august 2012 #126

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

On The Cover:Gwangju World Music Festival

Freedom WritersThe Art of Graffiti

Celebrating MulticulturalismThe Story of Two Families

August 2012Issue No. 126

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Gwangju News August 20122

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features regulars

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Local NewsThis Month in GwangjuBy Carl Hedinger

Upcoming Events

PreviewGIC Tour: YeonggwangBy Warren Parsons

Photo Contest

Photo EssayBy Gabriel Ward

Home Pages

CultureEating Apples at NightBy Stephen Redeker

Language StudyLetters to KOTESOLBy Dr. Dave Shaffer

Language Study The Connective ‘‘((아아//어어//여여))야야 되되다다//하하다다))’’must, have toBy Jung Soo-a

LiteratureSelected Poems by Lee Si-youngTranslated by Song Chae-pyong and Anne Rashid

FashionFash-on with xxl jjdp: The Life AquaticBy jjdp

Food and DrinkJinos GardenBy Gabriel Ward

Food and DrinkRed Bean SherbertBy Kim Jiwon

Community Board

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FeatureThe Freedom WritersBy Julian Warmington

FeatureGwangju World Music Festival – A PreviewBy Doug Stuber

MusicFeed the BoatsBy Maeve Storey

ArtGwangju Museum of ArtBy Adam Hogue

ArtHow the Art World Works, 101Staff Report

CommunityMulticultural Families in GwangjuBy BreeAnn Cowger

CommunityThe Beauty of Diversity

MusicIn the Groove: The Search for Jazz in GwangjuBy Maeve Storey

EnvironmentFukushima: A Tsunami of Radioactive Seafood?By Matt Furlane

EnvironmentEndangered Species in KoreaBy Rachel Redfern

CultureSwastikas: The Wheels of TimeBy C. Adam Volle

CommunityThe Foreigner Next Door: Doaa GhareebBy Leigh Hellman

Contents

“ Gwangju News could not be as great as it is without the help of our

regular volunteers, and we’re always looking for new contributorsand proofreaders.

We invite you to join us!

”

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5Gwangju News August 2012

THE EDITORIAL TEAM

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Gwangju News is a monthly English magazine written and editedby volunteers. We welcome your contributions for proofreading,copy editing, administration, layout/design and distribution. Pleasewrite to [email protected] and tell us your area of interest.

Special thanks to the City of Gwangju andall of our sponsors.Copyright by the Gwangju International Center.All rights reserved. No part of this publicationcovered by this copyright may be reproduced inany form or by any means - graphic, electronic,mechanical, photocopying, recording orotherwise - without the written consent of thepublishers.

Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor([email protected]) regarding articles andissues. Articles and submissions may be edited forreasons of clarity or space.

Publisher: Shin Gyonggu

Editors: Seth Pevey, Kathleen Villadiego, Kim Minsu

Online Editor: Caitlin Jacobs

Assistant Editor: Stephen Redeker

Copy Editors: Kathleen Villadiego, Darren Bean, Bradley Weiss,

Jon Ozelton

Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Jung Jayeon

Layout Designer: Karina Prananto

Online Technical Manager: Carl Hedinger

Proofreaders: Jon Ozelton, Pete Schandall, Gina Covert, Daniel

Lister, Lindsey Andrews, Andrew Sweeney, Eva Ryan

Researchers: Kim Jiwon, Kim Wooyeon, Hwang Yeongwook,

Kim Wheewon

Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International CenterAddress: Jeon-il Building 5F, Geumnam-no 1-1,

Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, South Korea

Phone: +82-62-226-2733~4

Fax: +82-62-226-2731

Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Registration No.: 광주광역시라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315)

Registration Date: February 22, 2010

Printed by Logos (Phone +82-62-444-8800)

Publication Date: July 26, 2012

August 2012

32In the Groove

ON THE COVERCover Photo: Gwangju World Music Festival, celebrating the cultures of the world. This musicfestival symbolize the rich artistic and musical background of Gwangju.Photograph: Courtesy of Gwangju World Music Festival

Read the full article on page 16

Photo edited for layout purposes

40The Swastika Symbol

Photo by Christian Oey

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Rachel Redfern (USA, Writer) is originally from Sacramento, California and haslived in South Korea for a year now. In 2010 she received her masters in EnglishLiterature, specializing in modern American literature and film. She is a regularcontributor on feminist issues at Not Another Wave as well as movie reviews forBitch Flicks. She also enjoys participating in creative writing workshops (inwhatever might be her current community), while continuing to work on her owncreative writing endeavors. However, all of these talents pale in comparison toher ability to eat Toblerone bars and watch HBO.

Our Contributors

Carl Hedinger (USA, Writer & Gwangju News Website Administrator)Since moving to Korea in 2011, Carl has lived in Gwangju and is now residing inJinju (Gyeongsangnam-do). While he has been writing the Gwangju News’monthly roundup since May of this year, he has been the Gwangju News OnlineSite Administrator since its launch in February. Carl lived in a few different placesin the U.S. but claims to be from West Virginia since it was his most recent home.When not working on the GNO website, Carl enjoys reading, writing, running,hiking and traveling throughout beautiful Korea with his lovely girlfriend.

Adam Hogue (USA, Writer) is a straight-up Democrat from Rhode Island.He is a 2011 graduate of Keene State College. He enjoys writing, hiking,making visual art, reading, traveling and connecting with others; a senseof humor is key. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance has recentlyrocked his world. Adam has been teaching English in Gwangju for thepast year. While backpacking and learning Korean, Adam hopes to oneday be a published author. He is a contributing writer to Policy Mic(www.policymic.com), and an editor and contributor for Student at Large(www.studentatlarge.net). He also keeps a travel blog - Kimchi Chronicles(www.kimchichronicles.tumblr.com), and maintains a creative writingblog called Cold Soup (www.coldsoupy.tumblr.com)


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Gwangju News August 2012 7

A brief roundup of news stories from in and around Gwangju

By Carl Hedinger

Robots Upon UsHave a passion for technology and the advanceshumankind is making in robotics? Then the 14thAnnual Robot Olympiad, which starts in early August,is your summer destination. The Olympiad is thebiggest robot festival in Korea and will be held at thealways busy Kimdaejung Convention Center fromAugust 6 - 11. The festival intends to generate a newtechnology market and enhance Gwangju’s imageas an advanced scientific and technological city.Feel free to check out some of the many interestingcompetitions including “Robot Survival” as well as a“Robot Movie”. A full lineup of 12 events each day ison the docket, so don’t miss out on all the fun!

Great Volunteer OpportunityThe Kimdaejung Convention Center will be filled laterthis month with the arrival of the 2012 Asia CultureForum. The three-day event will run from August 20 -22 and Gwangju Cultural Foundation is recruitingparticipants and volunteers for the 1st Asian YouthCulture Festival.

Participants will take part in the Asia Culture Forumand “Asian Night” among other functions and will beprovided with accommodation, a commemorative T-shirt, as well as a souvenir to take home. Anyone (yes,foreigners too!) between the ages of 18 and 40 canapply. Those who are selected wil l serve asinterpreters and help with advertising and supportingthe festival. People who wish to take part candownload the application form from the Asia CultureForum’s homepage (www.asiaforum.or.kr) orGwangju Culture Center’s homepage(www.gjcf.or.kr) and submit it by e-mail.

Friend’s DayCue the Golden Girls’ theme. We all know about thefamily-themed holidays in Korea: Children’s Day,Parent’s Day, etc. But does anybody recall Friend’sDay? A local school in Gwangju and nine schools inMokpo recently tried to remind students thatfriendship is truly important and valuable to peoplethroughout the world. The elementary school –affiliated with Gwangju National University – heldFriend’s Day as a means to raise awareness of schoolviolence. Among the many activities held, studentsparticipated in writing friendly letters, drawing afriend’s face, and even washing their friend’s feet.Interestingly enough, students were not the onlyparticipants in Friend’s Day. Teachers also took part to

show camaraderie with the children. The event’ssuccess convinced the Gwangju school’s principal toproclaim that Friend’s Day will become an annualevent “from now on”.

Geumnamro Changes UpcomingAccording to a report coming from Mayor Kang’soffice, a portion of Gwangju’s Geumnamro 4-ga will betransformed into a square. The city announced a planto make a square named “5.18 Democracy” or “GreenSquare”. This was one of the many ideas which cameout of a meeting between the Mayor and 30 officialsfrom the 5.18 Memorial Foundation and environmentalorganizations. The main plan will be to remove asphaltfrom the street from the old city hall to Geumnamro 4-ga and turn it into a massive grass square. It will becontoured to look like a Y-shaped flame. While thesquare will obviously serve as a good place for citizensto take a rest, this “flame” will embody the spirit and fireof democracy which is so important to the people ofGwangju. Stay tuned for more information becausethere have been no concrete dates set for this initiativeto begin.

Mudeungsan Changes its Status to “National”Gwangju’s Mudeung Mountain was in the news for tworeasons last month. A ceremony was held for scholarPark Sun Hong who donated intellectual rights of hisworks “Mudeungsan” (a history of the mountain) and“Gwangju: One Hundred Years” to the GwangjuCultural Foundation. Park was born in Gwangju in 1926and always possessed an outstanding passion forpreserving Mudeungsan. His hopes and wishes forkeeping the mountain an environmental sanctuarywere answered recently. According to recentdevelopments, Mudeung’s status is expected tochange from Provincial to National Park. According tothe most recent tally by City Hall and the Ministry of theEnvironment, over 6.5 million people visited MudeungMountain in 2010. Based on that data, Mudeung wasthe 2nd most visited mountain after Bukhan Mountainin Seoul (8.5 million). In addition to its beautiful peaksand easily accessible trails, Mudeung hosts anexcellent ecosystem consisting of 11 endangeredspecies and 2,296 species of animals and plants.Mudeung was originally listed as a Provincial Park in1972, so these changes do not happen often.

This Month in Gwangju

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Upcoming Events

Café de Flore 카카페페 드드 플플로로르르Genre: Drama, RomanceStarring: Vanessa Paradis, Kevin ParentLanguage: FrenchSynopsis: This film is about man and woman's fateful love.Though they live in different places and times, they areconnected mysteriously. They feel every kind of emotionrelated to love like joy, tragedy and forgiveness.

Marley 말말리리Genre: Documentary, MusicStarring: Bob Marley, Ziggy MarleyLanguage: EnglishSynopsis: This movie is about Bob Marley, the legendaryreggae musician. The director of this movie visits somepeople who knew Bob Marley well and listens to thesecret stories about his life.

Honokaa Boy 하하와와이이언언 레레시시피피Genre: DramaStarring: Masaki Okada, Jun HasegawaCountry: JapanSynopsis: A boy who visits Honokaa, a village on the northside of Hawaii, has a quarrel with his girlfriend and theysplit up. He visits Honokaa again, works in a small theaterand becomes familiar with odd villagers. Then one daythe boy falls in love with a beautiful and exotic girlnamed Mariah.

Memories of My Melancholy Whores 내내 슬슬픈픈 창창녀녀들들의의 추추억억Genre: RomanceStarring: Emilio Echevarria, Geraldine ChaplinLanguage: SpanishSynopsis: 90-year-old reporter El Sabio, who often consortswith prostitutes, loved his mother so much when he wasyoung that he has never loved another girl as deeply.

A Sad Trumpet Ballad 광광대대를를 위위한한 슬슬픈픈 발발라라드드Genre: Action, Comedy, DramaStarring: Antonio de la Torre, Carlos ArecesLanguage: SpanishSynopsis: It is 1937 and the circus in Madrid is full of

Contributors: Kim Jiwon, Kim Wooyeon, Hwang Yeongwook (GIC Gwangju News Team), Kim Wheewon

Movies @ Gwangju TheaterAddress: Chungjangro 5-ga (two blocks behind Migliore)Phone: 062-224-5858Films change weekly to bi-weekly. Check online for more movies, schedules and prices. For more info: http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju (Korean)

people and excited children. Suddenly, a group of soldiersinvade and threaten them all. After that, the innocentperformers of the circus are drawn into a war.

Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea 22001122 여여수수세세계계박박람람회회Venue: New Port Area (여수신항일대 ), Yeosu City,Jeollanam-doDate: May 12 – August 12Admission fee:General admission: Adults - 33,000 won, Youth - 25,000won, Children/ Senior - 19,000 wonExtra charged admission for special days (August 10-12):Adults - 40,000 won, Youth - 30,000 won, Children/ Senior -23,000 won Phone: 1577-2012For more information: http://eng.expo2012.kr/

Gwangju Alive Gallery 광광주주 살살아아있있는는 미미술술관관Location: Gwangju Culture Art Center (Annex Exhibit Hall)Date: until December 31, 2013Admission: 13,000 won for 14 years old and over / 11,000won for 13 years old and underPhone: 1544-0412For more information: www.alive-gallery.com

Children's Picture Book, Happy Imagination 어어린린이이 그그림림책책전전 ((행행복복한한 상상상상))Location: Gwangju Museum of ArtDate: Until October 14Admission: 500 wonPhone: 062-613-7100For more information: www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

Eternal Smile Exhibition 원원한한 미미소소 작작품품전전__미미소소전전Location: U-Square Culture Center (Kumho Gallery 1st and2nd Hall)Date: August 30 – September 5

Exhibition

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Welcome to the August Edition about what’shappening and new at Holiday Inn Gwangju.

WELCOME!

Mr. Eddy WillenKitchen, Food &BeverageDirector, Holiday InnGwangju

A native of Belgium and the only European Chefin Gwangju, Eddy has worked in Vietnam, Florida,England, Ireland, France and Belgium. Eddy hasMr. Chris Kim working with him as Executive Chef.

As General Manager, my entire team arecommitted to producing the greatest Korean andmost authentic Western food possible. Eddy’s vastexperience brings a new dimension of foodquality and the ability for our young team of chefsto learn more about cuisine from other cultures.

ITALIAN CORNER – 10TH FLOOR CLOUD LOUNGE Commencing Wednesday August 1, Holiday InnGwangju will have a superb menu offeringauthentic Italian cuisine.

Choose from seven appetizers from 8,500 won,seven fresh pasta dishes from 17,500 won, threepizzas from 18,000 won and seven dessert choicesfrom 9,000 won.

Best wishes,Michael WilsonGeneral ManagerHoliday Inn [email protected]

This Month at Holiday Inn Gwangju

Admission: freePhone: 062-224-7220For more information: www.usquareculture.co.kr

1st Special Exhibition for 20th Anniversary of GwangjuMuseum of Art “Two Modernisms”광광주주시시립립미미술술관관 개개관관2200주주년년특특별별기기획획전전 11부부 -- 22개개의의 모모더더니니즘즘Location: Gwangju Museum of Art (Main building 1st, 2ndexhibit hall)Date: Until August 19Admission: 500 wonPhone: 062-613-7100For more information: www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

2nd Special Exhibition for 20th Anniversary of GwangjuMuseum of Art“Advance. Connection - Korean Modern Art after 1990”광광주주시시립립미미술술관관 개개관관2200주주년년특특별별기기획획전전 22부부 – 진진((進進))..통통((通通)).. 11999900년년대대이이후후 한한국국현현대대미미술술Location: Gwangju Museum of Art (Main building 3rd, 4thand 5th exhibit hall)Date: Until August 19Admission: 500 wonPhone: 062-613-7100For more information: www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

Picture Diaries Exhibition 그그림림일일기기,, 그그림림읽읽기기 展展Location: U-Square Culture Center (Keumho Gallery)Date: Until August 26Admission: 12,000 won for children (24 months-12 years old)/ 5,000 won for adultsPhone: 062-360-8436/8437For more information: www.usquareculture.co.kr

Special Exhibition for 2012 Gwangju Biennale “Desks are Desks.”22001122 광광주주비비엔엔날날레레 기기념념 특특별별전전““책책상상은은 책책상상이이다다””Location: Gwangju Museum of Art (Sangrok exhibit hall-1st,2nd floor exhibit hall)Date: August 28 – October 7Admission: 500 wonPhone: 062-613-7100For more information: www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr

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The 40th Gangjin Celadon Festival 제제4400회회 강강진진청청자자축축제제Date: July 28 – August 5Venue: The whole area of Goryeo Celadon PorcelainKilns, Daegu-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-doFeatures: exhibitions, performances, face painting,carving celadon, traditional marriage ceremoniesDirections: Take the bus to Gangjin from U-square, transferto a bus going to Maryang, GangjinFor more information, go to: www.gangjinfes.or.kr

Gwangyang Art Circus Festival 광광양양 아아트트서서커커스스 페페스스티티벌벌Date: May 12 – August 12Venue: back end of the International Passenger Terminalof Gwangyang-hang (광양항 국제여객터미널 뒤편 )Performances – Diavolo (date: 6.29 - 7.15) , Elemental(date: 7.19 - 8.12), Journey to the West (date: 7.6 - 08.12)Directions: Take the bus to Gwangyang-hang from U-square, take local bus (31, 33, 34, 88, 99, 99-1, 999 stops atthe place) or taxi.For more information: www.circusfestival.co.kr

Jeongnamjin Water Festival 정정남남진진 물물축축제제Date: July 27 – August 2Activities: fishingFeatures: play about the environment, photo contest,Chinese acrobatics Directions: Take the bus to Jangheung from U-square,transfer to a bus going to JangheungFor more information: www.jhwater.kr

Festivals

Audacious Romance– The first shot of the comedy project Kim Sooro발발칙칙한한 로로맨맨스스 -- 김김수수로로의의 코코미미디디 프프로로젝젝트트 제제 11탄탄

Venue : Dongsan Art Hall, Gwangju U-Square (광주 유스퀘어 동산아트홀)Date: July 20 – August 19Time: Tuesday – Friday 7:30 p.m. / Saturday and Holidays,3 p.m. and 7 p.m. / Sunday 3 p.m.Admission: Seat R 25,000 wonPhone: 062-360-8437

Gwangju Symphony Orchestra - The 277th Regular Concert광광주주시시립립교교향향악악단단 제제 227777회회 정정기기 연연주주회회Venue: Grand Theater, Gwangju Culture and Art Center(광주문화예술회관 대극장)Date: August 30Time: 7:30 p.m.Admission: Seat R 30,000 won / S 20,000 won / A 10,000wonYouth passes and foreign worker discounts available.Phone: 062-524-0586

Noreummachi’s Communication Concert노노름름마마치치 소소통통 콘콘서서트트Venue: Grand Theater, Gwangju Culture and Art Center(광주문화예술회관 대극장)Date: August 30Time: 7:30 p.m.Admission: Seat R 20,000 won / S 10,000 won Discounts for multicultural families and families with two ormore children. Noreummachi is a Korean traditional music performancegroup. They deliver Korean traditional music in their owncreative way.

Performance

Sports

KIA Tigers Baseball TeamAugust Match Schedule

Date

7 - 910 - 12

21 - 2331

Vs.

NexenLotte

LGSK

Time

6:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.

11,12: 5 p.m.6:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.

Venue: Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium (무등경기장)Directions: Buses 16, 38, 51, 53, 58, 89, 95, 98, 151 get offat Mudeung Stadium bus stopTicket Price: Adults 7,000 - 13,000 won; Students (13 -18): 4,000 - 9,000 won; Children (under 13: 2,000 - 6,000won)Website: www.tigers.co.kr

Gwangju FC Soccer Team August Match Schedule

Venue: Gwangju World Cup Stadium (광주월드컵경기장)Directions: Buses 6, 16, 20, 26, 47, 74 get off at GwangjuWorld Cup StadiumTicket Price: VIP 10,000 won, GOLD 5,000 won(if you buy a ticket on the website, 10% discount)Website: www.gwangjufc.com

Date4818

Vs.Busan I-Park

Sangju SangmuDaejeon Citizens

Time7 p.m.8 p.m.7 p.m.

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Time & Place: Every Saturday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., GIC office (Jeon-il Bldg 5th Fl.) For more information visit www.gic.or.kr or contact [email protected] out pictures from previous GIC Talks http://picasaweb.google.com/gictalkWatch highlight clips of previous GIC Talks at www.youtube.com/GICTALK

August 4Topic: The Importance of MythologySpeaker: David Mark Dannov (USA)“It’s raining cats and dogs”, is a very famous Americansaying or metaphor. When read as a literal sentence, itdoesn’t make sense, as you picture cats and dogs fallingfrom the sky. When seen as a metaphor, the sentencebecomes clear, colorful, imaginative. “It’s raining catsand dogs”, meaning, it’s raining very hard. Being able tounderstand metaphors gives a new power that canboost self-esteem and help you find your bliss in life. From Moby Dick to Star Wars to the Matrix to Men in Blackto the Bible, there are many metaphors to be had. I willplay clips from movies and documentaries and usephotographs to help me discuss many of thesemetaphors and their meanings in order to shed light on asubject that is often times controversial or taboo.

August 11Topic: Camp Fulbright and its Expanding Mission forCross-Cultural EducationSpeaker: Noelle Easterday (USA)Would you like to spend your summer playing games,developing leadership, building friendships and meetingpeople from around the world, all in English? Then CampFulbright is the place for you! Camp Fulbright is a two-weeklong English immersion program for Korean students(grades 5-10). Developed as part of the Fulbright KoreaEnglish Teaching Assistantship (ETA) program, CampFulbright features a unique opportunity for Korean studentsto improve their English skills interacting with nearly onehundred American teachers. Even more exciting,American high school students travel from the U.S. toparticipate in a cultural exchange in which they learnabout Korean culture, language and history whileinteracting with the campers in English.

August 18Topic: How to become a creative, critical, andsuccessful user of EnglishSpeaker: Park Jookyung (Korea)This talk will introduce the meaning of EIL (English as aninternational language) and its implications for learningand using languages, as a good understanding andpractice of EIL will serve as a key to becoming a creative,critical, and successful user of English. Issues such asdispelling ‘native speaker myth’ and promoting learnerownership will be discussed along with some hands-ontips and strategies. The speaker’s own life journey will alsobe shared with the audience.

August 28Topic: Ways with Vocabulary Acquisition: PracticalSuggestions for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)Students

[ GIC Talk ]

Speaker: Prof. Min Youngkyung (Korea)u borrowed from someone else? Maybe happy and TheThe English language is considered to have the largestvocabulary in the world. Educated native speakers ofEnglish are expected to know approximately 20,000 wordfamilies or 70,000 words; however, educated non-nativespeakers of English know less than one quarter of thenative speakers’ vocabulary. ESL students must increasetheir vocabulary knowledge in order to becomesuccessful in their academic endeavors in English-medium educational environments. This Talk discussedeffective vocabulary learning strategies that ESL studentscan use to enhance their vocabulary acquisition and thelearning of English.

* Schedule may subject to change without prior notice

My investigation into objects is driven by a concernfor the loss of craft and tradition of making. This isbeing particularly poignant at a time when there isan overabundance of mass-produced commodities.In this body of work, through paintings andphotography, I am exploring the existence of objectswhich, in the western tradition, were given aswedding presents.

Exhibition Period: July 28 - August 24, 2012

T Dowry

Exhibition by Gilda Sénécal Wilson

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The spring sun sets and sends an auburn light acrossthe dusty crumbling walls of the city. We sit near thecenter of Daein Market and the couple’s newlyformed base of operations: the Museum of GraffitiArt. The talk is of freedom and self expression, apttopics for Gwangju, birthplace of the modernKorean movement for democracy. Indeed, the cityhas recognized the pair already; despite being intown only a matter of weeks Su and Zeb havealready found a space in this year’s GwangjuBiennale and have performed a piece for theopening of the 2012 Folio Show with artist Royce Ng,a friend from their time at the prestigious School ofthe Art Institute of Chicago.

In the meantime the “SuhperZeb” duo contributemuch color downtown between the blue wall ofthe new culture center construction zone andDaein Market. Walking out with spray cans andpaint brushes day or night, with friendly and invitingnatures they have ended up recruiting passersbybrave enough to ask them just what they thinkthey’re doing. Explaining her ideas, Su sounds like amissionary spreading not some colorful corruption,but offering liberation via the spray can: it is anoutlet for democratic expressiveness and creativepotential otherwise dangerously repressed.

Su describes their experience in Gwangju cheerfully:“We were originally planning to go back toChicago for school over summer, but it seems thewhole of Gwangju city needs us. Graffiti is starting tobe born here right now; kids are starting to interactand ask, ‘Hey, can I do it? Can you guys teachme?’ We go out almost any time, whenever wewant, and drunk kids, people walking by, even a

e catches the attention of the cheerfulinternational student with photos of his workon the side of a train. He brings two other

things to their art class: an exact reproduction of histrain work on a plank of rough old wood fordemonstration, and an infectious enthusiasm. Soonafter that, the student, in return, catches hisattention in her street-theater production oncampus. Before long, they are a couple, sharing ahappy delight in public displays of color-ladencreativity on walls across town – until the day he is“extradited across America” – he is arrested in onestate for alleged graffiti vandalism in another.

But that was many months ago, seemingly on adifferent planet called the city of Chicago, USA.Now, in a room of a fish restaurant in downtownGwangju, the Bonnie and Clyde of what some call“vandalism” use a wall only to rest against, as theyboth sit on the floor after dinner.

Su, the chatty international student now back in herhometown leans against Zeb, the youthfully lanky,eloquent graffiti writer from the U.S. It’s the nightafter a hard day’s work preparing Gwangju’s owngraffiti museum. The conversation flows on betweenthe philosophy of art and the gritty reality of dustycity concrete walls. Has he corrupted her? Has shetamed him? Are they the source of all the graffitiwhich has appeared in Gwangju over the pastmonths? Gwangju News spent an afternoon gettingto know the Freedom Writers.

feature

H

The FreedomWritersWritten by Julian WarmingtonPhotos by Michael Kim and Stephen Redeker

Michael Kim

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:20 PM


grandpa or a daddy with kids will stop and ask,‘Hey, what is this?’ I say ‘It’s just drawing on the wall.Do you want to try?’ and I give them a spray can.So we definitely want to come back so we canspread more of the spirit of freedom.”

Zeb further describes the experience of “working”on the blue construction wall of the new culturecenter: “The next thing we know, kids are looking atus and we say ‘Hey, do you want to paint?’ Most ofthem at first were scared, but the next thing youknow, most of them were taking the cans andthey’re so awkwardly painting, not wanting to get iton their clothes. That’s how they are and that’sokay. It was exciting to see them interact with us. Itwas a good moment.”

This sense of liberation extends even to the rulesand expectations within the realm of graffiti writersin other urban centers and cities. Su explains: “It’sreally nice because we have no graffiti rules here.Usually graffiti writers have their own society withrules: You can’t go over a “masterpiece”; you cando graffiti on a church, but you cannot on a school;

you’re not supposed to “tag” [write your signature]on a big building. In Gwangju there are no rules andso we are building a new idea of graffiti here.”

Zeb extends the explanation of the lack ofenforcement of rules in Gwangju to do withvandalism and the liberation it offers, despite theexpectations of local artists their own age: “Here wehaven’t found any opposition with the authorities, sowe have come into this idea of non-commissionedart, just doing art without being commissioned, and,we’re not planning to put any rules on top ofanyone’s ideas.”

Can art come from a spray can? Do they seethemselves as graffiti artists, or graffiti writers? I askthem how they define art. Su explains the practicalnature of the genre, democratic self-expression, andshe returns to the need for the creative outlet thatgraffiti provides. She speaks of the power of art todeal with the color of the blood on the streets of1980 Gwangju, even thirty years later. She describestheir work as being an effort to shake up thedangerous dependency of young Koreans on overly

Stephen RedekerMichael Kim

Michael Kim

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:20 PM


simplistic rules.

“When I was in America I really wanted to dosomething for my friends because Korea has thehighest suicide rate in the whole OECD. It’s reallytragic here, really sad. I think it comes from fear offailure. There is a lot of gravity of doubt. They arealways worrying about things. It’s really sad that inKorea, if you want to go to a dance club, there arecorrect things to wear, and there is this danceyou’ve got to dance. There are rules. Nobody talksabout it, but people do watch and then followthese rules. If you step out of these rules they look atyou like you are a freak or something. That's whatwe are trying to break.

“It’s really sad to see young kids like teenagers andyoung twenty-somethings are really expecting tosee some rules they can follow and then keepgoing, but we are completely against that. We arekind of giving a shock to the whole city.”

Graffiti writers are often viewed with an intensenegativity in many western countries where eventhe most basic form of graffiti, known as “tagging,”is seen as a self-indulgent, self-aggrandizing form ofvandalism by non-graffiti writers. “Tagging” is asuper-stylized method of writing one’s own nameusing one single, unbroken line to form the outline ofthe letters of that name. It often requires a degreeof interpretation to make out the individual lettersand the way in which they are joined andseparated. When I ask Su whether tagging is art orvandalism, she laughs and says “I think art is illegal!”Then she references the way people’s perspectiveson such questions as the inclusion of different formswithin the very definition of art can change overtime: “It’s not about ‘What is art?’ it’s about ‘When isart?’”

Zeb also emphasizes the role time playsas he further elaborates on the technicalaspects of tagging evolving andchanging over time, describing it as thestart of the path towards higher levelgraffiti art: “Tagging, which is [usually thewriter’s name written with] just the oneline, is often described as vandalism, butis the beginning which leads to a “fill-in,”and then a fill-in leads to a “straightletter” with colors, which leads to a“masterpiece” with characters andtwenty to thirty colors. A lot of peoplehave to start at the tag. The tag hasstylistic features in itself. A lot of people

are not willing to believe that. I think thatgoes back to the closed minds that we’re livingaround right now.”

Asked what else they’d include in a "Graffiti Writer101" course, Zeb explains how there are manydifferent types of graffiti writers who can bedistinguished in their choice of canvas, whether it ispainting a train, on rooftops, or along the walls of asubway. As Zeb sees it, by following their muse to anunrequested redesigning of the blank public spaceof a wall or other area, the writers automatically“create a community.”

In the absence of negative pressure from traditionalauthorities and the law, graffiti 's freedom inGwangju is developed not in reaction to the police,but rather in relation to societal expectations. Zebdescribes their motivation as follows: “Whatwe’ve seen workingwith artists who’vebeen successful in thepast is that they areconcerned withyoung artists in thecity who don’t wantto do anythingunless it’s in theBiennale Hall, orunless they'regoing to get paidfor it. We want toe m b r a c epeople whofeel this gravityof doubt.What wewant is togive them aspace toenjoy art and

Stephen Redeker

Michael Kim

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:20 PM


create. Without creating, there is no imagination.Without imagination things cannot grow, so, bydoing art in places without being commissioned, onthe street, in little communities that are not evenaware of art, that in itself will bloom into somethingnew.”

Certainly, a community spirit and concern for thosewho read their written work is sharply obvious inmuch of the creative couple’s work. Looking fromthe Kuntshalle towards the outside stairwell of theChunil Building on Kumnamro, each floor’s doorwayhosts one single letter. The eight levels present theperfect canvas therefore, for two four-letter words.In English, the phrase itself “four-letter word” is acolloquial expression meaning profanity, implying asense of negativity and aggression. So, what clearlylegible four letter words did this pair of artists chooseas worthy of the side of this famous old building?

LOVELIFE

This couple of graffiti writers are not approachingtheir unpaid volunteer work as urban redecoratorsfrom a place of anger or rebellion at someperceived injustice against themselves. Rather, theyoffer a positive perspective of cheerful playfulnessand self-expression. Just as the internet is describedas democratizing the flow of information, the

SuhperZeb combo of gueril la painters aredemocratizing art and philosophical writing in a verydirect, accessible and even happy way. This is surelyan appropriate place and time for Gwangju, our“City of Light,” to show and share some of the lightof tolerance and understanding.

Walking back towards the Graffiti Museum deep inthe heart of Daein Market after dinner, we cross theroad toward the southern entrance of themarketplace. Passing by an immaculately clean,empty wall Su turns suddenly, eyes wide withsurprise, and exclaims: “Look, it’s clean again! Theyremoved our writing from last night!” In less than 24hours another positive, life-affirming, inspiringmessage has been scrubbed from the open canvasof the city forever. The group pauses and looks atthe empty spot. There is a moment of silence,reflection and remembering; it is almost mourning.

Then we all blink, bid farewell, and the pair of paint-writers stand on the pedals of their bicycles and slipaway through the dark alleys. Passing empty fishshops and the stalls of the market place, theyponder for another evening how best to producemore beautiful, public, community forming, andthought-provoking messages for the people.

Watch the full interview and read this text in Koreanonline at: gwangjunewsgic.com

More images and information at:1) the facebook group “Museum of Graffiti Art” 2) http://suhperzeb.tumblr.com/

A previous version of this article was first published in People ofKorea.

Michael Kim

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ark September 7th and 8th on yourcalendars for a weekend to be in town, asthe third annual Gwangju World Music

Festival returns, offering an amazing array of worldmusic styles and bands, most of which are free!

Bands from France, Japan, Korea, and multiculturalbands formed in the U.S. but who play Balkan folk,hip-hop rock, or formed in Europe and play thevery best Latin Jazz on Earth will all be here, andthe headliner, Danilo Perez, from Panama who isrightfully described as “Panama’s Thelonius Monk,”will lay down some serious piano improvisation infront of his seven piece band. “The band wasformed in memory of the 50th year of friendshipbetween Korea and Panama,” Perez’ literaturesuggests.

From France, La Caravane Passe has beendescribed as a “gypsy-klezmer” band that has abase in Eastern European folk music, and if thatisn’t enough to tweak your interest, the youngercrowd is sure to enjoy Balkan Beat Box, a band thattransforms ancient Balkan folk songs into dance-hall rub-a-dub hip-hop with Slavic rhythms andrarely heard instrumentation. This band alsocategorizes itself as a punk band. Hmm, quite acombination.

For three years running, In Jaejin, “J.J,” the musicaldirector who also invented the Korean JazzFestival, will include salsa-inspired Latin music withthe top rated Nueva Manteca making the trekfrom Europe for the gig.

M

Gwangju World Music Festival- A PreviewWritten by Doug StuberPhotos courtesy of Gwangju World Music Festival

feature

Danilo Perez

AUX

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World music is described by In Jae Jin as musicthat “refers to ethno-music, folk or traditional musicof a country, a race, or an ethnic group”. So howcould the festival be complete without somerevamped versions of Arirang and other traditionalKorean songs, this time performed by jazz bandAtman, an all-star Korean jazz unit led by Yim InGeon, and various pansori singers, and perhapssome traditional instrumentation as well. AnotherKorean band, AUX, will put completely new andhilarious spins on familiar songs, while EasterNox willadd a jazz fusion take. If one catches all three ofthese acts, the head could be spinning to decidewhich modern version of the traditional music onelikes the most.

For my money (or free music time) Danilo Perez is amust see, as he is one of the top living jazz pianists.After that, Balkan Beat Box can twist my already-danced-out bones into a frenzy and make me

move unti l the next day’s round of physicaltherapy. But then it’s so hard to not see everything,as La Caravane Passe has got to be strong, andwho could resist a little mambo/rumba/tango timewith Nueva Manteca? If you’ve ever wandered byBuena Vista on your way into Speakeasy and seenhow good the salsa dancing is here in town,Nueva Manteca is worth a listen just to watcheveryone dance: a night at Bubble Bar this is not.

From Japan, Zaha Torte, a trio of accordion, celloand guitar, replicate the café scene in Kyoto, thecity of arts, a town so brimming with talent in allfields, it makes you think of Leipzig, Germany in the1800s (or not). Still, this festival is amazing in that itall happens in a two-day stretch, and only theheadliners at the Bitgeoul Citizens’ Cultural Centercost anything. The rest is free. It’s in prime time thisyear, and a wonderful way to dry off outside afterthe monsoon/typhoon season.

Nueva Manteca

Geomungo Factory

La Caravane Passe

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t can’t be easy being an indie band in Korea.Far from the realms of anything alternative, theKorean music scene is dominated by the ever-

infectious genre of music known as K-pop. Indowntown Gwangju, the humble shopper’s sensesare immediately submerged by a tidal wave ofelectronic beats and chirpy singers crooning – halfin Korean, half in English – about love, life anddesigner haircuts.

And it’s not just the stereos of young Koreans thathave been infiltrated by the infuriatingly catchy K-pop; it’s the very language they speak – the verylanguage I teach them. Every morning I ask mystudents how they are. Their response of“fantastic,” is always followed, after a brief pause,by an exultant “baby!”

While Korea never really experienced the 1960s –in a cultural sense rather than chronologically –the levels of K-pop mania are similar to that whichThe Beatles experienced. Although this mania iscertainly not directed at The Beatles. A friend ofmine who is also a teacher once asked his class

music

what they would do if they could travel back intime. One student answered, “I would kill TheBeatles.” On discovering that two of them werealready dead, the boy was rather, if somewhatmorbidly, pleased.

So just how can an indie band compete with suchmurderous hoards of K-pop fans? I caught up withGwangju’s indie-rock quintet Feed the Boats tofind out. “Gwangju, for a city of one and a halfmillion people, has very little worth mentioningwhen it comes to indie music,” laments drummerDan Lloyd. Guitarist Mitch Shively notes moreoptimistically, “There is not a strong scene inGwangju, a handful of rock bands and a hip-hopgroup. But it’s a decent start.” Jon Amey, also onguitar, agrees, saying, “It's unfair to compare themusic scene here with those in the UK or the USA,which are very well-developed. I think the musicscene here could be labeled ‘room forimprovement’.”

Improving the music scene in Gwangju is exactlywhat Feed the Boats seem intent on doing. Having

I

Feed the Boats Written by Maeve StoreyPhotos courtesy of Feed the Boats

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just released their f irst album, the band isdedicated to putting its sound on the radar. Thealbum, also titled Feed the Boats, is an original 11-track explosion of punk- and indie-rock withpowerful guitar riffs and still more powerful vocalsfrom lead singer, Jo Brooks. Reminiscent of Hole’s(Courtney Love’s band) “Doll Parts”, the albumbegins with “Plastic”, in which Brooks belts out themantra, “I am selfish and fake.” Brooks rips throughlyrics in the style of rock heroine Brody Dalle of theThe Disti l lers, whom she cites as one of herinfluences.

Here in Korea, Brooks’ raspy vocals come as abreath of fresh air compared to the sugary tonesof 2NE1. But perhaps “a breath of fresh air” isn’tthe right expression – when asked what influencesher singing style, Brooks jokes (or maybe shecoughs), “too many cigarettes.”

According to Amey, the group formed over a fewdrinking sessions during which he discovered thatfellow band mate, Chuck Mueller, played thebass. “It all spiraled from there,” he recalls. Nowwith their album recorded, produced andpackaged in plastic, and with a long string of gigsbehind them, the band will be taking a break fromtouring throughout August.

Has the glamour of the recording studio turnedthem against playing live? Absolutely not, insiststhe band. “Going into the studio was amazing,”says Amey. “But while it's awesome to have amemento to keep forever, playing shows is whythis band exists.” Meanwhile, Brooks describesplaying live shows as “addictive.” “I enjoy peopleseeing me sweat,” says the front woman. “If I'm asweaty mess on stage, then I know that I 'mworking hard and trying my best to make a greatshow.”

When asked about their favorite tracks on the

album, the band have varied opinions from the fastpaced “Welcoming All Ghosts” to the morecomplex “Ammonia” to “Bury the Dead” – thepowerful lyrics of which were penned by Shively.According to Amey this difference in musicalopinion is central to the band’s sound, which hedescribes as, “a disti l lation of all the tastescombined.”

One thing the band does agree on when it comesto musical taste is K-pop. When asked if they like K-pop all five members give a resounding ”No.” Butthe band has far from shunned Korean musicaltogether. In fact, Feed the Boats recentlyrecorded a cover of Korean group F.T. Island’s“Barae”. This cover just shouldn’t work, but Feedthe Boats manages to add a punk edge to a trackof pure bubblegum pop. Meanwhile, Brooks herselfmanages to belt through the lyrics so perfectly,with her gravely tone in contrast to F.T. Island’shigh-pitched warbling, that you’d wonder whenthe band is going to release their first bilingualalbum. As the saying goes: “If you can’t beatthem...”

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art

Written by Adam HoguePhotos courtesy of Gwangju Museum of Art

Gwangju Museum of Art

rt is the voice of a culture.

It lives with the culture, it remembers the cultureand it guides the direction in which a culture willgo. Without art, a culture loses its identity. This yearmarks the twentieth anniversary of the GwangjuMuseum of Art (GMA). This is the place whereGwangju's artistic culture comes to live, breatheand tell stories.

GMA first opened its doors on August 1, 1992 andsince that day it has made a special purpose ofpreserving what Gwangju stands for. Everyexhibition that comes through the museum placesspecial emphasis on the theme of social justice. Thecurators at GMA work to bring socially conscious artwork to the museum to reflect the themes thatGwangju is known for: art and human rights.

In honor of its twentieth anniversary, GMA iscurrently holding two exhibitions, Two Modernisms(2개의 모더니즘) and Jin Tong (진통). The exhibitsemphasize an education of Korean modern artand a celebration of Korean contemporary art. Thispast week I had a chance to meet one of the GMAcurators, Lim Jong-young and take a tour of thetwo exhibits. Lim Jong-young has been a curator atthe museum since 2004 and prior to that he taughtart and art history at Salesio Girls’ High School.

Two Modernisms explores the history of Koreanmodern art from the 1930s until today. The abstractand the representational come together for thepurpose of education in this exhibit and they flowinto one another as one walks through the gallery.There are many notable Korean artists with work ondisplay at GMA that are household names inKorea. Among their work is a piece that Ipersonally love called The Women by the Inlet (갯가의 아낙들) by Kang Yeon-gyun. Kang Yeon-gyunwas himself a former director at the GMA.

Perhaps the most well-known artist in Korea is ParkSoo-keun. GMA has many of his pieces on displaythat are well-worth the visit. They are abstract and

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gritty in texture, very interesting up close. His piecesare more concerned with the process and meansof creation rather than the result or message; theyembody a certain spirit of contemporary art.

It is interesting to walk through the Two Modernismsexhibition and to take note of art in the largerworld context at the time. The art made aroundthe world in the 20th Century, the modern art, allspeaks the same language and it is reallyfascinating to see those connections.

The exhibition is small, manageable and to thepoint. That is one aspect of GMA that really appealsto me. It is a small museum so it has to make itspoint in limited space, so what we see is the bareessential art. Only the pieces that work and speakare used in the exhibitions and a lot of research andwork on the part of the curators goes into makingstrong exhibitions that have a clear message.

When you enter the museum, you immediatelynotice a tree made out of old televisions. Theinstallation is a piece by the most internationallyrenowned Korean artist, Paik Nam-june. Paik Nam-june was a pioneer in the use of visual media and

The interior of the exhibition

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he is recognized as one of the premiere avant-garde artists along with his contempories JosephBeuys, musician John Cage and dancer MerceCunningham. For an idea of his work, check outthe satellite installation, Good Morning Mr. Orwell.

The video installation by Paik is a part of thesecond exhibition at the museum called Jin Tongmeaning “To advance, to communicate.”However, when “Jin-tong” is said it sounds likeChinese characters meaning “asperities” or “thepain before creation.” So while the pieces in theexhibition represent progressive contemporary art,they also hold the artist in a place of beingunfinished.

We are still on the edge of something and wealways will be.

Jin Tong celebrates both where GMA is going andwhere art is going. The exhibition features Koreancontemporary artists of many different genres. It isa feast for the senses. Walking through the exhibityou are met with one medium after another –video meets painting meets sculpture meetsinstallation. The pieces speak about the culturenow. They are relevant, thought provoking andrepresentative.

The Jin Tong exhibition features many prominentartists in Korea today. Check out the work of HongSung-dam. He works big, which I like. His muralsdepict everyday l ife in Korea with a sort ofmagical-realism twist; his “Rock Band – Aejjeolsigu”is something to see up close and his “Family Map ofthe Urban Garden” is a great social commentaryon the family dynamic in Korea today.

On the second-floor landing you are greeted by agiant, steel Darth Vader. That would be the work ofGoh Geun-ho, an artist creating his sculptures righthere in Gwangju. Yoon Nam-eung is anotherGwangju artist on display in the Jin Tong exhibition.Both artists have studios in and around the DaeinMarket area, among others in the exhibition. So aheads-up, Daein Market is worth a look if you areinto or want to learn more about the Gwangjucontemporary art scene.

On September 6, a new exhibit ion opens ofChinese contemporary art along with a soloexhibition by Lee Uh-wan, who is featured in theTwo Modernisms exhibit. For more information youcan check out the bilingual GMA newsletter, findGMA on facebook, online or just go visit GMA inperson. Also, be sure to check out the Kwak Duck-jun solo exhibition on display now.

The GMA is a beautiful museum that is very

Park Soo-keun’s Artwork “The Way Back Home”

accessible to foreigners. Art is the universallanguage and the museum does a wonderful job ofmaking that message clear for anyone who goes fora visit. The museum is concise, to the point and mostof all a very inexpensive way to spend a Saturdayafternoon (the entrance fee is merely 500 won).

The exhibits are an important voice in keeping thememories of culture alive as well as shedding lighton where Gwangju's culture is going. GMA is doingtheir job of keeping art (both old and new) relevantand available to everyone here in Gwangju andthey are definitely worth a visit. Check out GMAand celebrate its 20th anniversary with these twogreat exhibits and many more to come.

The museum is located on Joongoe Park oppositethe Biennale and the Gwangju Folk Museum, it isconnected by trails to the Gwangju Art andCulture Museum which many buses go to (see boxbelow for more information).

Gwangju Museum of Art

Opening Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (admission until 5:30 p.m.)(closed on Mondays)Website: artmuse.gwangju.go.kr (Korean, English)Buses: 29, 48, 63, 64, 83, 84, 85, 95 (and walk for around 500 meters)

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How the ArtWorld Works,101

hen you are a visual artist, especially one stillpainting after all the years of installations andvideos and performance art have passed you

by, the significance of timing, who you know andcontinuing to push your work can become asimportant as the work itself.

In May Doug Stuber was handed an exhibit spaceinitially set up by Park Kwang-Suk, his wife, at the JamiArt Gallery in the Buk-gu district on northern Gwangju,near Chonnam National University.

He sent out an invitation and 12 artists joined in theshow. All were great, but one of his favorites was thephotography of Anjee Di Santo. Anjee did a lot ofwork on the show even though she knew shecouldn’t attend the opening. Doug accompaniedher for a tour of the show when she was able to popdown from Jeonju, and she said “Hey, Doug! Whydon’t you show at a coffee shop in Jeonju?”

Being adventuresome, and having had great successselling out of restaurants and coffee shops in the U.S.and Holland, Stuber agreed. Little did he know it wasO’s Square, an amazing place, the exterior of whichis landscaped like a Chosun dynasty palace, and theinterior of which shows the fine work of an excellentarchitect.

The architect in this case, Jeon Hae-gap, also has anamazing space near Jeonju that is a huge standalone gallery, O’s Gallery (www.osart.co.kr), andanother in Damyang.

So Anjee introduced Doug to the owner and curatorLee Moon-hee of O’s square, and they chatted

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about the chance to show. The coffee shop is huge,two stories, and is an amazing place to show artbecause patrons stick around for so long. At galleriespeople often rush through, fearing some type of salespressure will come at them. The emphasis on qualityexhibits was evident by looking at previous O’s Artcatalogues. Stuber had group shows at the EunamMuseum of Art and Gwangju Museum of Art in 2011,but this was his first solo show in Korea.

At the June 30th reception, the jazz band “Polaroid,”who is often heard at “In the Groove” in downtownGwangju, played two sets of very inspiring tunes.

So, the deal was made, Doug hung 21 pieces andthe show was extended. His pieces will be up untilaround August 15. In this case, good luck pluspersistence and good luck equaled a great show.The moral of the story? If you’re an expat artist, theremay be few great opportunities that come your way,and persistence pays off.

art

Staff ReportPhotos courtesy of Doug Stuber


Opus 1851

Opus 1859

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GIC Tour with Warren

TOUR OVERVIEWDate: August 25(Sat.), 09:00-18:30 * Meeting Time and Place: 08:45 am, GIC* Itinerary: Yeonggwang Beopseongpo (Birthplace of Korean Buddhism) – Lunch (Gulbi; Dried corbina) – Baeksu Coast– Salt Farm – Duu-ri Beach (White Quartz Beach)* Tour fee: 35,000 won (members) / 45,000 won (non-members)

ugust is an intense month. Intense heat, humidity,and rain challenge the senses and bring out allthe fragrances of summer. The fields are

covered with green stalks of rice and the beaches andmountains provide respite from the heat.

The GIC tour this month visits Yeonggwang on the westcoast. With wide sandy beaches, charming fishingvillages, sweeping vistas of the sea from rocky cliffs, andspiritual sites from the beginning of Korea’s Buddhisthistory, Yeonggwang is flavored with all of the elementsthat make a great day of traveling.

Yeonggwang is the birthplace of Korean Buddhismand the first stop on the tour will be a museum andshrine honoring the introduction of Buddhism to theBaekje Kingdom. In 384 CE, a monk called Maranantafrom present-day northern Pakistan came to Koreafrom China, bringing with him Buddhist texts andknowledge of the then new religion. Maranantaentered the mountains and founded Korea’s firsttemple, Bulgapsa. Buddhism spread throughout theBaekje Kingdom, Korea, and eventually to Japan. Themuseum has a lovely collection of Gandharansculptures and artifacts from this important period ofexchange between cultures.

Beopseong Port is a small, quiet, fishing community wellknown for its signature catch yellow corbina, or “gulbi”.

Words and photos by Warren Parsons

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Yeonggwang BeopseongpoDuu-ri Beach

The fish, caught year round, is served fresh, partiallydried, or fully dried. Traditionally, the most prized andexpensive variety of gulbi is salted and then driedoutside during the cold winter months. With the help ofmodern refrigeration, however, it is possible to eat thisdelicacy year round and anywhere on the peninsula.For lunch, participants can enjoy gulbi jeongshik, atable full of side dishes surrounding the main dish, gulbi.

After lunch, the tour will drive along the dramaticBaeksu Coastal Road to a scenic viewpoint with apavilion overlooking the sea. Driving further along thecoast and onto the coastal plains, the group will visit asalt farm. Yeonggwang is one of Korea’s mostimportant sea salt producers. Salt is essential, and afundamental part of Korean cooking and foodpreservation. Without good salt, it is impossible to makeKorean staples such as kimchi, soybean paste, and redpepper paste. At the saltern, participants can learn thetraditional way of making sea salt through a hands-onexperience!

Finally, at White Quartz Beach, a unique place withgiant white outcroppings emerging from the sand andthe waves of the Yellow Sea, it is easy to enjoy thebeauty of nature and cool off in the water.

Come out and enjoy a full day of food, culture, andscenery with the GIC Tour!

preview


Yeonggwang

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ove knows no bounds,” is a saying that hasrung true for centuries. Love has overcomeborders and languages before poets have

even been able to write about it, and when thesekinds of relationships bloom, they can becomeinspiring to all those who are privileged enough tobe near them. Gwangju News had theopportunity to hear some unique stories fromindividuals who have been able to bridge twocultures seamlessly, connecting families acrosscontinents and languages. In a city like Gwangju,where people from all over the world live andwork, these multicultural connections are morecommon than some may think.

Nhi Liu Ngoc, Lien Liu Ngoc, and Thanh Liu Ngocare three Vietnamese sisters who live in Gwangju.All three sisters are married to Korean men, and allthree share a unique closeness and perspectivethat comes with their collective experiences. Their

journey to Korea began when they were young.They had an older cousin who had married aKorean, and through their aunt and cousin, theybegan to hear about the opportunities thatexisted in Korea. Their relatives spoke highly of theKorean lifestyle, and Korean men, so when it wastime for the two oldest sisters to think aboutmarriage, their aunt arranged for them to meetthe two Korean men who eventually became theirhusbands.

The early steps of any budding relationship cansometimes be hesitant, but the added barriers ofdifferent languages and cultures made for aninteresting first few months for the sisters. They oftencommunicated with their significant others in threedifferent languages – pieces of Vietnamese,Korean, and English mixed together. Lien describestheir early dates as always being accompaniedby a Vietnamese-to-Korean dictionary. She also

MulticulturalFamilies in GwangjuWritten by BreeAnn CowgerPhotos by Christian Oey (Nhi Liu Ngoc, Lien Liu Ngoc, and Thanh Liu Ngoc)and David Cowger (Jeff Hamilton, Park Jeong Yun & Hugh Hamilton)See the video for this article online at: www.gwangjunewsgic.com

The Ngoc sisters

The Hamiltons

community

L“

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:20 PM

described a lot of gesturing and body languageused in their attempts to communicate.

The youngest sister, Thanh, arrived in 2010, after hersisters introduced her to a Korean man whom shelater married. As they all recalled their early days inKorea, the sisters spoke positively of the changesand adjustments made, because they knew theywere in a country that held promise andopportunity for them. All three sisters praised theKorean education system, and knew that theirchildren would have a great education if theywere raised in Korea. They also spoke highly of theirextended family, and felt that their Korean in-lawswelcomed each of them with open arms.

Life has changed noticeably for the three sisterssince they first arrived in Korea. The two oldesthave been able to learn the language (with Thanhmaking great progress as she takes classes), cookthe food, and even give back to the communitythat has welcomed them. Nhi now gives her timeto serve coffee at the Gwangju Support Center forImmigrant Women. The sisters are grateful for allKorea has to offer and for all the potential thefuture still holds.

Another couple that has artfully combined theirpast experiences into a unique family is JeffHamilton from New Hampshire and Park Jeong Yunfrom Gwangju. They have a son named Hugh. Thepair met in 2002 when Jeff landed a last-minute jobat a hagwon where Jeong Yun worked. When itwas time for Jeff to return to the U.S., Jeong Yuncame along with him. They were married in Vegasin 2004 in a ceremony which focused on thecelebratory and adventurous nature of their love. Itwas a wedding that was non-traditional by Korean

or American standards (“Elvis” even walked JeongYun down the aisle), but it was a memorable one.

When their son Hugh was born, Jeff and Jeong Yuncarefully considered what would be best for theirfamily. They chose to come back to Korea in thehopes of giving their child and any children theymight have in the future a well-rounded identity.They wanted their son to be comfortable in bothcountries, and to be able to relate to bothcultures. “I’ve read so much about Korean-Americans who lack their identity,” says Jeff. Wewanted to make sure our children felt comfortablein saying ‘yes, I am Korean’ and ‘yes, I amAmerican.’” Jeff and Jeong Yun plan to live inKorea for a few years, and then will eventuallymove back to the U.S., and hope their family willsee both places as home.

Jeff and Jeong Yun have naturally combined theirpast experiences to form their new family unit. Theyencourage Hugh to speak English and Korean,and they enjoy eating both American and Koreanmeals at home. They celebrate holidays from bothcultures, and enjoy sharing those holidays withfamily and friends. Their experiences in Korea havebeen positive, and their perspective can beapplied to how the world around us is changing.“How do you define culture?” Jeff asks at the startof the interview. “Culture has dissipated as webecome a more global society. What is influencedby upbringing and experiences, and what isculture?” As the world shifts and merges around us,maybe it is up to each family to instill love and passon the stories that make them unique. Because, inthe end, a culture of love is the best thing that canbe handed down in any family.


The sisters and their children

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A multicultural family photo essaySpecial thanks to the contributing families!

The BBeautyy oof DDiversityy

Carolyn (Filipina), hasbeen living in Koreasince 2006, has two

daughters and lives inNam-gu, Gwangju

Yun Seon Nyeo (Chinese), has been living inKorea since 2005, has a daughter and a son, andlives in Seo-gu, Gwangju

Maila Remollo (Filipina), has been living inKorea since 2007, has two daughters and livesin Nam-gu, Gwangju.

Nhi Liu Ngoc, Lien Liu Ngoc and Thanh Liu Ngoc(Vietnamese), are sisters and married to Koreans and livein Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. Read their stories on page 24

Darlie Casas (Filipina), has been living inKorea since 2009, has a son and lives in Seo-gu, Gwangju

community

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Bich Thuy (Vietnamese),has been living in Koreasince 2006, has two sonsand lives in Seo-gu,Gwangju

Annabel Balsomo (Filipina), has twodaughters and lives in Seo-gu,Gwangju

Shakhlo (Uzbekistan), currently lives in Seo-gu,Gwangju

Gretchen Gabriel Barretto (Filipina), has beenliving in Korea since 2007, has two daughtersand lives in Nam-gu, Gwangju

Kang Sokni (Cambodia), has been living in Korea since2006, has two children and lives in Nam-gu, Gwangju

Chris Wilson (Canada), has been living in Koreafor three years, and is expecting their first child

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Submit your best shot of Korea!To enter the Photo Contest, simply send your name, photo and picture description to [email protected] Photo of the Month will be displayed at the GIC for that month.

PHOTO CONTEST

Photo of the Month

Line of BuddhasPhoto by Owen Kerr

Heart BeachPhoto by Brittany Baker

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All Pigs Go to HeavenPhoto by Rani Cheema

On the Path to BulgapsaPhoto by Kamolwan Chaiputta

Gwangju News’ photo contest wasjudged by Mark Eaton.Mark Eaton has exhibited hisphotographic work in art galleries aswell as other public and private venuesin the United States and South Korea.You can view his photography ateatonmark.com

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:20 PM

abriel has been living in Gwangju since mid 2009.He has always had a wide appreciation of thearts, but it was only at the beginning of this year

when he really started to enjoy photography as a hobby.You can check out more of his photos atwww.gabeward.wordpress.com.

Photo EEssayBy Gabriel Ward

G

EEVVEENNIINNGG EEXXPPLLOORRAATTIIOONNInside aan aabandoned aapartment bbuilding oone FFridayevening WWhen II llook aat tthis II’m rreminded oof tthe wwindwhistling ddown tthe sstairwells

LLIIGGHHTTTaken llooking oout tthe wwindow iin tthe sstairwell oof mmyapartment bbuilding II rreally eenjoy tthe llight iin tthisphoto


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CCOONNTTRRAASSTTThis ttree iis nnear mmy hhouse II llove tthecontrast iin tthis pphoto

BBLLUUEEI llove tthe bblue ttinge iin tthis pphoto aand

can iimagine kkids sswinging oon tthoseswings iin ttimes ggone bby


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h, look, we live in the jazz and seafooddistrict.” I exclaimed to my boyfriend on ourfourth day in Gwangju. While out exploring,

we had reached an area where an explosion ofneon signs burnt the letters “J-A-Z-Z” onto ourretinas, while outside each restaurant a veritableaquarium of sea life was on offer.

I could get used to this, I thought, picturing myselfin a spot-lit bar, the fingers on my right-handclicking along to the sounds of Davis andColtrane; the fingers on my left-hand curledgreedily around a greasy pink lobster.

I would soon discover, however, that while lobster(and any other creature found in The Litt leMermaid) is as widely available as a glass ofwater, jazz is a little harder to find in Gwangju. Theso-called jazz bars in my area have a great dealless to do with jazz than they do with attractivehostesses. Not a single saxophone solo withinearshot. Instead, the click and clacking of highheels echo across the bar.

With this in mind, I was skeptical about spendingan evening at Gwangju’s In the Groove jazz bar.Tucked away in a downtown basement, from theoutside In the Groove doesn’t look like much.Inside, however, exposed concrete walls, dim

O“In theGroove The Search for Jazzin GwangjuWritten by Maeve StoreyPhotos by Christian Oey

IN THE GROOVE 인인더더그그루루브브

Address: 90-4 Hwanggeum-dong, Dong-gu,GwangjuTel: 062-227-7959Directions: Underground between former GrandHotel and First Nepal restaurantBuses: 09, 12, 36, 45, 51, 55, 57, 58, 61, 80, 95, 98,151, 419, 1000 (get off at Culture Complex station)

music

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lighting and ruby-red sofas give the bar the feel ofa rough gem, a relaxed hideaway.

On all four walls, warm yellow lamps add a glow tofaded black-and-white photographs of jazzmusicians mid-solo. Behind the bar an assortmentof kitsch memorabilia – a gold statue of the EiffelTower, some old fashioned wooden children’s toys– sit side-by-side with an extensive CD collection.The bar’s vibe is decidedly vintage.

A jazz quartet called Polaroid begins to play just afew meters from my bar stool. I sip a brightlycolored cocktail from a tall glass. The crowd, allKoreans in their mid-20s and 30s, clap, cheer andbop along to the music. The quartet, featuring abassist, drummer, saxophonist and pianist, cruiseeasily through a number of jazz standards beforetaking a break to wet their whistles with a drink ortwo. When the band returns to the stage (a small

inlet framed by gold drapes, distinguished from therest of the bar by a patterned rug), thesaxophonist announces that they will now perform“Someday my Prince Will Come”. My fingers clickto the smooth drum beat.

The cocktail menu at In the Groove is extensive,but the prices are equally large at 10,000 won ago. Beer ranges from 6,000 won for a Cass to12,000 won for a Guinness, and, as in most bars inKorea, a range of side dishes can be ordered.

When it’s time to go, I climb back up the stairs tothe street. Bright lights assault my senses after thesoothing lemon tones of the bar below. I walk pastnightclubs. I hear familiar K-pop beats. I continueto hum to the sound of a soaring saxophone.

See more photos online at: www.gwangjunewsgic.com

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Want to write about news from your country? Contact the Editor for more information:

[email protected].

Home Pages

BrazilBy Rodrigo Bundchen

Prisoners Read their Way Out ofJailBrazil is to start to offer someinmates in its national prisonsystem a way of lessening thelength of their visits behind bars.Federal judges will decree areduction of four days spent injail for every book read whileincarcerated. The governmentpublicly announced that theoffer has a limit of twelve booksand thus a potential total offorty-eight days sentencereduction per year. Not everyinmate is eligible to join thereading program, which hasbeen named “Redemptionthrough Reading.” Furthermore,at the time of publication therewas no response to enquiries byGwangju News to the SupremeCourt as to whether SweetValley High and Nancy Drewwould be counted individuallyas worthy of a four-day reprieve.

A Penny Saved. . .. . . is a penny earned! This sagewisdom was put to the test byMassachusetts resident ThomasDaigle, who decided to make hislast mortgage paymentmemorable. He collected,counted, and rolled over 62,000pennies over a period of 35 years.To be fair, he did let his mortgagebroker know ahead of time beforedelivering two 400-pound (181.4kilogram) boxes to Milford FederalSavings and Loan. Sandra, his wife,says she could only laugh everytime he found one. Thanks Mr.Daigle, for reminding us all thatbeing a patient “penny pincher,”can really pay off!

KoreaBy Park In-hee

Bird Brain Makes Owner FamousNan Ji-hae has been playing, talking with and whistling to Lala for ten years now. Lala is an African greyparrot. One day a couple of years ago when Ji-hae took him out of his cage, Lala whistled back to her inthe same way she had at him. She realized he had a great sense of sound. Now Lala entertains visitors toSeoul’s zoo with his mimicry of Hollywood horror movie screams, electronic computer beeps, and catmeows, amongst other sounds. Ji-hae is currently teaching Lala the entire lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody.

New Zealand By JJ Parkes

Stray Cat Saves LifeDawn Bennie was home alonein the kitchen one night whenher house started to burn downaround her. As the kitchen doorwas shut and she is partiallydeaf, she did not hear thesmoke alarms go off outside thedoor. She did, however, noticethe friendly neighborhood straycat that would usually come upto her legs. The night when shesmelled smoke and thought itwas just the coal range, thenameless cat started “freakingout” and trying to get her out ofthe house. As a result, shethought again about the smoke,and when she realized it wasfrom a fire she kept all her doorsclosed and phoned the firebrigade from outside. By thetime they arrived at about onea.m., most of the house wasdestroyed, but Dawn was safeoutside with the mysteriousfriendly cat hero.

U.S.A.By Aisha Hobbs

34 Gwangju News August 2012

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IrelandBy Patrick Conway

Cosy!The Irish have been voting againon another national past-time.Last time it was about where toeat chips. This time it's the ever-present cup of tea. Of course,you can't make a decent cup oftea without a teapot, and if yourneighbour is dropping by, youwant to have a good-lookingteapot on display. Hence, thephenomenon of the tea cosy –the Irish people were polled onthe most interesting tea cosy inthe land. The competition waslaunched by Craft Festival 2012with results to follow. The teacosy depicting Irish President,Michael 'Tea' Higgins, will surelybe a strong contender.

IndiaBy Sreejith

Western Ghats designated asWorld Heritage Site by UNESCOWestern Ghats mountain chain inIndia, which covers an area ofabout 160,000 square kilometers(61,776 square miles), was addedto the list of world heritage sitesby the United Nations. It is nowrecognized as one of the world'seight 'hottest hotspots' ofbiological diversity. The chain'sforests influence the Indianmonsoon weather pattern. It hasforests older than the HimalayanMountains.According to UNESCO, “Itpresents one of the bestexamples of the monsoon systemin the planet. The site also has anexceptionally high level ofbiological diversity andendemism.” The forests includenon-equatorial tropical evergreenforests and are home to at least325 globally threatened flora,fauna, bird, amphibian, reptileand fish species.

EnglandBy Stevie Jenkins

In an English Country GardenA woman in the small countrytown of Todmorden, in WestYorkshire, England, has started amovement of growing and givingaway her vegetables to anyonein town that wants them. It tookpassersby and random strangersabout six months to realize thatone Mary Clear was seriousabout them helping themselvesfreely. Since then, as news of herstrange habit has spread, peoplein other towns have beeninspired to also grow their ownfood and then share it openly.Meanwhile in Todmorden, usingsmall garden plots in front andback yards, even the local policestation contributes to the newmovement for the health andfood safety of people who livelocally. The movement has beendubbed "Incredible Edible," andas a result, the people of thelocal town expect to be entirelyself sufficient in terms of foodwithin six years.

NepalBy Nipun Tamrakar

‘The Little Buddha’ UpdateThe much-hyped reincarnation of Buddha, Ram Bahadur Bamjan (known as "The Little Buddha") washighlighted by international media when he began his mysterious meditation without food and water formonths back in May 2005. Thousands of devotees began to flood to the Ratanpur Jungle to visit this newBuddha.

Bamjan’s popularity declined with time, as rumors surfaced about him violently beating villagers andfriends who interfered with his meditations. Bamjan has since left the jungle and his whereabouts areunknown. The local government has demolished structures built around his place of meditation in order tospare the forest from further encroachment.


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Fukushima: A Tsunami ofRadioactive Seafood?Written by Matt Furlane

he world’s oceans are an immense ecosystemand a complex balance of forces that helpcreate and sustain an abundance of aquatic

life. In the Pacific Ocean, numerous species areharvested year round to help sustain largepopulations in countries in and around the PacificRim including Japan, the Philippines, and SouthKorea. The Korean peninsula is home to 75 millionpeople and surrounded by the Yellow Sea to thewest, the East Sea to the east, and the Korean Straitwhich connects both bodies of water to the EastChina Sea and the Pacific. The most commonshort-term threats to these seas have been industrialrun-off from China, oil spil ls and overfishing.Thankfully, threats to the natural fisheriessurrounding Korea have been limited and Koreanseafood is not only delicious but safe to eat.

But on March 11, 2011 at 2:46 p.m. a nine-pointearthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan.The resulting tsunami killed 20,000 people and setoff a chain of events that, combined with theineptitude of the Tokyo Electric Power Company(TEPCO), lead to three reactors melting down atthe Fukushima nuclear power plant. Like Chernobyl,the resulting radiation leaks have contaminated notonly the surrounding land but also the rest of thesurrounding area by air and sea. In May 2012 adisturbing report in Proceedings of the NationalAcademy of Sciences stated that trace amounts ofCesium-134 and Cesium-137 were found in Pacificbluefin tuna.

To fully understand the significance of this report, it'simportant to understand three things: oceancurrents, Pacific bluefin tuna, and radiation.

First, Pacific Ocean currents run clockwise abovethe equator and are stronger near Fukushima.According to ASR Limited, an oceanic consultingfirm, computer modeling based on estimates of thetotal tonnage of radioactive water dumped intothe ocean shows that radioactive particles mayhave spread northeast from Japan deep into thePacific. After just one year, it is estimated that thiswater has been carried as far as Alaska and willcontinue to follow currents down the California

coast and around the Pacific. Also contributing tofears of the spread of radioactive material is theabundance of tsunami debris that has begun towash up on distant shores. Fishing boats, storagecontainers, soccer balls and even motorcycleshave washed ashore on North American coastsalready. According to researchers from Woods HoleOceanographic Institution (WHOI), we haveapproximately 12-24 months before the Fukishimaradiation crosses the Pacific. During that time allmanner of sea life including wild salmon, crab,shrimp, krill, squid, and plankton will be absorbingradiation.

Second, Pacific bluefin tuna are the New York steakof the ocean. They are warm blooded, can liveover 15 years, grow up to 10 feet long (threemeters), weigh up to 1,000 pounds (455 kilograms),and swim at burst speeds up to 30 miles per hour(48 kilometers per hour). One slice of bluefin “o-toro” (tuna belly) can cost up to 25 dollars (USD) ata Tokyo restaurant. And in January 2012, KiyoshiKimura, president of Kiyomura Co., which runs theSushi-Zanmai restaurants, paid 735,000 dollars for anentire 593-pound (269-kilogram) bluefin. But moreimportantly Pacific bluefin spawn off the coasts ofJapan and migrate east toward California in searchof better feeding grounds. Because of their speedand size they are a major part of the food chainconsuming things like squid, mackerel and herring.So imagine fish that swam through irradiated watersfor 6,000 miles being caught and sliced and servedto thousands of people and you can understandthe magnitude of the problem.

And lastly, there is radiation. When the Fukushimanuclear reactors melted down they releasedCesium-134, Cesium-137, and Iodine-131 into the airand sea. Iodine-131 dissipates within eight days butCesium-134 takes two years to decay and Cesium-137 takes 30 years to decay. As the radiation startsto seep into the ground and food chain iteventually gets onto the dinner plates of humanbeings and can cause Thyroid cancers, Leukemia,and birth defects. For the Japanese, who consumeso much seafood, this does not bode well for thefuture. But what about the rest of the Pacific nations

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and Korea or North America? Their fate dependshow long it takes for the radiation to come fullcircle in the Pacific and how it spreads in the foodchain. To be fair, radiation discovered thus faroutside of Japan has been less than a chest x-ray,15-hour flight (you absorb cosmic radiation on anairplane), or Radon-222 that is in many Americanhomes. But the issue isn't necessarily how big thedose is but the fact that it is in the food supply, andno one can say with assurance what theconsequences are of long-term exposure to thislow-level radiation caused by eatingcontaminated seafood.

Eventually, we not only will have to measurecalories in our food but radiation levels in ourbodies. The initial 2011 reports about irradiated sealife were based on the first five months after thetsunami and more extensive studies will be comingout in 2012 or later. Some of these studies will lookfor other forms of radiation like Strontium-90. It'sthese studies that Koreans and nations in thePacific Rim should be concerned about. Thailand,the Philippines, and Malaysia are just some of the

nations that have been proactive in banningJapanese food imports for fear of radioactivecontamination, but these bans are useless if thePacific food chain has been compromised.

To this day trace amounts of radiation from nucleartests conducted in the Pacific during the 1960's arestill found in ocean fish. Add to that our chest x-rays,dental x-rays, multiple international flights with fullbody airport security scans and we will all beglowing in the dark. For the present momenteveryone can enjoy eating seafood harvested nearKorean shores but in the near future we might needto buy a portable Geiger counter just to be safe.

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Endangered Species in Korea Written by Rachel Redfern

living in Korea, most of which are birds, thoughthere are also the more exotic leopards and AsiaticBlack Bears (which are about an eight on thecuddly, cute scale and a full ten in the “looks like arug” category). The Asiatic Black Bears as well arean exciting part of southern South Korea, since Mt.Jiri (Jirisan) National Park, a mere two hours’ drivefrom Gwangju, is the home of these aggressive,mid-size bears.

The Asiatic Black Bear however, is something of acontradictory story in South Korea. After theirnumbers dwindled to nonexistence in the wild,researchers working with Russia imported several ofthe bears to Jirisan National Park where the JirisanSpecies Restoration Center (only a short trip fromHwaeom Temple) currently has 19 bears thriving inthe wild. Yet, even though there areconservationists actively trying to rebuild the AsiaticBear population in the wild, there are literallythousands of bears kept in captivity by Koreanbusinesses in Ha Long City, Vietnam, where theirbile is extracted and sold to Korean tourists toincrease health and sexual vitality. These activitiesare i l legal according to the Convention onInternational Trade in Endangered Species of WildFauna and Flora; however, there are at least 10bear farms in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Provincewhere, in a period of just ten days, approximately1,500 Korean tourists purchase bear bile.

The incredibly endangered Amur leopard(sometimes known as the Korean leopard) existsmost notably on the border between China andNorth Korea. Of this particular subspecies ofleopard, there are only 30 wild cats left in theworld, and perhaps there are even a few morelocated in the mountains of North Korea. Obviouslyhowever, researchers have not been able tosurvey that area.

However, the more common Korean leopard catand Eurasian otter, while significantly lessglamorous and nowhere near as famous, reside onGwangju’s very own Mt. Mudeung and are indeeda somewhat engendered species. The leopard cat

he extinction of a species can be nothing butdevastating and unfortunately, all of us whohave been witnesses to the recent death of

Lonesome George, the last Pinta Tortoise, haveshared in that remorse. A 100-year-old essentialmember of the world’s ecology has just passedaway, though with this sad event, we find arenewed energy in our efforts of conservation forendangered species like him. The strong drive forconservation in Korea has come after its owntroubled past with endangered species, many ofwhich were hunted onto the endangered specieslist, the Korean tiger being a prime example of this.

The story of the Korean tiger (technically called theAmur tiger, but now known as the Siberian tiger)features prominently in the creation myth of Koreaand its subsequent legends, folktales andsymbolism; Koreans also believe that the shape ofKorea is like that of tiger. During its time here inKorea, the Korean tiger was the largest of all thefelids (cat species) and served as an integral partof the Korean ecosystem and identity. The problemis that due to wars, expansion and hunting (Chinesemedicine believes that there are uses for tigerbone), the Korean tiger is believed to havebecame extinct in South Korea sometime between1922 and 1944. Heat traps have been placed in theDemilitarized Zone (one of Korea’s most protectedand prolific game reserves); however, no tigershave ever been recorded. Some say that theremight be a few Korean tigers sti l l left in themountains of North Korea, although sightings are sorare.

Half a century ago, the population of these tigerswas at an unbelievable low: 40 tigers in the wild.Now, there are somewhere between 430-550 tigersin the wild, virtually all living in eastern Russia, nearthe borders of China and North Korea. While thepositive expansion of the Siberian tiger population isdue mostly to Russian conservation efforts, there isstill a need for further development, since Siberiantigers are subject to heavy poaching in the wild.

There are currently over 80 endangered species

environment

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looks exactly like it sounds: a very small leopard or aslightly larger housecat with leopard markings on it.While the leopard cat still flourishes in some parts ofthe world, they are often hunted for their skins andtheir body parts sold for medicinal purposes – thereis even a Japanese subspecies of the Koreanleopard cat which has been put on the criticallyendangered list because it has been so huntedthroughout its history. The Eurasian river otter alsomakes its home on Mudeungsan, and while elusive,it plays an important part in the ecologicalmaintenance of Jeollanam-do.

The true success story of conservation in Korea, andperhaps the most ironic, is the importance of theDemilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea’s wildlifepreservation efforts. Because the DMZ has beenvirtually untouched since the 1950s, the symbolicstrip of land bordering North and South Korea ishome to dozens of engendered species; its thrivingbird population is impressive and important to thefuture of many animals. The world's most dangerousborder has also become one of the world’s mostimportant conservation sites for the white-napedcrane, the hooded crane, the Manchurian crane,the white-bellied woodpecker, and dozens ofothers species.

After the death of Lonesome George, manymourned the loss to the Galapagos Island diversity.

However, a new proponent for conservation hasemerged: Diego. Diego is a 100-year-old memberof another subspecies of Galapagos tortoise, oncelocated at the San Diego Zoo and now living in abreeding corral on the Galapagos Island of SantaCruz. Unlike Lonesome George, researchers havebeen able to successfully repopulate Diego'sspecies; where once there were less than a dozen,there are now thousands. This hopeful case ofeffective repopulation sends us an importantmessage: just because we reach the edge, thatdoesn’t mean there has to be an ending.

Interested in conservation? A visit to the JirisanSpecies Restoration Center is a quick drive fromGwangju where you can even see several of thebears (as they do hibernate in the winter, visit inspring or summer). www.amur-leopard.org alsofeatures information about the big cats andopportunities to donate.

Currently, the DMZ Forum (an organizationconcerned with the preservation of the zone)would like to petition to have the DMZ turned into apeace park memorial and a World Heritage Site inan effort to not only promote peace betweenNorth and South Korea, but to protect the wildlifereserve that the DMZ has become. Information isavailable on their website, www.dmzforum.org.

Far left: White-naped cranesLeft: Asiatic black bearBelow: Siberian Tiger

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM

40 Gwangju News August 2012

culture

ust this past January, Ms. Kim Young-sook gotinto a bit of trouble. The Korean owner of ajewelry shop in New York City, she seemingly

turned the entire metropolis against herself byselling a pair of earrings that looked like swastikas.A city councilman personally demanded sheremove the offending earrings from her shelves,despite her protests that in Tibet, the country fromwhich she’d purchased them, the swastikasignifies a Buddhist’s conception of eternity.

In the Republic of Korea, migukin (Americans) arenecessarily more understanding. Yes, many doraise their eyebrows the first time they notice aKorean poster or temple emblazoned with thatstylized shuriken shape. But that’s mainly just dueto the novelty of seeing those four equilateralblades with their own two eyes, since the symbolthey form is so despised in their part of the worldthat it’s nearly nonexistent outside of their booksand films. They nevertheless grasp that in East Asia,the last thing any emblem is likely to represent isthe racist ideology of a 20th-century Germannamed Adolf Hitler. What foreigners don’t grasp ishow much the swastika means instead, and howfar back its traditions go. If they did, they might goso far as to advocate its return.

Written by C. Adam Volle

J As with so much else, the swastika, or man (만 from만자 (卍字)) is said to have arrived in Korea with theBuddha, who supposedly bore the sigil upon bothhis heart and his feet. This is why the swastika marksthe location of Buddhist temples on modern maps,including Google Earth. It was introduced by theChinese missionaries as indicative of “goodfortune” and “well-being”, two related concepts inany theology involving karma. China – and byextension, Korea - soon also adopted its left-facingversion as a chinese character (hanja) meaning“countless”, which was highly appropriate sincethat was how many other meanings it seemed tohave. Depending on its context and direction youmay still today hear someone describe it as adesign for truth, mercy, love, strength, intellect,eternity, the sun, the Buddha, Buddhism itself, andso on.

To weed out whichever of these beliefs areextraneous hangers-on, we might consider lookingto India. It is, after all, the home of the languagefrom which the word “swastika” comes (in Sanskrit,sua- means “good,” -asti “to be” -ka is a suffix), aswell as Hinduism, the other swastika-associatedfaith. The region’s history with the sign is long aswell – extraordinarily long. The residents of the Indus

SWASTIKAS: The Wheels of Time

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Valley were etching the swastika into theirbuildings’ surfaces while Mesopotamians weredeveloping the world’s first written language. Theymust have possessed it for far longer than that too,because during that same period of history, theirblood relations, a nameless people whom scholarshave dubbed the “Proto-Indo-Europeans”, wereflooding into Europe to become the linguisticancestors of almost every people living theretoday. With them they carried the swastika-adorned pottery which Adolf Hitler would find soinspirational 5,400 years later.

And yet, when these ancestors of swastika-lovingCelts, Norsemen, Greeks, and Romans migratedinto the Balkans, they found an aboriginal peopleliving there who had already incorporated thatmark into their own primitive script, an entiremillennium earlier. Nor were they alone: tribes inEgypt, Crete, the Ukraine, and China were allapparently familiar with the “wheel” as far backas 10,000 years ago. One archaeological dig hasunearthed a small swastika-festooned statue cutfrom the ivory of a mammoth tusk.

We still haven’t reached the end of the trail,however. For when the descendants of the Proto-Indo-Europeans sailed to the continents of Northand South America, what do you think theyfound? Yes – the spinning wheel appearedthroughout the Northeast, along the MississippiRiver, and deep into the American Southwest,among First Nations as diverse as the Navajo andHopi. According to the latter, the spiral representstheir physical migration.

If the Native-Americans received the swastikadesign by cultural transmission, that makes its useas old as the human migration across the landwhich once bridged Russia and Alaska 15,000-40,000 years ago. It would be one of the oldestsymbols devised by the human race. Homosapiens may have drawn it while Neanderthals stillwalked the Earth.

Or maybe they didn’t. Maybe the Native-Americans came up with their versionindependently. We just don’t know, because fornow and possibly forever, the swastika is a symbolwith a history extending so far back into ourcollective past that its origin and initial meaningare lost to us.

But that being the case, Ms. Kim Young-sook’sdefinition of “eternity” seems quite fitting, doesn’tit?

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n apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Thisadage is taught to most Western children asa way of verbalizing that apples are very

healthy to eat. In theory, if we eat an apple everyday, we will be so healthy that we won’t need adoctor. Although this is an exaggeration of thehealth benefits of apples, we can all agree thatthis is one healthy fruit. Koreans also have thesame belief, but there is one exception.

It’s believed in Korea that eating an apple at nightis actually unhealthy as it would be difficult forone’s stomach to digest, hence indigestion. Thiswould lead to a sick feeling and make it difficult toget a good night’s sleep. The origins of this theoryare unknown, but this belief seems to be well-known in Korea. There are Koreans who have saidthat they’ve heard about this from an elder atsome point in their life. A few of those believe itand refrain from eating 사과 “sagwa” (apples) atnight.

The fact that apples are very healthy is no mystery,but does that change when eating them at night?Eating food before going to sleep is generally abad idea because foods that are spicy, heavy orfatty will make it difficult to sleep soundly. Apples,however, have none of those properties and areactually f i l led with vitamins, minerals andantioxidants that are beneficial for sleeping.Specifically, they contain vitamins C, B6 potassium.Apples help to decrease blood pressure, improvebreathing and lower blood sugar. They also helpthe body to secrete serotonin causing the nerves

A“

This series of articles will shed light on some Korean myths, folklore, traditions and superstitions. Every country has their own share of beliefs, fact orfiction, and many foreigners living in Korea are yet to hear or understand the basis of various Korean beliefs as they become apparent.

Behind the Myth: Exploring Korean Tradition

culture

to relax more easily. All of that provides for a goodnight’s rest.

There are also polyphenols (antioxidants) whichare found mainly in the skin of apples. They assistthe body in breaking down carbohydrates andregulating blood sugar, providing a steady level ofenergy (so you don’t stay up due to an energyspike). That causes body fat to burn steadily, allwhile you are sleeping.

Most of an apple is really just water, but there isenough fiber to help you feel full as you sleep. Thisf iber is also good for digestion and aids incleansing the colon. The fiber is easily digestedand soluble in the intestines. If anything isunhealthy, it could be the fact that apples containa natural sugar and account for about 10% of thebody’s carbohydrate needs. However, combinedwith all the other healthy properties, the good faroutweighs the bad.

If all these facts are to be believed, then an appleat night is actually very healthy and helpful to eatdue to the fiber, vitamins, minerals andantioxidants which help the body to feel full,relaxed and keep blood pressure and sugar levelsstable. The apple is a great snack to have beforegoing to bed. Try it for yourself and see if you canfeel and enjoy it. Let’s make a new slogan forapples: “An apple at night makes the body feelalright!”

Written by Stephen Redeker

Image: http://cafe24.com

Eating Apples at Night

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM


August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM


language study

Dear Dr. Dave,

I work in a university where I teach English to studentsof various departments. At times, students don’t meetthe requirements to pass the course, so I give themfailing grades. However, on occasion, these gradesare contested by the students and departmentheads. I always stand my ground as I feel I give thesestudents many chances throughout the semester toimprove on their performances, but they only respondin the final hour when it really is too late – they seemto think that in one day they can make up for 15weeks of poor attendance, test results, and classparticipation.

Recently, I’ve started to feel pressured to changegrades as my director and admin staff get involved.Plus, my colleagues, when in the same situation, cavein or don’t give failing grades at all just to avoid beingasked to change them. I even had one co-worker tellme that I’m going to be seen as a “trouble-maker” byother departments. I really want to maintaineducational standards, but I also don’t want to rockthe boat. Should I just go along with the crowd?

Troubled

Dear Troubled,I applaud your dedication to upholding educationalstandards. But let us first consider what is meant bythe term. Whose educational standards do you wantto maintain? Are they a set of standards that youhave shaped as your own over time through personalexperiences? Are they the educational standards ofan equivalent institution in the educational systemthat you went through as a student? Or are they theeducational standards of Korea for the type ofinstitution you are teaching at? My guess is that youranswer might be “yes” to one or both of the first twoquestions but not to the third one. An educatorshould be informed of the standards of theeducational system in which they are working andstrive to maintain those standards.

The foreign teacher coming into the Korean

educational system is often not well informed of thestandards of the system and instead fills gaps withstandards from the foreign system they areaccustomed to. Rather, one should make an effort tofind out what the standards for their present school orschool system are. They wil l be in print formsomewhere. Is the required attendance 75% in orderto pass a course? Is the punishment for cheating on amidterm test a test grade of F? Is the punishment forcheating on a final exam a course grade of F?

If you are being challenged by students andquestioned by department heads, you needdocumentation. Of course, keep attendancerecords, and test and homework scores, but alsokeep a log of student progress/behavior, at least forthe students who you think might be lax in their work.Document warnings you give them (when given, andfor what) and record the results of the warnings.Document assignments not submitted on time.Document poor class participation, etc. When yourgrades are questioned, you will be able to produceyour log of documented poor production on the partof the student. If your supervisors view yourdocumentation, and are upstanding educators, yourgrades will stand.Dr. Dave

Dear Dr Dave,

I’ve been teaching elementary school-aged childrenfor about two years now, and for a change, I’mconsidering applying for a university job. However,I’ve never taught adults before. What can I expect?

Mr. M

Dear Mr. M,At the university level, you can expect to find studentswho actually use their seats for sitting and who usetheir desktops for sleeping. That is, the intensity levelthat you are used to will be missing with young adultstudents, and if you are teaching freshman requiredgeneral English courses, you can expect themotivation to learn English low for many of the

By Dr. Dave Shaffer

Letters to KOTESOLIf you have a question for Dr. Dave, please send an e-mail to [email protected] lettingus know your question, students’ age and proficiency level.

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM


students in some majors. Rather than having to shushyour students from yelling out the answers to yourquestions too loudly, you may have to act as adentist to extract an answer from a student. You mayalso experience a level of social maturity lower thanwhat you would expect from freshmen in an English-speaking Western country.

On the other hand, you will find a student with ahead full of grammar rules (though not all are well-formed). You will find a student with a large Englishlexicon (though not all the words will have properlyformed meanings). You will find a student who isgood at spelling and not bashful in pointing out theinstructor’s misspellings on the board. You will also findthat you can shape your lessons around more maturetopics and pursue them in deeper detail.

You will find that while some of your students have afull schedule of studying, others fill most of their out-of-class hours in front of a computer-game screen, astore-front window, or a bottle of soju. You will findthat while some have a reasonable self-directedlanguage study program, others don’t really knowwhat autonomous learning is and will need yourassistance in learning about how to go aboutlanguage learning out of class.

As with students of any age or proficiency level, thereis an upside and a downside to teaching universitystudents. As educators, it is our job to concentrate onthe upside and strive to lessen the downside.Dr. Dave

Dear Dr. Dave,

I’ve been asked to teach a pronunciation class nextsemester, and I’m not sure how to go about designingthe curriculum. I’ve incorporated pronunciation intospeaking classes before, but I’ve never taught it asthe main focus for a 15-week program. Do you knowany good books I could follow? What would be agood way to sequence the course?

Miss Anon

Dear Miss Anon,It’s good to design a course around a coursebook,especially up through intermediate level. Koreanscling to the perceived structure that a coursebookprovides, so I would suggest something l ikeCambridge’s Clear Speech (3rd ed.) or PronunciationPlus. But I wouldn’t rely too heavily on the book – dailyroutines tend to get boring. I would supplement anycoursebook heavily with other activities.

Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL August Chapter Meeting

Date & Time: August 11 (Sat.), 1:30 p.m.Place: Chosun University, Main Building (Bon-gwan)Presentations: - Reflective Teaching: Improving the Learning Context(Allison Bill)- Facebook and English Learning in Korea (Jeremy Bissett)- Korean Highlights: Four Decades of History (DavidShaffer)August Rooftop Get-together: August 25 (Sat.), The FirstAlleyway

Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOLWebsite: www.koreatesol.org/GwangjuJeonnamEmail: [email protected]

For supra-segmental pronunciation practice, I woulduse material from one or more of Carolyn Graham’sjazz chants books (OUP). I would also supplement withminimal-pair practice (man-men, seat-sit, version-virgin). Cambridge’s Tree or Three and Ship or Sheepare good resources for this. Furthermore, I wouldsupplement with some self-made “tongue-twister”sentences for sounds that they are having particulartrouble with (e.g., “It is a pleasure to measure thetreasure,” “The third thimble on Thelma’s thumbthrobbed and throbbed,” “The zany zebras in the zoocruised zealously”). One thing I would be sure to dowould be to ask the students to submit theirpronunciation questions to you and you then try toanswer the questions as a whole class activity, withpractice included.

In addition to practice with individual sounds, thecourse needs to include meaningful discourse inwhich the students can practice making sounds in anatural (okay, near-natural) conversational context. Ihope that some of these suggestions will be usefulwith your students.Dr. Dave

“Dr. Dave” is David E. Shaffer, currentPresident of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapterof Korea TESOL (KOTESOL). On behalf ofthe Chapter, he invites you to participate inthe teacher development workshops at theirmonthly meetings. Dr. Shaffer is a professorof English at Chosun University, where hehas taught, graduate, undergraduate, andpostgraduate courses for many years. Hehas recently received the KOTESOL LifetimeAchievement Award.

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM


The Foreigner Next Door: Doaa GhareebWritten by Leigh HellmanSee the video for this article online at: www.gwangjunewsgic.com

grew up here and speaks Korean fluently. She wasDoaa’s first tutor and from there the idea for acausal Korean language club grew.

Friends complained that they weren’t satisfied withtheir other language courses (usually through localuniversities). The emphasis on strict grammar andvocabulary memorization was overwhelming andtheir chances to practice their speaking skills wereminimal. Doaa recognized the need for a practicalspeaking class.

“We can do that on our own for free with lots ofcool Korean teachers.” She motions around thetables. “Beyond just their time and effort, theyprepare lots of things about Korean culture, food,anything – they really help you to understand it.”

GKLC meets every Sunday at 5 p.m. and follows upclass with a delicious dinner at various restaurants. Ifpeople aren’t too tired they end the night withdarts, bowling, or more café time.

Next on Doaa’s to-do list is cultivating her newvolunteer network, Heart of Gold. They currentlywork with a local orphanage and have plans toexpand to senior citizens’ centers, disabilities’centers, and homeless shelters. But right nowthey’re struggling to increase membership.

Doaa admits that she tends to form huge,unrealistic plans but doesn’t apologize for herpositive ambition. “I hope that – for the languageclass – it’s not just about learning the language. It’sabout better communication between foreignersand Koreans. Since we are here in Korea we haveto learn the language, we have to learn theculture. We have to respect the differencesbetween us and them.” She smiles, broad andgenuine. “It’s important, when you are in acommunity, to make a change. If everyone takescare of a small part, it will change a lot.”

If you want to learn more and/or get involved withDoaa’s clubs, please check out:Gwangju Korean Learners’ Club (GKLC) and Heartof Gold Facebook Pages.

t's a hazy Sunday afternoon; discontent skieshold back a storm, and downtown seemssubdued. A gaggle of foreigners flood the

basement of a newly-opened café – not anuncommon sight in and of itself. No one needs anexcuse for a frothy, sugary drink and a comfy chair.

But this group is different. Surrounding tables ofKoreans pause to ponder them. Not just foreignersbut Koreans too, paired up fairly evenly in casualclusters. No whiteboards or rote drills, yet theatmosphere is unmistakably studious. A lively, slightlyfrenzied woman darts among them checkingprogress and mediating confusion.

This is the Gwangju Korean Learners’ Club (GKLC)and she is Doaa Ghareeb. She’s not imposing, butDoaa’s clearly in charge.

“When it comes to studying, I’m very lazy,” Doaalaughs brashly. “So I thought what about having agroup and encouraging each other to learn moreabout Korean culture and Korean language andmaybe spread out our relationships with Koreans –and with foreigners as well?”

Shin Sang-hee (신상희) – an intern at City Hall,recent Chosun University grad, and club teacher –pauses to find the best adjectives for it. “It’s greatand convenient,” she grins over the din. “It’s a funopportunity to hang out and practice English andKorean.”

David Martie, an émigré fresh from the U.S. and aGKLC member for a little over a month, agrees. “It’sa good way to force myself to keep studying and Ican actually ask people directly if I have questionsand not just keep reinforcing bad Korean speakinghabits.”

By the looks of it, Doaa’s club is a success. About 30foreigners and Koreans – students and teachers both– study animatedly, flipping through textbooks of theirchoice and scribbling down notes in stationary storejournals. But that’s not how it all started.

Doaa, an Egyptian from Cairo, has lived in Gwangjuon-and-off for several years. Her young daughter

community

I

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM

TThhee ppaatttteerrnn ‘‘-- ((아아//어어//여여))야야 되되다다//하하다다’’mmuusstt,, hhaavvee ttoo

Dialogue

소소라라 :: 존존씨씨,, 안안녕녕하하세세요요?? [[JJoonnssssii,, aannnnyyeeoonngghhaasseeyyoo??]]

Sora : Hello, John.

존존 :: 네네,, 안안녕녕하하세세요요?? 소소라라씨씨!! 지지금금 뭐뭐해해요요??[[NNee,, aannnnyyeeoonngghhaasseeyyoo?? SSoorraassssii!! jjiiggeeuumm mmwwoohhaaeeyyoo??]]

John: How are you? Sora! What are you doing now?

소소라라 :: 지지금금 공공부부해해요요.. 내내일일 한한국국어어 시시험험이이 있있어어요요..[[JJiiggeeuumm ggoonnggbbuuhhaaeeyyoo.. NNaaeeiill hhaanngguuggeeoo sshhiihheeoommii iisssseeooyyoo..]]

Sora : I am studying now. I have a Korean language test tomorrow.

존존 :: 그그래래요요?? [[GGeeuurraaeeyyoo??]]John: Really?

소소라라 :: 그그래래서서 한한국국어어 공공부부를를 해해야야해해요요.. [[GGeeuurraaeesseeoo hhaanngguuggeeoo ggoonnggbbuurreeuull hhaaeeyyaahhaaeeyyoo..]]Sora : So I have to study Korean [language].

존존 :: 그그럼럼,, 내내일일도도 공공부부해해야야 해해요요??[[GGeeuurreeoomm,, nnaaeeiillddoo ggoonnggbbuuhhaaeeyyaa hhaaeeyyoo??]]

John: So, do you also have to study tomorrow?

소소라라 :: 아아니니요요.. 내내일일은은 GGIICC에에 가가야야 해해요요.. [[aanniiyyoo.. nnaaeeiirreeuunn GGIICCee ggaayyaa hhaaeeyyoo..]]

Sora : No, I have to go to GIC tomorrow.

존존 :: 알알겠겠어어요요..[[AAllggeesssseeooyyoo..]]

John : OK. [Understood]

Reference: 김성희 외. (2009). 서강한국어 2B. 서울: 도서출판 하우서강한국어. Retrieved July 8, 2012 from http://korean.sogang.ac.kr

Grammar TThhee ppaatttteerrnn ‘‘-- ((아아//어어//여여))야야 되되다다//하하다다))’’mmuusstt,, hhaavvee ttoo This pattern is used to express obligation or necessity. Tense is expressed in the verb '하다'.

EExxaammpplleess:: _ 지금은 먹어야 됩니다/합니다. (I have to eat now.) _ 꼭 와야 됩니다/합니다. (You have to come.) _ 지금 공부해야 됩니까/합니까? (Do I have to study now?) _ 집에 가야 했습니다. (I had to go home.)

By Jung Soo-aJung Soo-a is an instructor of the GIC Korean Language Class

language study

Vocabulary 공부하다[gongbuhada]: to study먹다[meokda]: to eat


August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM

literature

시시((詩詩))

화살 하나가 공중을 가르고 과녁에 박혀전신을 떨듯이나는 나의 언어가바람 속을 뚫고 누군가의 가슴에 닿아마구 떨리면서 깊어졌으면 좋겠다불씨처럼아니 온몸의 사랑의 첫 발성처럼

PoetryLike an arrow that goes through airand sticks to the target,its whole body quivering.If only my languagecould go through the windand touch someone's heartand enter it deeply, shaking hard.Like a seed fire,or like the first song of lovemade with the whole body.서서시시

어서 오라 그리운 얼굴산 넘고 물 건너 발 디디러 간 사람아댓잎만 살랑여도 너 기다리는 얼굴들봉창 열고 슬픈 눈동자를 태우는데이 밤이 새기 전에 땅을 울리며 오라어서 어머님의 긴 이야기를 듣자

Prologue

Come quickly, the face I miss,the one who left to set foot over the mountain, across thewater.Even when the bamboo leaves rustle, the faces await you–they burn their sad eyes, opening the paper screen.Before this night ends, come, shaking the ground,and let us hasten to listen to Mother’s long story.

Lee Si-young (b. 1949) was born in Gurye, Jeollanamdo. He studiedcreative writing at Seorabeol College of Arts. Since his literary debut in1969, he has published poetry collections such as The Full Moon(1976), Into the Wind (1986), Friend, the Road Is Far (1988), The SongDangling with Dew (1991), The Pattern (1994), The Gap (1996), TheQuiet Blue Sky (1997), The Silver Whistle (2003), The Sea Lake (2004),The Aroma of Cow Dung (2005), and For Our Dead (2007). He hasreceived many prestigious literary awards, including The Jung Ji-yongLiterary Award (1996), Modern Buddhist Literary Award (2004) and TheBaeksok Literary Award (2004). For the last forty years, he has strived towrite “poetry, resisting the reality and contradictions of the day.” Hecurrently teaches creative writing at Dankuk University in Seoul.

SSeelleecctteedd PPooeemmss BByy LLeeee SSii yyoouunngg Translated by Song Chae-Pyong and Anne Rashid


August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM

가가을을날날

잠자리 한 마리가 감나무 가지 끝에 앉아종일을 졸고 있다바람이 불어도 흔들리지 않고차가운 소나기가 가지를 후려쳐도옮겨앉지 않는다가만히 다가가보니거기 그대로 그만 아슬히 입적하시었다

An Autumn DayA dragonfly sat on the end of a persimmon branchand dozed off all day.Even with wind, it did not shake;even with a cold rain smacking the branch,it did not move over.When I quietly approached it,I was startled to see,right there, it had arrived in Nirvana.

The Mothers’ Association of the May Plaza

The Argentinian Mothers’ Association of the May Plazais known to have adhered to three rules.First, they will not dig up the bodies of their missing children;second, they will not erect memorials to them;third, they will not receive monetary rewards.Because within their hearts their children have never died,they cannot imprison the noble spirits of their childrenwithin the cold stones, and they cannot take moneywhich would desecrate their children’s soulswho have been either dead or missingin their rebellion against injustice.

At Cargill Middle School

In a middle school classroom in Qana where sixty Lebanese civilians were killed, four families of refugeeswere living who lost their homes due to the Israelis’ indiscriminate air strikes. A young woman said she lost heryounger brother, a grandmother said she lost her adult son. When a KBS reporter held a microphone to her,the woman didn’t say anything, rolling her exposed eyes within her chador, and the sobbing grandmothersaid with urgency, “Now there is nobody else we can rely on except Allah. He will surely help us.”

55월월 어어머머니니회회

아르헨띠나의‘5월 어머니회’는 지금도 세 가지의 금도를지킨다고 한다. 첫째로 실종된 자식들의 주검을 발굴하지 않으며,둘째로 기념비를 세우지 않으며, 셋째로 금전보상을 받지 않는다.왜냐하면 아이들은 아직 그들의 가슴속에서 결코 죽은 것이 아니며,그들의 고귀한 정신을 절대로 차가운 돌 속에 가둘 수 없으며,불의에 항거하다 죽거나 실종된 자식들의 혼을 돈으로 모독할수 없기 때문이다.

카카길길중중학학교교에에서서

60여명의 레바논 민간인들이 숨진 카나 마을의 한 중학교 교실, 이스라엘군의 무차별 공습으로 집이 날아간 네 가족의 난민들이살고 있었다. 한 젊은 여인은 남동생을 잃었다고 했고 한 할머니는 장성한 아들을 잃었다고 했다. KBS 기자가 마이크를 들이대자여인은 차도르 밖으로 드러난 검은 눈을 굴리면서 아무 말도 하지 않았고 할머니는 흐느끼면서“이제 알라신밖에 의지할 곳은 없다. 그분께서 반드시 우리를 도와주실 것”이라고 힘주어 말했다.


August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM

ne of the biggest cultural events in the world is happening right on our doorstep and will wrap upon the 12th of this month. So don’t miss out on this amazing adventure. Not only is it an amazinglearning experience but also an opportunity to Fash-on.

This month’s Fash-on was inspired by a whirlwind trip around the world without leaving Korea. Travel safe,though, as going to the Yeosu Expo is a bit like being thrown in the deep end of the ocean. So braceyourself and dress to impress.

I grew up surrounded by the ocean and what could be more calming and inspiring than the deep blue,where all the amazing shades of cyan, turquoise, navy and so many more whisk you away to a wholenew world. Whatever the pantone be sure you have multitudes of blue and mix and match with patternsand stripes, especially those inspired by sailor chic, which are perfect for summer, creating a crisp andeasy care-free look.

FFaasshh--OOnn wwiitthh xxxxll jjjjddpp

Words by jjdpPhotos by Han Soo Hee and xxl jjdp

fashion


TThhee LLiiffee AAqquuaattiicc

O

August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM

So get ready for an amazing Fash-on adventurewith this season’s hottest and coolest shades,against the backdrop of one of the most excitingevents to hit Korea.

For both looks in this edition the base and anytimego-to item from your closet will be the best pair ofblue jeans you own. Whether in deep indigo,stonewash or even acid wash, get ready tospringboard into the depths of creativity.

For a day look I have gone for a very fun andnaval-inspired concept: a blue and white striped t-shirt paired with a light denim shirt. Over this I haveadded an anchor chain and it is as easy as that.Add the perfect comfortable pair of slip-on canvasdeck shoes and you are ready to go. This crisp andclean look easily transitions into night and is alsovery easy to individualize.

For an upgraded night concept I have paired ourblue with an accent color to create a differentmood. I have kept the blue jeans with basic whitet-shirt. Layer with a red, sleeveless, button-downcardigan and add a marine-inspired scarf, whichalso comes in handy in case it gets a bit chilly. Tocomplete the look, wear with a pair of basic, redConverse, which in their simplicity are a standoutitem too.

Shot on location at the Yeosu Expo 2012 To check out more of JP’s photos please check out his site at:http://jacimages26.carbonmade.com/

Thanks to YB and OB for additional onsite support

ClothingBlue jeans - Calvin Klein at Shinsegae Blue and white t-shirt - H&M SeoulDenim shirt - Uniqlo Canvas deck shoes - Gmarket - Mr Street Anchor detail chain – Brand Market Naval inspired watch - Gmarket.com

Look #2 Blue Jeans - Calvin KleinWhite t-shirt - Gap Scarf - BrandmarketRed Cardigan - Gmarket - Mr StreetRed Converse - Converse at Lotte Department Store

Look # 3 Shirt - Vintage Ralph Lauren - Golden Vintage Downtown Graphic t-shirt - Uniqlo

Now that you are ready to embrace summer,remember to have fun. Wear the hues from thisprimary color in any combination while enjoyingthe atmosphere, international pavil ions andperformances.


August 2012_5 2012.7.26 6:21 PM

recently went to Jinos Garden with a group offriends. I was the first to arrive and was shownto a table by a confident waiter who spoke

English pretty well. I was well impressed that therewere plenty of people seated and eating. I wasalso struck by the ambience and felt like I couldhave been in a restaurant back home.

The menu had an extensive range of starters,pastas and pizzas. I was a little apprehensivethough, because good Italian restaurants willoften only offer a select range of dishes, howeverthey will all be amazing.

Once my friends arrived, we decided that wewould get a range of pastas and pizzas, as well asa couple of salads, and share everything. We gottwo mozzarella and tomato salads, a basil pestopasta, a ratatouille, a carbonara, a margheritapizza, a pesto cream pizza and a vegetable pizza.

The waiter was really good and did not seem toointimidated by such a large group, which was veryreassuring. Despite our large group we only had towait about ten minutes for all our food to arrivesimultaneously, which was really fast given that itwas Italian. To me this means that there is adecent amount of staff working in the kitchen orthat they have everything pre-prepared. I reallyhope it is the former.

I sampled most of the dishes, and the ones that Idid eat were really good, so my apprehensionswere thus allayed. The pizza in particular Ienjoyed. It had a thin-crust base, and had onlyaround three toppings, exactly how the Italians doit. The pasta was good as well and I really enjoyed

I

Jinos Garden 지지노노스스가가든든Address: 55-3 Hwanggeum-dong 2F, Dong-gu, GwangjuPhone: 062-233-3713

the basil pesto. Some of our group had never beento Jino’s before and remarked that it was certainlysome of the better Italian food they had tastedduring their time here in Korea.

Jinos Garden is not the cheapest place to eatunfortunately. The price range of the starters andpastas was 13,000 – 17,000 won, and a couple ofthe pasta dishes were 19,000 won. Pizzas rangedfrom 15,000 – 17,000 won. They also had a goodselection of desserts from 5,000 to 8,000 won, butmany of them were unavailable when we werethere. A few people in our group decided to get abottle of wine, which cost 46,000 won. The biggestcomplaint that I can see some people having withJino’s is that the portions are not huge (though notreally small either), so if you are really hungry andfeel like eating a lot, then you should probably goto a Korean restaurant.

Jinos Garden is located in the heart of downtown. Ifyou are at the Ministop near German Bar, and youhave your back to the river, make a left and lookup to the second floor of the shops and you will seea Jinos Garden sign around 10 meters from theMinistop.

On the whole I would say it is worth going to JinosGarden at least once, and it is definitely worthdining at if you are craving some Western food. It isone of the better Italian-style restaurants that I’vecome across in Gwangju, and my friends and I allenjoyed our meal there.


food and drink

Jinos Garden 지지노노스스가가든든

Words and photo by Gabriel Ward

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Red Bean Sherbert 팥팥빙빙수수food and drink

Words and photos by Kim Jiwon

1. Get all the ingredients you want to eat together before you start cooking.2. Freeze the milk for five hours, take it out of the freezer and transfer to a bowl with aspoon.3. Add the red bean paste quickly before the frozen milk melts.4. Place the other ingredients as attractively as possible and serve it.

Things to prepare500ml of milk, 3-4 tablespoons of red bean paste, canned fruit, cereals, rice cakes and whateveryou want to eat

Cooking Method

oys, girls, men and women all like the sweet and cold dessert red bean sherbet (팥빙수 or "patbingsu").In summer, it is one of the most popular desserts in Korea. Unfortunately, the price of this dessert thesedays is much too high. Therefore, it is much more reasonable to make it on your own. It is surprisingly

easy to cook. Oh, you don’t have any ice shavers? Don’t worry about it! You can make it without iceshavers. Red bean paste is an affordable ingredient. You can buy it easily in grocery stores. Of course, youcan make it at home but it takes a long time to prepare. This dessert is also attractive in that you can putanything you want to eat together. Nowadays, many cafes serve their own unique and special red beansherbets like green tea sherbet, strawberry sherbet, wine sherbet and so on. You can also create your ownunique sherbet.

B


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Come Try Yoga! Vinyasa/Ashtanga style yoga class (either continuousflow or set series of postures).

All levels welcome. Teacher Rebecca Moss was trainedin Vinyasa yoga in 2008 and has taught all ages andlevels.

Yoga has many benefits including soothing the immunesystem and strengthening/toning the body inside andout.

Connect to your breath. Set time in your schedule totake good care of yourself!

5,000 won suggested donation if you have it. Money isdonated to charity

Wednesday Morning Class10:30 - 11:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Sunday Evening Class7:15 - 8:15 p.m.

Place: Above the Underground Grocer in Migliore (in thealley across from Zara).

Email [email protected] for more info. Facebookpage: Gwangju Yoga. Join Facebook group forupdates/changes.

Kittens to haveThey are free, but you need to vacinate them. They are Korean short hairs. The kittens are 7 weeks old.Contact Lynne at 010-8692-9101 or [email protected]

Have something you want to share with the community?Gwangju News’ community board provides a space for you to announce your club’s activity, special events and so on. Please send us the information in 200 words or less to [email protected].

The Gwangju Photography ClubThe Gwangju Photography Club is a place wheremany different people can meet, share advice, giveideas, and practice photography. Every month, thePhotography Club goes on a photo outing todifferent places around the city and country tocapture the moment and practice new techniques.Anyone is welcome to join the photography groupand help share in the experience. To join the group,search Gwangju Photography Club on Facebook.

Sung Bin Home for GirlsSung Bin Home for Girls is looking for creative/active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic long-termvolunteers to join in our regular Saturday program.We would like you to give at least two Saturdays permonth. Meet every Saturday at 1p.m. in front ofdowntown Starbucks. All are welcome. For more volunteering information please contact Daniel Lister at: [email protected].

Dance Workshop in GIC The dance workshop will be held every 2nd Sunday byAngie Harley at the GIC. If you are interested in joining,please contact Angie at [email protected] will learn basic dance and create danceperformance with specific theme in this workshop.

Gwangju Inter FCThe Gwangju international soccer team (Gwangju Inter FC) plays regularly most weekends. If you are interested in playing, e-mail:[email protected] or search ‘Gwangju Inter FC’ on Facebook.

Gwangju Ice Hockey Team Looking for men and women of all ages to join usevery Saturday night from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. atYeomju Ice Rink near World Cup Stadium. If you areinterested, contact either Andrew Dunne [email protected] or Chris Wilson at:[email protected]

Community Board

mu:m English Academy – Bongsun-dongRun by Principal Jun Im and with teachers Kay Kimand Julie Jang, mu:m English Academy is forelementary and middle school students. In addition toa well-established learning system featuring nativespeakers and mu:m eye (reading pen) technology,special online programs and reading, writing, andlistening materials are used. We are NOT your ordinaryhagwon! With an electronic keyboard and a movieprojector, and featuring special cooking andactivities classes, our goal is to make English learningfun! 062-655-3405 http://cafe.daum.net/mumEnglishFun classes, Experienced teachers, and EffectiveTechniques!

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Midway between Kunsthalle and theGrand Hotel, across the main street atthe traffic lights from the Crown Bakery.On the 3rd floor of the T World building.

Advertise with Gwangju News!Gwangju News is the longest-running Englishmagazine in Korea.

Target your customer by advertising with us. Morethan 4,000 copies are printed and sent to 2,000addresses all over Korea and the world.

Contact us for more details: 062-226-2733 or e-mail us to [email protected]

Place Your Ad With Us!

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