’in Korean, which refers to coffee sold at Dabang. However, it is closer to instant coffee mixed with some appropriate portions of cream and sugar. It was the Dabang that sold instant coffee; ironically, however, Dabang were overtaken by coffee vending machines in the instant coffee market. Koreans living in the fast-changing times of the 1980s and 1990s preferred‘ speed’and‘ convenience’on the streets over‘ good taste’and‘ leisure’at Dabang. With the advent of the new millennium, young Koreans began searching for‘ good taste’ and ‘ leisure’again, leaving‘ speed’and‘ convenience’behind them. Today large coffee houses pack the main streets, and so many small groups of coffee lovers, coffee factories and coffee museums are being created across the country. Not suprisingly, the quantity of imported coffee beans reached a record-high in 2010. It’s truly a wave of coffee. Coffee is always welcomed by people while preparing for work in the morning, meeting friends, looking for desert after a meal, entertaining guests, studying overnight, and enjoying dates. Wooden box containing a coffee cup, in the 1910s Wouldn’t you like to have a cup of coffee right now? ABOUT INCHEON INCHEON IS
SONGDO GLOBAL CENTER http://global.ifez.go.kr Songdo GLOBAL CENTER NOW OPEN
The Songdo Global Center has opened to provide various services for foreigners in Songdo within the Incheon Free Economic Zone, such as information on transportation, tourism support and other necessary assistance.
Opened on April 28, 2011, the Global Center will serve as a board, and other fixtures as well as 400 books of 100 different channel for communication and exchanges with foreigners types, including scrapbooks (28 types), journals (10 titles), residing in the Incheon Free Economic Zone. periodicals (29 titles), pamphlets (25 topics), and CDs (9 sets). The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority opened the IFEZ In addition, the IFEZ Authority will appoint a goodwill Global Service Center, an oasis for foreigners, including ambassador from among the foreigners residing in the region to foreign-invested companies, in the Internet Cafe (7-50, Songdo- run the center with the IFEZ staff. dong; 124.5㎡) on the 1st floor of the Meet-You-All Tower. In order to celebrate the opening of the Global Service Center, Facilities provided at the center include a contact room, a the IFEZ will produce and distribute“ Dear IFEZ Expats”, a meeting place, and an information resource center, all promotional leaflet announcing the opening of the Center. designed to provide opportunities for communication and Starting with the opening ceremony on April 28, a SMS service exchanges with the foreign community. will be launched to provide local news in real time so as to The Global Service Center is fully equipped with various promote communication and exchange with the foreign amenities and materials including a visitor’s book, a suggestion community. box, book collections (two kinds), a pamphlet rack, a bulletin A suggestion box will be also available inside the Global MAY 2011. NO.09 22·23
Service Center in order to gather the opinions of foreign residents on any difficulties facing them and to conduct surveys. A Town Hall Meeting and an“ I LOVE IFEZ!”English essay contest for foreigners will also take place in May and September, respectively. As part of the integrated service and information service to promote convenience for foreign-invested firms and foreigners, IFEZ plans to operate an Information Resource Center at the Global Service Center, offer an interpretation service for foreigners in which 72 civil volunteers will participate, run a daily life information website for foreigners (global.ifez.go.kr) on a real-time basis, and publish an FAQ booklet so as to help foreigners resolve any difficulties they might face during their stay in the region. The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) has opened the Global Service Center website (global.ifez.go.kr) and posted the “Guidebook for Living in Korea” and the “Incheon Main Facility Phone/Website Directory” on it. The “Guidebook for Living in Korea” offers diverse foreigner- oriented information on civil and public support services, Korean stay and citizenship acquirement, living, transportation, pregnancy, childcare/nurturing, health, social security systems, and employment. The Incheon Main Facility Phone/Website Directory provides the contact numbers and websites of key institutions as well as of other major facilities related to Telephone Interpretation Service accommodation, housing, utility services, education, Service for Foreigners banking/finance, public transportation, driving, medication, A telephone interpretation service system is now up and broadcasting, shopping, food, tourism, and leisure. running for foreigners in Incheon Metropolitan City. The IFEZ global website, which aims to help foreign residents Since April, Incheon has offered telephone interpretation and companies enjoy a convenient living and business services in seven foreign languages to enhance convenience for foreigners in the region. The languages available through environment in Korea, provides information on living, culture, the service are English, Japanese, Chinese, German, French, and communication as well as maps on bus/subway lines and Spanish and Russian. The interpretation service is offered at the telephone numbers of principal institutions. Users can also five locations: the Mayor’s office, Information Desk, Citizen download 41 different official forms in 8 categories including Service Center, International Cooperation Division, and the housing from the website, and submit inquiries/suggestions Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee. When a foreigner using any of these seven languages places regarding the Korean living environment through the Q&A a call to City Hall, an operator connects the caller to the section and questionnaires. interpretation telephone service, and the foreigner, interpreter and relevant public official will be able to talk over the phone at the same time. With the interpretation service in place, foreigners can easily take care of their administrative affairs over the phone. ABOUT INCHEON INCHEON IS
HAPPY TO SHARE THE MOMENT WITH FRIENDS FOR LUNCH
At the beginning of the school year, Incheon Metropolitan City provided free meals to the students of 232 elementary schools in the Incheon area. Incheon City launched the free meal program with the hope that students will be able to feel healthy and animated with“ meals of love”without being marginalized. It is expected that the free meal program will support both parents and children, encouraging them to enjoy their daily lives.
1st day of free meals in school Aiming to provide free meals to all elementary Lunch time in Munhak Elementary School in Munhak-dong, schools this year Nam-gu, on March 2, the beginning of the school year. Lunch Incheon City, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, time is always welcomed by everybody. On this day, the and district offices have been providing free meals to 232 students appeared happy to meet new friends as the new elementary schools in the Incheon area from March 2. The school year began. They stood in a long line for meals and ate targets are all students in elementary schools in Dong-gu, Seo- together with their friends. Today’s menu was steamed multi- gu, and Ongjin-gun, and students from the third to sixth grades grain rice, young cabbage soybean soup, delicious curry, and in elementary schools in other districts. The plan is to provide stir-fried anchovies. The children really enjoyed the meal free meals to all elementary schools from the second half of without complaining about the dishes. Today, Incheon City this year. Mayor Song Young-gil also enjoyed the lunch while The city supports the unit cost of a meal per student up to KRW connecting with the students. It was just a meal, but it was also 2,000, spending KRW 57.2 billion on meals for students in the a great moment shared by everyone. third to sixth grades of elementary school this year. In addition, MAY 2011. NO.09 24·25
the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education supports necessary equipment expenses and labor costs for free meals. Moreover, Incheon City has taken the initiative in protecting the health of students by providing high quality agricultural products for these meals. Incheon City, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, and district offices pay the difference in the purchase prices between environmental- friendly ingredients and general ingredients, spending approximately KRW 3.72 billion for the participating childcare centers, kindergartens, and lementary/middle/high schools. The supported items include rice, Korean beef and eggs. Participants should abide by the following: they should provide low- pesticide, pesticide-free or organic rice grown within the city’s jurisdiction, as well as Korean beef certified above 2nd grade in quality that was raised within the jurisdiction of the city and antibiotic-free eggs that were also produced within the city’s jurisdiction.
Healthy meals for all children The city had previously covered the costs of school meals for the children of low-income families and for those on islands and in rural areas. While a good policy, it was thought to potentially alienate the children of low-income families in the process of supporting them. Accordingly, providing free meals is the key to making all children, teachers and parents happy. Free meals have been supported by many people. The civic meeting of Incheon School Meals, consisting of approximately 20 civic groups in the Incheon area, held the‘ Ceremony for the Declaration of the First Year of Incheon Environment-friendly Free Meals’in front of Incheon City Hall on the first day of free meal provision. They welcomed free meals, saying“ Providing free meals expands the area of welfare for citizens and it contributes to the success of compulsory education.”They went on to say,“ It is expected that free meals for elementary schools, which started this year, will be provided not only to middle school students but also daycare centers, kindergartens, and high schools.” Hopefully, providing free meals made from high quality agricultural products will safeguard the physical and mental health of children. PEOPLE SIMEUN JEON JEONG-WOO
CHEONJAMUN (1,000-Character Classic) CONTAINING THE TRUTHS OF THE SKY AND EARTH MAY 2011. NO.09 26·27
Every character appears strong, clear, vivid and distinctively dynamic. It is a marvel beyond wonder. Calligrapher Simeun Jeon Jeong-woo completed writing 600 characters in 118 styles while leading a reclusive life reminiscent of Zen. He penned every character in the spirit of historic calligraphers including Kim Jeong-hui, Wang Xizhi, Ouyang Sun and Yan Zhenqing. The characters contain the truths of the sky, the earth, the Sun and the moon.
Characters Written like Flowing Clouds All the characters were written on white paper with the elaboration of calligraphy brushes. Every stroke in the characters contains true techniques and reasons. However, scholars today have stopped writing such characters. Simeun is one of the few who still follow the traditions of calligraphy. He quickly climbed the corporate ladder as an executive officer at a large company in Korea, but chose to become a calligrapher at a crossroads in his life. Since then, he has received awards in the 1987 Donga Art Festival and the Grand Art Exhibition Korea, and has become famous as a calligrapher. The phrase ‘赤誠報仁 (pronounced Jeok Seong Bo In)’, which means ‘work for Incheon with all efforts for its citizens,’ was written by Simeun. PEOPLE SIMEUN JEON JEONG-WOO
Following my heart and the rich smell of ink, I took the road to Ganghwa to see him. I finally saw the Simeun Art Museum after crossing the Ganghwa Bridge and driving along a quiet road. He was born and raised in Ganghwa and renovated the Ganghu Elementary School as a museum because he lamented the school’s disappearance. Ten years have passed since the museum opened, and he loves it as much as he loves his hometown. Sculptures reflecting his delicate emotions are scattered on the playground and among the trees and grass surrounding the art museum, offering repose to visitors. I saw the school bearing the sign ‘Simeun Art Museum’ on its gate as I approached on foot. The writing on the sign proffered simple and comforting feelings like flowing clouds and streams. I had come here to see him.
Breathtaking 1,000-Character Classic in 118 Styles Every calligrapher wants to pen a classic. However, not everyone can do it. It requires superhuman persistence as well as genius to scribe all the characters in different styles to create art. That is why Zhao Mengfu in the Yuan Dynasty left 6 styles, Wen Zhengming in the Ming Dynasty left 4 styles, Ouyang Xun in the Tang Dynasty 3 styles, and Han Seok-bong MAY 2011. NO.09 28·29
that he forgot such things due to the emotional thrills he experienced while writing the characters. Self-aggrandizement was not the reason why he has worked so hard to pursue fame as an artist. It was because he worries that few people currently know Chinese characters and they forget the noble and upright soul in the characters. He wants to pass all of this to subsequent generations. “All Korean and Chinese characters are ours because we have used them for a long time and learned wisdom and lessons from them. I just made the works, but they are not mine. I hope my works can pave the road for the rediscovery of the 1,000- Character Classic today and promote Korean culture worldwide.” However, this enthusiasm cannot overcome the hurdles of real life. The site and the building are small, and the museum can post only up to 30 works. Even worse, there are limitaions due to safety concerns. It would be very shameful not to view his genuine artwork with its strong, beautiful and elegant strokes. His hope in his life is to build Cheonjamun (1,000-character classic) Village and Cheonjamun Museum in Ganghwa to in the Joseon Dynasty left 2 styles. But Simeun wrote 600 promote the classics and elevate Korea’s image. Ahead of the characters in 118 styles. He used the forms of famous Asian Games Incheon 2014, we need to consider his calligraphers like Kim Jeong-hui, Wang Xichi and Ouyang willingness to show such things to the world. Xun, as well as inscriptions on bones and Hangeul and gave them life. His works are an epic with techniques from three thousand years of calligraphy. It takes one’s breath away in its majesty. It requires a painstaking process as well as an understanding of present and past world views to write 1,000 characters, especially inscriptions with only tens of letters. Simeun drew upon the intention of writers, understood structures and made them his own. Finally, he completed the 600 characters in 118 styles after 6 years of painstaking labor. “I thought I died after finishing my work. I was born again. I will make my own way with the experience gained from writing every character,”he said. If life is a road one takes to its end, the road of art is one that goes on to the horizon, and there is no end for an artist.
Simeun’s Works are Incheon’s Treasure He set out to leave just 5 styles in his life, and he has reached this point today. People say life is filled with pain, but he says NEWS
May 2011 | No.09
Congratulations on the New Baby! Incheon provides childbirth subsidies for the third child
On January 1, 2011, a precious new life joined the family of Mr. Lim Hyung-jun and Son Mi-kyung. The couple, who were already the parents of two children, aged three and six, had their third baby on the first day of the New Year. The birth of the third child to this couple is even more meaningful in Korean society since it comes at a time when most couples tend to have no children or only a single child - a stark contrast to the past when Korea had a birth control policy. Incheon Metropolitan City has set out to provide support to families with multiple children such as this couple. Incheon Metropolitan City Mayor Song Young-Gil visited them on year, Incheon offers KRW 3 million to office and include a copy of their the 27th of last month, congratulated couples who have a third child or adopt a bankbook. them on their third baby, and delivered child. The eligibility for such incentives will In addition, Incheon offers various KRW 3 million in childbirth subsidies as be enhanced in phases - KRW 2 million for childcare benefits, such as free education part of Incheon’s efforts to encourage the second child from 2012, and KRW 1 from the third child onward, free school childbirth, while also sharing the joy of this million for the first child from 2013. meals for elementary school students, occasion at a time when Korea is To qualify for the incentives for a third and free essential vaccinations for struggling with a low birth rate. child, a couple should have been children under the age of three. Incheon Metropolitan City enacted the registered as residents of Incheon for Incheon’s diverse childbirth and childcare “Incheon Metropolitan Government more than one year and have the third policies will serve as substantial benefits Ordinance of Childbirth Subsidies” on child or adopt a child in 2011. To receive for its citizens, hopefully encouraging April 1 in order to provide childbirth the subsidies, qualifying couples should more families to have children and thus subsidies to eligible families. Starting this file an application with their local district help increase the birth rate in Korea. MAY 2011. NO.09 30·31
Global Model UN Conference to be held in Songdo in August To be attended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and 600 university students from around the world
Incheon Metropolitan City and the United General Ban Ki-Moon, the Nations will jointly hold the 3rd Global President of the World Model UN Conference (GMUN) with its Federation of United theme of“ Sustainable development: Nations Associations, Advancing human progress in harmony with presidents of various nature”at Songdo ConvensiA in the Songdo UN organizations, and Business District from August 10 through ambassadors to Korea. 14, 2011. Incheon Metropolitan City Officially hosted by the UN, the first GMUN will invite university was held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2009; the students from troubled regions and less- observe the conference. In addition, a second conference took place in Kuala developed nations as special guests. The performance will be held and promotional Lumpur, Malaysia in 2010. participating students will give keynote booths operated in connection with the Approximately 1,200 people are expected to speeches on various international issues, Asian Games Incheon 2014. One official take part in the conference: approximately participate in discussions following UN from Incheon Metropolitan City said, 600 university students from around the parliamentary procedures, and finally adopt “Incheon will strive to promote Korea and world, aged 18 to 26, along with resolutions with action plans. Incheon through this event in which approximately 100 distinguished guests, Incheon will also arrange a meeting university students from around the world general participants, and domestic and between the GMUN participant students will gather in one place, while also foreign journalists. and Korean university students, while promoting the image of Incheon as an Among the VIP guests are UN Secretary- allowing high school students in Incheon to international city.”
Incubating Venture Companies
Incheon is incubating venture companies incubator in Korea which supports funds with the first generation of such to start-ups in the software and the companies representing Korea. The city Internet service businesses, training and signed an agreement with Primer, the management until they are on track. venture incubator, on May 2 to jointly Incheon City plans to establish the develop technologies and knowledge Jemulpo Smart Town on the site of the enforcing intellectual property rights services for potential venture start-ups former head office of the University of (IPR). Primer then selects excellent and to provide training. Incheon at Jemulpo in Dohwa-dong, teams and assists them with obtaining Primer is a venture company established Nam-gu to provide space for 75 potential financial supports and helping expand in 2009 by four entrepreneurs: Internet venture company founders including 50 in their businesses overseas. portal Daum founder Lee Jae-yong, the venture and technology fields and 25 Potential start-ups which want to open Neowiz founder Chang Byung-kyu (CEO in knowledge services. their businesses in the city are eligible for of Bon Angels), Initech founder Kwon Do- The company forms teams of 8 members this support, particularly young people kyun, and NComputing founder Song and provides a total of 64 hours training born and raised in Incheon and those Young-kil. It is the biggest venture including establishing companies and from multicultural families. NEWS
Incheon reborn as a ‘City of Beauty’
Beautiful spring makeup is coming along are about sixty underground and Port, the cosmetics companies in the city with the spring air to win women’s hearts. traditional markets scattered across can quickly read the trends of the As the symbol of beauty and confidence, Incheon. The city also has many markets industry, securing raw materials as well cosmetics are loved by women and relating to the raw materials of cosmetics, as exporting end products swiftly. Incheon cherished as a close friend. According to as it has one of the five greatest mudflats also has a well-developed infrastructure data provided by the Korea Cosmetics in the world, abundant marine algae, for the cosmetics industry, such as R&D Association, Incheon has the most Ganghwa Ginseng, excellent wormwood, companies for raw materials, companies cosmetics companies, with 85 (17%) of the and so on. manufacturing containers, research labs, 500 companies in Korea represented The reason why Incheon has such an etc. The cosmetics industry of Incheon here. There are also 4,428 beauty and advanced cosmetics industry is because can also enjoy the benefit of being cosmetics-related companies in the city. the city is near the huge market of the connected to the bio industry, which is the Adding companies connected with the raw metropolitan area. Incheon also benefits regional strategic industry of Incheon. materials of cosmetics, containers and from its close proximity to Seoul in terms Given the merits mentioned above, many packaging, and design, the annual volume of the large volume of competent cosmetics companies have recently of manufacture related to cosmetics in manpower which is available. Through begun moving to Incheon or starting up the city is about one trillion KRW. There Incheon International Airport and Incheon new businesses in the city.
Learn science through games! Korea’s first children’s science center opened on May 1st
Korea’s first children’s science center, was built by the city on an area of 21,600㎡. halls, a 4D theatre, a children’s library and focusing on the experience of children, The center has a basement and three an assembly hall. A rooftop performance opened at Bangchuk-dong, Gyeyang-gu stories, and a total floor area of 15,000㎡. stage, outdoor exhibition space and other on May 1st. With a budget of KRW 66.6 Inside the center, there are exhibition convenient facilities are located outside billion, Incheon Children Science Museum halls for different ages, project exhibition the center. The motto of Incheon Children Science Museum is ‘Moving Children’s hearts,’ reflecting the center’s aim of opening the closed minds of children and allowing them to display their precious dreams as much as they like. Most of the facilities inside the center are experiential, allowing children to experience science and think independently. The center also has colorful games and amusements to allow children to become more familiar with science and study in a natural way. MAY 2011. NO.09 32·33
Appointment of 2014 Incheon Asian Games Supporters
To promote the successful hosting of the of which are public officials), the Asian Games Incheon 2014, Incheon ceremony continued with the entry of the Metropolitan City held a ceremony to flags of the Olympic Council of Asia, the appoint assistants for the Incheon Asian presentation of letters of appointment, Games Supporters in the auditorium of the reading of the poem“ Our Pledge”, a Incheon Lifelong Education Center on performance wishing for success, and a April 14. The assistants were recruited special lecture. After presenting the from among public officials who will letters of appointment to the supporter provide help to the public supporters. In assistants, Incheon Metropolitan City all, 1,024 public officials were recruited Mayor Song Young-Gil said that the 2014 from district offices, based on their Incheon Asia Games will serve as an command of foreign languages, length of opportunity for Incheon to grow as a time spent in foreign countries, level of global city by promoting its image as a foreign language training, or those having dynamic city, and that the affection and supporters group, ultimately leading to relatives overseas. passion of the assistants will elevate the the successful hosting of the Incheon Starting with a congratulatory concert by spirit of the civil supporters and help Asian Games. the Gongmusuhaeng Band (the members ensure the smooth management of the
Incheon Songdo IBD POP CON City ‘Character Sooda Exhibition’
It’s April and spring is in full effect! If you animation characters as symbols of drawing pictures, writing letters to loved are planning a family picnic, check out the happiness along with messages from ones, and face painting with their favorite Pop Con City in Songdo IBD of Incheon. each character, and also offers various characters. These activity programs will It’s a perfect choice where children can experiential programs so that children truly satisfy children’s curiosity and meet their favorite animation characters can develop their inner sensitivity. develop their imagination and creativity. for free! Children can read picture books, watch The free “Character Sooda Exhibition” animations of popular will be held by the Incheon Tourism characters - including Organization for 82 days from April 6 Pucca, Mifi, Cocomong, (Wednesday) through June 26 (Sunday) in and Vroomiz - take Pop Con City within the Songdo IBD. The pictures with their exhibition displays popular animation favorite characters characters for free, such as Pucca, Mifi, and play freely. Cart Rider, Cocomong, Vroomiz, Maple Moreover, they can Story, and Barnacle Lou. also participate in Designed as an active art project, the various programs - exhibition features globally popular playing with blocks, INCHEON FOOD KKOTGE-TANG(BLUE CRAB STEW)
SOFT SUCCULENT CRAB MEAT, THE Taste of Spring
It’s spring. It’s already in the air. Who doesn’t enjoy spring’s Another difference between then and now is that then the blue beautiful moments? Spring is the beginning of a colorful, crabs were caught mainly off the coast of Songdo in waters nutrient-rich abundance of produce. Fresh vegetables, which were subsequently reclaimed and built upon. aromatic herbs, and seasonal seafood. Let’s enjoy the taste of Consequently, today’s blue crabs are caught as far away as spring and savor every mouthful. Daecheongdo, Baengnyeongdo, and Yeonpyeongdo islands. Spring is also“ kkotge,”or blue crab, season. Many visitors, Blue crabs are typically caught from April until the end of from Songdo Resort to The Memorial Hall for Incheon Landing October. Blue king crabs caught before spawning, between Operation, from Seoul, and from other metropolitan areas, April and June, are the best quality and taste great. These days, come just to enjoy the blue crab. it is possible to taste blue crabs anytime of year, but like There are ten or so restaurants specializing primarily in kkotge- anything else, blue crabs are tastiest in season. tang stew on Songdo Kkotge Street. The street came about 20 No matter how blue crabs are cooked, steamed or stewed, you years ago when crab vendors moved their crab carts from the can enjoy their deep natural flavors. There are several ways to rotary in front of Songdo Resort to this street. Most prepare them. One favorite recipe for kkotke-tang stew “restaurants”at the time were actually these crab carts. involves boiling the crabs in a simple broth of clams, small MAY 2011. NO.09 34·35
pieces of kelp, garlic and shallots. Other stew recipes do more to spice things up and add some heat. Or you can always enjoy the succulent meat straight out of the shell. The Incheon City and the central government have taken the lead in promoting West Sea blue crab. The City plans to support all areas of the crab industry, including its farming, processing, and distribution, and it even plans to designate Yeonpyeongdo Island as a“ Kkotge Cluster.”
Tip : Blue crabs are rich in protein and low in fat, which make them tasty and easy to digest. Moreover, because of their glycine and taurine, blue crabs go well with other foods. Blue crabs have a triangle on their stomachs. If the triangle is thin and sharp, the crab is male. If it is rounded and large, it is female. Fresh crabs are heavy and their legs do not separate when held.
NOTE Ingredients : 2 blue crabs, scallions, mashed garlic, onions, potatoes, crown daisy, squash, soybean paste, red 1⃞ Blue crabs are in pepper paste, red pepper powder, kimchi, meat broth with season twice a year, small pieces of kelp and mixed vegetables between March and June, and between How to cook September and December. The female 1 Get two female crabs - (note: if the triangle on its crab, before spawning in stomach is sharp, it’s male, but if the triangle is spring, is very delicious rounded, it’s female) and highly nutritious. 2 Boil the meat broth (on high). When the water boils 2⃞ Blue crabs are rich in protein, low in fat, and hard, add soybean paste, red pepper paste, red pepper rich in taurine, good for the treatment of diabetes powder and mashed garlic, and bring to a boil again. and the improvement of liver function. It is 3 Add onions, scallions, potatoes and squash, and bring particularly good for women experiencing to a boil. Adding kimchi makes the soup soft , and generalized pain after childbirth, menstrual squash makes it sweet. When the water boils hard irregularity, or similar conditions. again, add the female crabs and boil again. Add crown daisy for its fragrance. FOREIGN VIEWPOINT SORAE FISH
Sorae Fish A SLICE OF THE OCEAN
The tradition of eating thinly cut raw fish was first introduced to Korea by the Chinese, a tradition that nearly disappeared when the Korean peninsula became deeply Buddhist. This period of vegetarianism lasted until the late Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). The eating of raw fish was to thrive forever more when the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) arrived, as Confucius was known to have enjoyed eating raw meat and fish. Today, more than ever, Korean people are passionate about seafood and it remains a massive part of their culinary repertoire. From the weird and wonderful to the dried and delicious, Incheon’s Sorae fishing port and Sorae Pogu Fish Market have as many sea creatures as you can shake a net at. By Nicholas Chaddock Professor, English Department of Inha University MAY 2011. NO.09 36·37
Despite the fact that the vast majority of in season from May to July, so right now the fish you will find in any Korean is the perfect time for a crab dinner. The seafood market is farmed, a meal of raw Korean Blue Crab may not be as big as fresh fish remains one of the most other species of crab such as the much- expensive meals out in Korea and is hyped King Crab, but what it lacks in often reserved for special occasions such size it more than makes up for in taste, as birthdays or anniversaries. with the female crabs being the most The four usual suspects found swimming sought after as they have roe in them. about in just about all of the tanks that The female crabs are usually displayed line the walkways of Sorae Pogu fish so you can see their glistening bright market are‘ Urok’(우럭),‘ Gwango’(광 orange eggs. If you buy your crabs and 어),‘ Doeme’(도미) and‘ Sungo’(숭어). take them to one of the many restaurants These fish are the most popular raw fish at the back of the market you can get 1 options and will be expertly gutted, them steamed and you may even get
cleaned and sliced right in front of your served Blue Crab raw as a side dish; be 1. Soju, oysters eyes once you’ve selected your fish and brave and give it a go! It is basically crab and raw fish sat outside at Sorae agreed a price.‘ Urok’are the smaller marinated in anchovy stock, soy sauce, Fish Market ugly looking dark coloured Rock Fish, garlic and spices. 2. Sea Cucumber
these are my favourite and in my Whatever you buy at the fish market you 3. Fish drying next to Sorae’s opinion the meatiest of the four. The have three different options after your fishing boats Koreans seem to prefer the softer, purchase. You can take your catch
creamier tasting‘ Gwango’, which is the away, take it to one of the restaurants, or 2 larger brown coloured flat fish called if you have fish, sit out at the front of the Olive Flounder or Bastard Halibut in market next to the boats and eat it in the English. The usually more expensive open, soaking up the atmosphere of the ‘Doeme’is a beautiful looking pink market. The latter option isn’t for the coloured Bream that is very delicious. feint hearted as the market can be noisy, ‘Sungo’is silver coloured with a nice busy and smelly at times! However, the shape but is my least favourite of the friendly groups of Koreans sat eating and four, and is called Grey Mullet in drinking around you will certainly English. All of the fish are thinly sliced make for an entertaining time. Spring and eaten dipped in either spicy chilli temperatures are perfect for a visit to sauce or wasabi mixed with soy sauce, Sorae Pogu Fish Market. So once you’ve then wrapped up in either lettuce or selected your fish, if you sit down with a Perilla leaves, known in Korea as friend and enjoy a bottle of Soju, Korea’s sesame leaves. favourite firewater and an excellent Fish is by no means the only option at accompaniment to raw fish, you’ll be the Sorae fish market. Shellfish, shrimp, rewarded with a most enjoyable squid, octopus and almost anything else afternoon feasting in the spring that lives under the sea, including sunshine. creatures you’ve probably never seen before, are available to eat. Blue crab is 3 INFORMATION
in Incheon Now
Exciting Folk Music Festival - Incheon Bupyeong Pungmul Festival The Bupyeong Pungmul Festival, designated as one of the representative street festivals of Korea by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is a local festival in which the residents of Incheon get together, eat, and have fun while enjoying the traditional folk music of Korean farmers. When: From May 25 to 29 Where: Culture Street, Bupyeong Station
Reconciliation & Communication among Local Residents - Hwadojin Festival Since the 1990s, the Hwadojin Festival in Dong-gu, the former downtown of Incheon, has been a venue for local communication and reconciliation. It commemorates Hwadojin, which was established as an artillery field in the late Joseon period, and preserves the values of traditional culture. From a small village festival, it has grown to become a representative local festival, and features a parade as well as reproductions of traditional events. When: May 13 to 14 Where: Across Hwadojin Park
「Incheon Now」, Incheon’s English public promotion publication, is inviting articles written by its readers. In preparation for the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Incheon Metropolitan City is actively conducting a diverse range of policy measures in order to promote the name and status of Incheon across the globe. Incheon City is making every effort to make a better Incheon in which all citizens can enjoy a world-class convenient and comfort living environment and open communication. We invite you to send us your articles reflecting your feelings and experiences of living in Incheon, as well as your recommendations and suggestions for the future development of Incheon. Every manuscript received will be used as valuable data for the development of Incheon and 「Incheon Now」.
★Subject matter: Any theme or topic related to life in Incheon, including recommendations and suggestions for the development of Incheon. ★Article length : half a side of A4 paper (4 pieces of 200-letter paper) ★Deadline : On the 10th day of every month ★Address: #29(1138 Guwol-dong) Jeongak Street, Namdong-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City - New Media Team of Spokesman’s Office, Incheon City Hall ★Email : [email protected] ★TEL : +82-32-440-8302 ★Fax : +82-32-440-8622
Samsung Invests KRW 2 Trillion in Songdo Bio Complex
Samsung believes in the investment potential and value of Songdo, Incheon. Incheon Songdo and Samsung have laid a firm foundation, propelling the growth of Songdo as a renowned international business city. Songdo and all the residents of Incheon offer their congratulations on the entry of Samsung Biopharmaceutical into Songdo.