october 2011 daegu compass

MONGOLIA TRAVEL JOURNALPARADISE FOUND~SRI LANKA+WIN A ROUND-TRIP TIX TO CEBU

Cover design by the International Daegu Opera Festival

October 2011

Get in my belly

Funz

Join

Find it

Get outta’ dodge

Useful information

p12 - Club THATp56 - Turkey Time p70 - Apsan Restaurantsp72 - Downtown Restaurants

p39 - Daegu Bank English Servicep44 - YMCA Classesp57 - Event Calendarp76 - Bar and Club guidep80 - Hotel Guide

p8-12 - Daegu Opera Festivalp16 - Extreme Kayakingp18 - Half Herb, All Hillz p32 - Play the Game-Music Reviewp43 - Max Tundra / Mogwaip69 - Bangcheon Market

p60 - Subway Mapp61 - Daegu Culture Theatresp62 - Downtown Daegu Mapp64 - Kyungpook & EXCO MAP p65 - Suseong-gu Mapp66 - Suseong Lake Mapp68 - Seomun Market Mapp70 - Apsan Map

p14 - Paradise Found-Sri Lankap26 - Mongolia - Travel Journalp33 - Sokcho and Seoraksanp48 - Palgong Mountainp50 - AlternatiVactionsp52 - Destination China pt. 2

p20 - Time to Lace Upp22 - TalleDaegu Nights F1 Racingp24 - Daegu Theatre Troupep36 - New to the Gu (Regrets?)p38 - Asian Gaelic Gamesp40 - How-to-Make : p42 - Style Your Solep46 - Local Artists : Photographyp54 - AWEH - Art Movementp55 - Daegu Book Swap

Red Beans and Rice

3

Editor’s Notes

Hi Daegu,

This is the seventh issue of the Daegu Compass. We’d like to welcome our new Assistant Editor. Jimi Cusick. Jimi has been with the Daegu Compass since it’s first issue. Jimi is an avid pho-tographer and a great writer! We are lucky to be with his many talents.

There are a bunch of fantastic articles in this issue. Since every-one came back from vacation, you’ll find that this theme is loaded with travel articles to help you plan your next vacation.

We want to thank our Sponsors and ask you to contribute. The Compass still needs a lot of work and with your help, we can cre-ate awesomeness. Please email me: [email protected]

Thanks,

Lee Yu-ri and the Daegu Compass team

The Daegu Compass is published and printed by Spark Media. The views expressed by the writers in the Daegu Compass do not reflect the opinions of the company. Maps, the Daegu Compass logo, and original designs are all property of Spark Media. If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]. Thanks for reading.

Publisher

Graphic Designers

Spark MediaLee Yu-ri

대구시 수성구 수성 1가 423-4 2층 706-832fax: 053-765-5697tel: 010-8592-5697

email: [email protected]

©2011 by Spark Media

Hotels

NovotelInter-burgo ExcoInter-burgo ManchonDaegu Grand Hotel+more coming soon

Downtown

Thursday Party 1 & 2Greeks KebabsTraveler’s Bar & GrillCHAMPS Sports BarMies (both locations)Go Go Vinyl Who’s BobBennigansMaldivesCaliente club JEEEPBlue KetchupThe Holy Grill Take-out

Club THAT+More

Around Daegu

Camp WalkerCamp HenryCamp CarrollHami Mami’s Holy Grill Take-out SanginHagwonsUniversitiesAll Public Schools+More

Daegu is very spread out. We need your help with distribution. Email us at: [email protected] to find out how you can help. Thanks folks!

Distribution

PohangTilt Bar and Grill

BusanAll Thursday Party bars

Incheon AirportVisitor Desks

DISTRIBUTION AND CREDITS

Mina, Ha Mi-yong, Yujeong Lee, Serena Choi, Eun Hye Bae

Sales & PR

Lee Won-takScott McLaughlin

Lee Yu-ri

Ha Mi-yong

Jimi Cusick

Managing Editor

Assistant Editor

Aaron Murray, Aygul Sarvarova, Barley Prendergast, Bosun

Kim, Britney McSweeney, Tanya Dirago, Cara McCain,

Chanel Barlow, Chelise Kozera Dann Gaymer, Dyren Adams,

Emily Cashell, Fuzz Chucas, Glenn Lane, Ivan Broida, Jake

Coldwell, Jeffery Ma, Jeremy Taylor, Josh Wyatt, Keith

Lyons, Lee Flory, Levi Johnson, Joe Tremblay, Lowell

Sanborn, Lu Johnson, Mike Roy, Michael Brannaka, Nicole

Harrington, Patrick Lund, Prof. Craig Gardner, Sangdae Kim,

Scott McLaughlin, Stevie Baker, Stephen Mayeux, SCS,

Suhee Yang, urbanEVENTS, Vacquer Richard

Creative Director Scott McLaughlin

Writers and Photographers

Bosun KimTranslation DirectorTranslators

4

The Daegu Compass wants to be the best source of information for visitors and foreigners living in Daegu.

In order for that to happen, we need your help. Although we have lived in Daegu for many years, we know that each person’s experience in Daegu is different. We would like to help share your experiences with others living in and visiting this unique city.

Get started by joining our team of volunteer writers, photographers, translators and promoters as we gear up for something special, something different, something new.

The Daegu Compass will help make your stay in Daegu a memorable one. Gift certificates, discounts on events, travel opportunities, and more are available for those who sign up.

Email us at: [email protected] to start getting involved in your community.

We feel the Compass is on the right track, but with your help it can be GREAT!

Thanks Daegu, for gett’n it done!

The Daegu Compass team

Distribution

Join the team today!

CompassAll-Stars

JOIN OUR TEAM

Sales & PR

Managing Editor

Assistant EditorCreative Director

Writers and Photographers

Translation Director

5

Written by Lee FloryPhotos by Ivan Broida

The new Club That is a super stylish place. Having been

in business for ten years, owner Hwang knew what he was do-ing when he changed locations, bringing his business to the heart of the Downtown foreigner bar scene. His new restaurant/pub is a cool and classy new place to eat, drink and hang out.

Once you arrive at Club That, it will be imme-diately apparent that music is a major part of the scene here. There is live jazz performed every Friday and Saturday, and oc-casional weeknight sets are known to happen, too. Almost the entire rear half of the very spacious main dining area is sectioned off by a row of tables, creating a stage. On either side of this stage, sits all kinds of serious sound equipment. The walls are decorated with cool vin-tage posters and framed photos featuring an array of musicians like Miles Davis and Jimmy Page. This décor blends perfectly with the overall hip atmosphere. Dim lighting illuminates the dark wood of the floor, ceiling and tables. On the side opposite the stage, up a few stairs, is a large balcony with a few more tables on it, a great place

to enjoy a meal while the weather is still warm. The kitchen,

which abuts the stage is semi-open, so if you stop in while a band is playing you can watch

your food being prepared and take in a live music performance simultaneously.

The menu offers a solid variety of Western pub standards. The

chef, who is Korean, was actually raised in the States, so the food is authentic as can be. Our table was lucky enough to sample quite a few different dishes.

For a starter we had the buffalo wings with garlic and parmesan cheese. The description on the menu had me worried a little, as I would have preferred a classic buffalo sauce, but these do not disappoint. They are clearly pre-pared with fresh garlic and quality parmesan, and these flavors mixed perfectly with the mild buffalo sauce. The skin was nice and crispy too. Dunk one into the small dish full of blue cheese dressing and you are in flavor country.

For entrees, we got to taste a little bit of al-most the whole menu. The ham-burger is excel-lently put together. The patty is a good size and it comes stacked with

cheese, bacon and fresh lettuce and tomato. If you’re really hungry, you can opt for the double burger. Also available is the “burger steak” which is a bit of a misnomer, as it is not a steak at all. Instead, it is two of the same burger patties, sans bun, smothered in steak sauce. The steak sauce was too overpowering a flavor in my opin-ion, but most of the other people at my table enjoyed it. It also came with a Caesar side salad which

Club THATmore than just jazz

CLUB THAT RESTAURANT REVIEW

6

was fantastic. The dressing was light and tangy and the croutons that came with it could be a side dish all by themselves. The burger steak is a good choice for you Atkins dieters out there (hold the croutons, I guess). A big hit at the table was the spaghetti Bolognese. As simple a concept as Bolognese sauce is, it isn’t something you’re likely to come across very often in South Korea, so this was a really pleasant surprise. The portion is extremely generous, so you might even consider splitting it with someone. The best dish we got was, without a doubt, the bratwurst. The chef, a trained bratsmith, makes these incredibly tasty links on the premises. Two brats come in an order and are served over sautéed peppers and onions with the same Caesar side salad as the burger steak. The tex-ture was superb; a slight snapping sound could be heard when we bit in and the inside was tender and spiced to perfection. The prices of all the above mentioned dishes are very reasonable. With the excep-tion of the burger steak, which costs 12,500 Won, everything was between 7,000 and 10,000 which

seems more than fair.

The beer and cocktail list is sizeable. There are four kinds of draft beer and twelve kinds of bottled beer. They cost a little more than most other places in the area, but then most other places in the area don’t have live jazz sets to enjoy while you drink. The typical array of shots and cocktails are also offered. The mojito is especially good. It comes in a really tall glass, packed with lime wedges and the muddled mint leaves are grown right behind the bar.

Although the space is big at Club That, there are only five tables in the main dining area. This accentuates the wide open, comfortable feel of

the place, but it also limits seating. Luckily the long, winding bar can accommodate many more patrons. Furthermore, the seating in the rear, near the balcony is equally nice, and you can still get an unob-structed view of the stage.

You have probably already walked past Club That a few times by now. It is among the main row of foreigner bars (Who’s Bob, MF, old Thursday Party) just above the barbecue place SeoraeGalmaegi. To get there, you can either take the subway to Banwaldang or a cab to Samduk-sobang-so.

So next time you’re out down-town, check out Club That. Chances are you’ll wind up in the area anyway, so drop in to eat din-ner, grab a few drinks and listen to some good, live music.

CLUB THAT RESTAURANT REVIEW

7

AidaDIOF Organizing Committee & Keimyung Opera Company &

Daegu City Opera, Korea

Sep.28 (Wed.) - Sep.30 (Fri.) 7:30pm Oct.1 (Sat.) 3pm Keimyung Art Center

Don Pasquale Daegu Opera House, KoreaOct.7 (Fri.) 7:30 Oct.8 (Sat.) 3pm Daegu Opera House

The Abduction from the Seraglio

(Die Entführung aus dem Serail) DIOF Organizing Committee,

Korea & Ankara State Theatre, Turkey

Oct.13 (Thu.) 7:30pm Oct.15 (Sat.) 3pm Daegu Opera House

The City Love Song

Daegu Opera House, KoreaOct.21 (Fri.) 7:30pm Oct.22 (Sat.) 3pmDaegu Opera House

Masquerade(Un Ballo In Maschera) The

National Opera of Korea & DIOF Organizing Committee, Korea

Oct.28 (Fri.) 7:30pm Oct.29 (Sat.) 3pm Daegu Opera House

<Child> Boony Boony Friends

DIOF Organizing Committee & Suseong Artpia, Korea

Oct.8 (Sat.) 11am, 2pm - Oct.9 (Sun) 2pm, 5pm Yonggi hall, Suseong Artpia

Don Pasquale Daegu Opera House, KoreaOct.7 (Fri.) 7:30 - Oct.8 (Sat.) 3pm Daegu Opera House

<Region> The Eternal Flame

Ul-san Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, Korea

Oct.19 (Wed) - Oct.20 (Thu.) 7:30pm Yonggi hall, Suseong Artpia

<Classic> Dido and Aeneas

Amici Art Company, Korea

Oct.25 (Tue) - Oct.26 (Wed.) 8pm Auditorium, Daegu Donggu Art & Sports Center

The 9th Daegu International Opera Festival

MAIN OPERAS

OPERA COLLECTION

Sep.29 (Wed) ~Oct.29 (Sat)

Opera, Aria of Victory

OPERA FESTIVAL PROGRAM

8

Oct. 28(Fri.) 7:30 pm - Oct. 29(Sat.) 3pm : Daegu Opera House

9

The 2nd Vocal Concours for the Amateurs

N/A

Aug.6 (Sat) Daegu Opera House

Opera Festival Preview

DIOF Organizing Committee & Korean Pops Orchestra, Korea

Aug.31 (Wed.) Park of National Debt Repayment Movement

Der Fliegende ollander

(Wagner) > Audition

N/A

Oct.8 / Oct.15 / Oct.22 (Sat.) 1pm The 3rd floor of Daegu Opera House

<Opera Class> Culture & Op-

eraAmici Art Company, Korea

Oct.25 (Tue) - Oct.26 (Wed.) 8pm Auditorium, Daegu Donggu Art & Sports Center

Russian Bis-Quit Ensemble

Bis-Quit

Oct.11 (Tue.) 7:30pm Kkoekkori geukjang, Daegu Childhall

Closing Concert & Daegu Inter-national Opera Festival Awards

DIOF Organizing Committee & Daegu Waltz Orchestra

Oct.29 (Sat.) 6pm Daegu Opera House

Madam Butterfly

(Madama Butterfly) DIOF Organiz-ing Committee, Korea & Karlsruhe

National Theatre, Germany

Apr.30(Sat.) 7:30 May 4 (Wed.) 8pm Karlsruhe National Theatre

OVERSEAS EXPANSION OPERA

SPECIAL EVENTS


10

Main Opera

· Aida· Don Pasquale

· The Abduction from the Seraglio· Masquerade

R seat 70,000won S seat 50,000won A seat 30,000won B seat 20,000won C seat 10,000won

· The City Love Song

R seat 50,000won S seat 40,000won A seat 30,000won B seat 20,000won C seat 10,000won

OperaCollection

· classic> Dido and Aeneas

R seat 40,000won S seat 30,000won A seat 20,000won B seat 10,000won

· Child> Boony Boony FriendsR seat 20,000won S seat 12,000won

· Region> The Eternal Flame FREE

TICKETS

Aida Don Pasquale The Abduction from the Seraglio

The City Love Song

Masquerade Boony Boony Friends

The Eternal Flame

Dido and Aeneas


Reservations can be made on the Interpark website at ticket.interpark.com or by calling 1544-1555; or call the DIOF Organizing Committee at 666-6111.

11


The Verdi masterpiece Aida will announce the grand opening of the 9th Daegu International Opera Festival. Three fully experienced local production groups will put forth their very best to showcase the opera Aida this year. The audience will be immersed in the story of an ill-fated love between the Egyptian general Radames and the captured Ethiopian princess Aida. The opera is filled with beautiful orchestral melodies, a large scale chorus, dazzling ballet perfor-mances, and grand sets. The best known arias of Aida, especially Ritorna Vincitor and Marcia Trionfale, among others resonate with citizens of Daegu as the city is hosting the 2011 IAAF World Championships.

A grand and stirring opera about treason and the victory of immortal love.

Sep. 28(Wed.) - Sep. 30(Fri.) 7:30 pm / Oct. 1(Sat.) 3pm : Keimyung Art Center

Aida

The opera Don Pasquale opens up the hearts of the audience regardless of their knowledge of opera. Starting with a brilliant and playful overture, it delivers enjoyable comedy about an old Don Pasquale who wants to keep his own fortune. The DIOF staged The Barber of Seville with great success, collaborating with six other Asian countries, and proved its competitiveness in opera production last year. It has now grown up to serve as a hub in performing arts and is expected to serve as a wonderful resource to nurture Korean opera from now on. Years of hard work will reveal its synthesis of beautiful ensemble and perfect harmony between domestic and foreign staff and cast, especially this year.

Can a hero rescue his captured lover from a Pasha’s palace in Turkey? This is the first Singspiel composed by Mozart. In singspielen, much of the action of the plot is carried by spoken dia-logue and songs in German. Die Entführung aus dem Serail is a story of love, longing, fidelity and ultimately forgiveness. This singspiel was Mozart’s attempt to please Constanze, whom he would later marry. He gave her name to the heroine of this opera. The Ankara National Theater is the largest one in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, including its own opera, ballet company, orchestra and more than 600 resident employees. This year audiences in Daegu can enjoy its repertoire of beautiful traditional costumes which reflects the historical background and artisti-cally designed props on stage, all brought directly by the theater so that the audience can feel as if they were in the palace of a Turkish Pasha.

Another successful outcome of the international joint opera, this genu-inely comical opera will have audiences laughing until the end.

This dramatic love story invites you to accompany the protagonist as he rescues his abducted lover from the seraglio of a Turkish Pasha.



Don Pasquale

Die Entführung aus dem Serail

Here comes The City Love Song, winner of the award for the best creative opera at the 2nd MOM Creative Opera Contest, with assistance from the Korea National Opera’s mission to find and support excellent creative operas. Daegu Opera House is proud to stage this opera, not only because it represents Daegu opera, with a story from the heart of Daegu, but also because the opera is set in the modern era and a modern city, and, therefore, will be familiar to the audience. The story begins at the Bridge of Hope in Daegu, where a man meets a woman and falls in love with her. The couple set up home together and lead a happy life, until the woman is diagnosed with cancer. This is a touching love story of a man suffering as he see his wife in pain.

The Bridge of Hope unites two people in love. It is warm and friendly and full of fun. An original production showcasing the creativity of Daegu opera.


The City Love Song

12


The DIOF Organizing Committee is proud to present Un Ballo in Maschera in conjunction with the Korea National Opera, the top leading opera company in Korea. Due to the many years of accumulated experience of its producers, Un Ballo in Maschera is set to be the best Korean opera this summer. The opera is based on the story of the historical assassination of King Gustav of Sweden in 1792; along with a fictional forbidden romance, betrayal and friend-ship among the King, his best friend and his wife. This masterpiece was, in fact, prevented from being staged even after Verdi had finished composing because it referred to the heavy subject of a very real assassination. After its premiere in Rome, however, it was widely acclaimed, so much so that there were a lot of opera fans who were shouting, “Viva Verdi.”

Political conspiracy, forbidden love, betrayal and revenge, all make this opera a tragedy. Join the ‘Viva Verdi’ cry as opera goers did in Rome at the premiere of this masterpiece.


Un Ballo in Maschera

A special performance presented by the Daegu International Opera Festival, especially for children! The operetta Boony Boony Friends invites children into the world of dreams and adventure along with famous music composed by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky along with fascinating stories. The story centered on a boy named Dong-hun whose mother is kidnapped by the devil KeuKeuKeu and a tone-deaf witch. Dong-hun, who likes to play games, seeks to rescue his mother, by visiting the Village of Sound in the game with his Boony Boony Friends, which have the shape of seven wind instruments. This is an opera for the whole family, full of music, love and friendship, which will help children realize how precious their family truly is. Children, familiar with games, can become more interested in the classical music.

Enjoy a journey through classical music with the genius of Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky and brass friends full of charm.

Oct. 8(Sat.) 11am, 2pm - Oct. 9(Sun) 2pm, 5pm Yonggi Hall, Suseong Artpia

Boony Boony Friends

Background: Japanese Imperial PeriodA victory for burning patriotism and the human spirit! This opera tells the story of Park, Sang-jin who fought for the Korean independence during the turmoil of the Japanese occupa-tion. The music brings the urgency of the nation’s longing for freedom to the stage and to the audience. The arias in the opera have undergone continuous modification and supplementation to bring them more in line with popular taste and overcome the notion that original operas are also difficult. Look forward to a very high quality production at the DIOF. (Please, book in advance)

Gohoen Park, Sang-jin fierce patriot gives his life for his country.

Oct. 19(Wed.) - Oct. 20(Thu.) 7:30 pm, Yonggi Hall, Suseong Artpia

The Eternal Flame Free performance

Henry Purcell has been admired as one of the greatest British composers for over 200 years due largely to this short opera. With dance reminiscent of French opera, Italian style arias, gorgeous sets and beautiful costumes, and tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas will amaze audience. As Troy falls, the Trojan prince Aeneas flees to Carthage in northern Africa, where he falls in love with the Queen of Carthage, Dido. Dido learns, however, that Aeneas is fated to found Rome and leave her. The Carthaginian queen kills herself in despair.

A love story woven in myth, composed by Henry Purcell, the greatest British composer in the 17thcentury Dido and Aeneas, the classic opera, rarely seen, you can’t pass up the chance to see it!

Oct. 25(Tue.) - Oct. 26(Wed.) 8pm. Auditorium, Daegu Donggu Art&Sports Center

Dido and Aeneas

13

PARADISE - SRI LANKA

A Paradise for Your Next VacationThere is a country in South Asia about the same size of West Virginia (actually they have a very similar shape) that will simply take your breath away. From the central mountains to the beaches that surround this island, the topography is so diverse that you can go from dry-hot to moist steaming humidity and from cool waterfalls to dense jungle with leopards and elephants. A verdant isle, you can take a rose given to you by a friend and just stick it in the ground … come back a week later and that rose will have sprouted new growth. Known as a spice island for centuries, the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonized this serendipitous land in succession. For travelers over the past 3,000 years it has been known as Serendip, Taprobane, and Ceylon; more recently as Sri Lanka.

I was first introduced to Sri Lanka in 1992 as a Peace Corps volun-teer and my love affair with “Lank-

aland” has continued ever since. Amazing changes have occurred over the past 20 years as the civil war has ended and development

has rapidly replaced the bombings and horror of nearly 30 years of conflict. From the five star hotels

in the largest city, Colombo, to the cabanas and guest houses of the beaches, accommodations range from expensive to dirt cheap. While many roads have been improved, it is still difficult to travel 100 kilometers in less than four hours. A modern express-way from Colombo to Matara in the south is due to open within the next couple of months. The ubiquitous three-wheeler is still the most popular mode of travel for tourists, though taxis, buses, trains and even rental bicycles are available. Nowhere as clean as Singapore, Sri Lanka suffers from a general Southern Asian problem of litter. Be prepared for this as well as the many dogs and insects that seem to be everywhere (in

Written and photographed by Prof. Craig Gardner

14

the moister areas leeches are com-mon). The west and south coastal areas are very developed while the north and eastern areas are less developed. The central part of the island (up country area including the famous Temple of the Tooth city, Kandy) is mountainous and home to many tea plantations that luxuriate in the cooler climes. The north and east are the dry zones (these boast World Heritage Sites of centuries’ old buildings, relics and artifacts) while the south and west are lush tropical areas. The fruits, vegetables and spices of Sri Lanka are also diverse and the food is simply delicious (similar to Indian curries). The same can be said for the varieties of gemstones, including sapphires and rubies.

The majority of the population are Sinhalese Buddhists, while Hindu Tamils (both Sri Lankan and

Indian), Muslims (including Malay), and Christian Burghers (mixed race with former colonial peoples) make up the diverse population. One thing everyone has in common is the glorious smile seen from the children through-out the land. A

friendly population, many people speak English and are happy to assist you. All four of the world’s major religions are represented in Sri Lanka and the churches, mosques, and temples are found in nearly every city and town and welcome guests. The hustle and bustle of even the smallest village is colorful and exciting.This August I returned to Sri Lanka after an absence of six years. I had the opportunity to travel to the East Coast (something that was virtually impossible to do during the war years) and was delighted to see yet another re-

markable side of Sri Lanka, especially Trincomalee. The beaches on the eastern shore have small grained white sand while those on the western shore have coarser yellow sand. Aragum Bay is now famous for good surfing. The eastern shore is rap-

idly developing as it was under the Tiger rule during the civil war and now is receiving attention from the government for development. I didn’t have an opportunity to travel to Jaffna, the northernmost city; however, it too is being reno-vated after years of war.

I also visited the new development and port at Hambantota in the south. This large inland bay will be a refueling stop for ships and promises to further aid the devel-opment of Sri Lanka. Currently a sleepy fishing town, the whole area will eventually include a conven-tion center, cricket stadium and

first-class accommodations as well as a free trade zone. At present, several car companies (includ-ing one from Korea) are in the process of acquiring manufactur-ing licenses. At the time I visited, very little was finished (except the roads) but the size and scope of the project is mind-boggling.

I highly recommend Sri Lanka for ecotourism, backpackers, and five-star hotel tourists – well just about everyone will enjoy the diversity and beauty of Sri Lanka. If you plan on going, feel free to contact me and I may be able to help you plan your trip! ([email protected])

PARADISE - SRI LANKA

15

When my friend, Jake Coldwell, mentioned white

water kayaking I was shocked. I’d never heard of anyone doing this in Korea. It turns out that there is a thriving community of white water enthusiasts hidden among the mountains of Gangwondo.

We elected to take our motor-cycles. The roads are winding and can be confusing, so pay attention to what road you are on. Jake came from Busan, while I came from Daegu. It took us two and a half days of riding to get to the town of Inje located on the Naerincheon River. It could be done in one day, but it would be very long and tiring. Also, we took the long way once or twice due to wrong turns. Wrong turns aren’t a bad thing though when the roads are as twisting and beautiful as those are.

Finally, we arrived at Songkang Canoe School about five kilome-ters south of Inje on highway 31. We passed many rafting compa-

nies, a ropes challenge course, and a bungee jump before

we reached it. A middle aged lady came out and greeted us with excellent English. Dynamic and friendly young guides bounced around readying rafts and kayaks. They got our boats out quickly and fitted us for jackets and skirts. The kayak rental was 50,000 won

for three hours plus 10,000 won per truck ride up the river.

We elected to run from 9 km down to the shop. This section of the river is class 2 and 3 rapids, with a few flat water stretches in between. After wiggling

into our boats, we set off down the quickly moving river. The first few sets were fun class 2 ones. Since I’m not very experienced at white water, it was good to get started in. It took us a few sets to get the feel for the boats and the river.

After coasting under a bridge and zip line, we entered the fastest section of the river. It’s solid class 3 stuff with big waves and holes. We went

in blind without scouting it and that turned out to be tricky. In the first drop, an angle wave threatens to throw you sideways before you go into a big hole. This one takes plenty of speed to punch through. I paddled as hard as I could and went completely under the foam-ing water, but I shot out the other side with considerable speed. The rest isn’t tricky, just some big waves and rollers.

Past a lot more class 2, we came upon another class 3 set. This one had exposed rocks and took a little paddling back and forth to stay on the right line. It’s a fun, technical set. In the middle, the river kinks to the left and you have to paddle hard and angle the boat just right for the drop. Once through those, it’s coasting from there on. We surfed a few small waves and played around.

The second run we went with a couple of Koreans from Seoul. One of them was certified as a guide and he was very good. He taught us that the correct line for the first class 3 set is the go way left so the first big angle wave doesn’t mess you up. He entertained us with advanced tricks in his play

Extreme KayakingWritten by Michael Brannaka Photos by Jake Coldwell

© Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com

EXTREME KAYAKING - ADVENTURE

16

boat and informed us he had taken a white water trip to Canada.

It was a great experience and I

hope to do it again soon. For those without the kayak experience, raft-ing is an enjoyable option. It costs about 30,000 won for a trip. As

for accommodation, you can stay at a Minbak or Motel in Inje, 5 kilome-

ters distant, or go two kilometers down the road and camp along the river. We had a fantastic camping experience right on the beach. Water over rocks is music to the ears when falling asleep.

EXTREME KAYAKING - ADVENTURE

HERB HILLS - DAEGU

When you are told about Herb Hillz [sic], most people

would likely imagine a botanical garden full of flowers and herbs (as the name implies). But in reality, Herb Hillz is much more dynamic with a plethora of activities for both the gung-ho active individual and those who prefer a blissful and serene atmosphere. Herb Hillz’s often forgotten addendum to their name is “Eco-Theme Park,” and it’s exactly that. Herb Hillz is normally opened from 10AM until 6PM (7PM on weekends) and costs 19,000KRW for admis-sion and your choice of one of three courses in varying difficulty, otherwise its 8,000KRW for just admission. For those planning an event or simply want to go with a big crowd, you can get a substan-tial discount if you can round up 20 or more people. To get to Herb Hillz from downtown, come out of exit 13 of Banwoldang Station,

and follow the path straight. You’ll be on the road that only buses, and the occasional scooter, are allowed on (the same road Quiznos is on). Cross on over to the other side of the street and catch the red #2 bus in front of the old theater. About 20-30 minutes later, hop off at the ‘Herb Hillz’ stop and you’ll be right in front of it. Once there, the fun really begins as you choose to relax and take it easy, or run the gauntlet that is offered.

Those looking for a nice, relaxed day can view the splendors of the nicely constructed gardens, waterfalls, and herb fields. The serenity will only be inter-rupted with the most welcomed distractions, the first being a nifty, albeit small, zoo. You are allowed to pick up the small rabbits in the middle (assuming you can fight off the sheep that has declared the area its home), as well as view donkeys, rams, birds and other animals. Departing that area, you can check out the more picturesque parts of the park while passing the occasional theme-park ride and games that are around. Catching an animal show or the sampling the teas are popular choices as well.

For those active go-getters, the allure of Herb Hillz comes with the obstacles courses that are offered. Three different courses are offered with three distinct difficulty levels, the most dif-ficult aptly named ‘Tarzan’. You will have to sign a waiver of indemnification and at-

tend a brief training course (they run in intervals, usually every half hour), before you are allowed on any of the courses. The training will be completely in Korean, but don’t worry, most of it is self-explanatory as you will grasp the concept by watching what the trainer does. You will also be al-lowed to test what you’ve learned on a small practice course under the trainer’s supervision. Finally, when that is over, the only thing left is for you to choose a course, suck in that nervous feeling and begin your journey.

The course that seems to be the most popular is the medium, or ‘King Kong’ as it’s named, and takes the average person about 45 minutes to complete. The pictures and description in this article fol-lows that course. In the beginning of King Kong, you get an easy start with a rope ladder to the top. I should mention at this point that all of the courses are built using

Half Herb, All Hillz Written and photographed by Jeffery Ma

18

We have the best western style food in downtown daegu

Also we use handmade patties and sausages

HERB HILLS - DAEGU CLUB

We have a new chef who cooks the best western style food in downtown Daegu. Handmade patties and sausages grilled to perfection.

Fri & Sat Burgers 5,000w

From 00:00 ~

03:00AM

October Late Night Special

Thursday PartyBerkeley

SamdukSeong dang

7-11

Fish & Chips

Hot dogw/ Fries

Pasta

Everyday 6pm~4am

대구 중구 삼덕 1가 21-22 3층

010.8247.3939

trees as rest stations and the actual obstacles are con-structed between two meeting points in a fashion that brings Swiss-family Robinson to mind. Once at the top, you will be greeted with your first, and longest, zip-line. At this point, your mind is full of doubt and your heart is racing. Don’t fret though, just remember and follow what you learned and you’ll be fine! Hook in, take a deep breath and just let go. Before you know it, you’re at the other end, one hand holding onto the netting and the other trying to pull yourself up. Firmly atop of the rest station, you sit and let your entire body and mind come back into a calm state of mind.

However, you finally get your first glimpse of the rest of the course and see swinging ropes; a snowboard on what can only be described as a plank; and more, many more, zip lines.

At this point, any further descriptions will only tar-nish the attraction of Herb Hillz. The only real way to indulge in and understand Herb Hillz is to go find out for yourself. If what you read sounds even remotely interesting, you will not be disappointed.

Written and photographed by Jeffery Ma

MARATHON - HEALTHY LIVING

You’re all carbo loaded, in a foreign country and looking

for your regular energy outlet, now what? Go at it alone, grab some buddies or join a club and start training for Korea’s busy marathon season. You can knock out a quick half marathon (21km or 13 miles) before most your friends have recovered from their favorite evening activity.

You can see a good portion of the land of kimchi if you’re interested in running at events outside of Daegu. For the city dweller that wishes to see the stars and get some fresh air, there are races like the Cheorwon DMZ International Peace Marathon. It’s up in the northern country

side, where you’ll meander through massive rice paddies, across military em-bankments, and even over North Korean tunnels. The race atmosphere is a great

experience too, from the morning group stretch and the march up to the starting line, all the way to the finish. After, you’ll be astounded

with post race activities such as picking up your finishing metal, free bibimbop and even mas-sages. Or my favorite, of a post race hamburger and beer with my training buddy. Plus the race organizers for Cheorwon will give

you a 3 kilogram bag of rice, and it actually tastes like world peace!

The swag is one of the best parts, anything from backpacks, hats, scarves, towels, jackets, and water bottles are showered upon participants willing to pound the pavement anywhere from 5Ks to full marathons, and 10Ks and halves in between. It’s a great sense of camaraderie when you

see that backpack or jacket on someone else that was putting their heart on the line and testing their guts. Your body, believe it or not, was actually made to run. And there are people out there in situations that would kill to even do a 1K. Please remember how fortunate you are to be in a

foreign country, and show them what you got, you might even surprise yourself. So lace up your kicks and hit the bricks. Then check out this website and find a race. http://www.seoulsynergy.com/seoulmarathonraces.htm

Time to LACE up!

Written by Patrick LundPhoto by Chelise Kozera

Name: Mt. Sobaek Trail, Trekking supported by Yeongju Pantasion WaterparkWhen: 10/30/2011(Sun) 10:30amWhere: Jookryeong rest area – Top(summit) of the Mt. Sobaek Contact: 02-424-21955Website: http://koreatrail.netE-mail: [email protected]: 06/01/2011 ~ 10/20/2011

Name: Daegu Mt. Palgong Fall Foliage Walking RaceWhen: 11/06/2011(Sun) 09:00amWhere: Daegu Bongmu park (Parking lot at the entrance) Contact: 053-754-80305Website: http://dgwalking.comE-mail: NoneRegistration: 08/29/2011 ~ 10/22/2011

Name: The 6th Gyeryongsan Imdo Run in GoejeWhen: 11/13/2011(Sun) 09:00amWhere: Geoje stadiumContact: 055-638-4415Website: www.imdorun.krE-mail: [email protected]: 06/010/2011 ~ 10/30/2011

Name: Four Major River Basin Green Marathon Sharing FestivalWhen: 11/13/2011(Sun) 10:00amWhere: playground under the Samoonjin bridge 159 Hochon-ri, Dasan-myeon, Goryeong-gun, Gyeongbuk, KoreaContact: 053-623-7330Website: http://green.dgrunner.co.krE-mail: [email protected]: 09/15/2011 ~ 10/24/2011

LACE UP HERE

© M

ikae

l Dam

kier

| D

ream

stim

e.com

© K

im R

eini

ck |

Dre

amst

ime.c

om

20

Serving up our gigantic, legendary burgers, sandwiches & burritos.

Now 2 locations of awesomeness....

eat in, take-out or delivery

Delivery 633-6665 Delivery 255-4048

Sang-in location11am - 10pm

Sang-in St.

Banwoldang St.Exit 12

Wolbae St.

Canadian ownedsince 2007

Cajun Smothered Chicken

Philly Cheese Steak

The Holy Cow

Santo Burrito

The Californian

Homeplus

Downtown11am - 10pm

© K

im R

eini

ck |

Dre

amst

ime.c

om

F1 RACING - SPORT EVENT

As we come to the end of another thrilling season of

Formula One, the best drivers in the world will once again head to Korea’s Yeongam circuit to battle it out in what promises to be a spectacular showdown. Sebastian Vettel all but has the title in his back pocket, but as last year’s race proved, Korea can be a formidable venue…

For many people, this will be their first exposure to this sport and where better to begin? Formula 1 has yet to gain the popularity in Korea that it achieves elsewhere, so there’s plenty of tickets priced appropriately low to attract newcomers into the stands. So, if watching 24 of the best drivers in the world screaming around a circuit at breakneck speed sounds like your kind of thing then read on.

The Korean circuit is a rela-tive newcomer amongst the various venues on the F1 cal-endar, having only been built last year, but what it lacks in age it more than makes up for in character. Last year’s race was an excitingly chaotic one, due to a passing typhoon that swept its way over the circuit on race day. Only 15 of the 24 cars that started the race managed to make it to the chequered flag, and even the championship leader (Vettel) found himself on the wrong side of that statistic. As the cars have only been able to race on this circuit in the wet, I’m sure that we have yet to see its full potential as a racing venue and those pres-ent could be in for a real spectacle come Sunday. If this year is any-thing like the last, then literally anything could happen, and it’s an exciting prospect to be sitting in

the stands with a front row seat to watch the action unfold.Formula One races are generally run over an entire weekend from Friday to Sunday. Friday is the day for testing and warm-ups with only minimal competitiveness. This could be a good opportu-nity for the avid photographers amongst you to capture these beautiful machines as they zip by at over 200mph. Saturday and Sunday are the real heart of the event though, so don’t panic if you’re stuck in school until Friday night. Saturday consists of three qualifying stages where the cars compete for grid position based on how fast they can complete a lap and on Sunday the lights go out and the race begins. 55 laps later and this year’s Korean cham-pion will be crowned in a torrent of champagne. Last year’s winner, the Spaniard Fernando Alonso, will be looking to repeat his vic-tory but he will face some tough competition. Here’s a rundown of the top contenders:

Sebastian Vettel (GER): He holds the top spot on the leader-

TalleDaegu Nights F1 returns to the ROKOctober 14th-16th

© Jordan Tan | Dreamstime.com

© Scott M

cLaughlin

Written by Josh Wyatt

22

F1 RACING - SPORT EVENT

board and will be looking to pick up another victory in Korea to cement his World Championship Trophy.

Mark Webber (AUS): Vettel’s teammate often competes for the podium, and it’s not uncommon to see their roles reversed. Maybe he can unseat the champion here?

Lewis Hamilton (GBR): One of the two British drivers in conten-tion this season. His driving has been erratic of late so keep your eyes peeled for some wheel-to-wheel action.

Jenson Button (GBR): The other half of Team McLaren and the second Brit in the line up. He’s stood atop the podium several times this season and has a good chance here at Yeongam.

Fernando Alonso (ESP): The top 5 are rounded off with last year’s winner. He knows the circuit and will be eager to score himself a few more points to try and catch Vettel.

This year’s event promises to be a fantastic outing for both new inductees and veterans alike. If you’re a motor sport fan, then this is the perfect opportunity to get

up close to the action; however, if this is your first experience of Formula 1, then why not give it a go? It’s not often that the top play-ers of any sport roll through Korea and this is a great opportunity to see the best of the best in all their glory. A quick piece of advice though: It’s going to be loud so you might want to remember your earplugs…

The Yeongam circuit is in the South-West of the country near Mokpo. This can be a tricky place to get to but there are various tour companies offering buses from Gumi, Seoul and Gwangju. For more information you can use the power of Google or check these websites: http://www.koreangp.kr/ - http://www.waegooktravel.com/koreanf1.htm

© Petr Pokorny | Dreamstime.com

It's nearly that time again: Hal-loween, the glorious holiday

where we all get to dress up and run around as full grown children collecting drinks bar to bar in the beautiful Daegu night. This year, before you hit the town in full force, join the Daegu Theatre Troupe for their second annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre performance.

This year's show, Murder in Black and White, is a take on classic film noir. The tragic evening centers around a "live" radio broadcast from the fictitious Curtains-ville Inn, circa 1940. The radio performers are excited about their

first live coast to coast broadcast. But amidst all the excitement, an air of intrigue abounds. As the show goes "live" we hear a shot. Someone is very dead.

Murder in Black and White is directed by long time troupe member Eric Gayle and will feature a dynamic cast of troupe members and actors new to Daegu and the area. Be sure to join us for murder, mystery and intrigue at the end of October.

The performance will take place Saturday, October 29th at Buy the Book Cafe (keep your eyes open for a possible second performance

date that weekend). Tickets are 20,000 won for the show and dinner. Dinner will be your choice of a chicken dish or vegetarian lasagne (be sure to specify which when you purchase your ticket). Tickets are available at daeguthe-atre.com or at Buy the Book. See you there!

DAEGU THEATRE TROUPE

Murder and Mystery A Halloween Celebration

Written by Glenn LanePhoto by Nicole Harrington

Dinosaurs ExpoWorld’s Best Dinosaurs Exhibition-Media Films-3D Dinosaur programs-Interactive Dinosaurs Exhibits

Sept. 9(Fri)~Dec. 11(Sun)

Directions: say to cab driver, “Gu Jeonmaecheong Negeori”)

(info)

TRAVEL - BORYEONG MUDFEST MADNESSJOIN US FOR THE BIGGEST

HALLOWEEN PARTY IN DAEGUFREE ZOMBIE BLOOD @ EACH BAR

COSTUME CONTESTS & GIANT RAFFLEGRAND PRIZE : ROUNTRIP TO CEBU

2ND PLACE : MALDIVES GIFT CARDWWW.DAEGUCOMPASS/HALLOWEEN

CALIENTECHAMPS SPORTS BAR

JEEEP CLUB WHO’S BOB

KUSH BAR

BAR

CRAWLBAR

CRAWL

SIGN UP @ www.daegucompass.com/halloween

Sat Oct 29Sat Oct 29

WIN A FREE PLANE TICKET

TO CEBU, PHILIPPINESSept. 9(Fri)~Dec. 11(Sun)

Directions: say to cab driver, “Gu Jeonmaecheong Negeori”)

(info)

MONGOLIA - TRAVEL JOURNAL

Ten years ago, I had no idea I would grow up not only to

enjoy but to need the experience of travel for personal development and satisfaction. Prior to these urges to see the world, to experi-ence unique cultures, to truly feel a sense of novelty, Mongolia to me might as well have been the 10th planet (yes, this was before they decided Pluto no longer made the cut). To me, this vast

wasteland, landlocked somewhere ‘way over there’, was nothing but an enormous and desolate little brother of China; a boring piece of the Asian puzzle. When explaining to friends and family that my girl-friend and I were going trekking in Mongolia, we were often greeted with the classic, “Why would you want to go there?” response. Sometimes, we’d even get the less confrontational, yet insincere well wishes; however, I don’t think it’s entirely anyones faults for having these misconceptions.

Why is it that Mongolia, on any map, is consistently illustrated as this disproportionally brown flat chunk of land? Perhaps, I just didn’t look hard enough when I was a kid, or it’s the simple fact that most people don’t recognize or even know about it, yet. Mon-golia is a largely undiscovered, culture-rich country carved from remarkable and diverse land-scapes and an absolute Mecca for

exploration and everything else outdoors.

Inspired by a local travel show about Mongolia, my girlfriend and I decided to give it a shot. We planned on spending a few days in the capital Ulaanbaatar, simpli-fied to ‘UB’ by the locals as a kind gesture to the English-speaking tourists (it’s a difficult spoken language). After exploring the city, we set up an eight-day trek with Khongor Tours through the bru-tally tough and arid Gobi desert.

From the minute we arrived in UB, the city was full of surprises. In hindsight, I’m unsure of what I was expecting, but it certainly was not what I encountered. UB isn’t much of a visually appealing capi-tal and after visiting the enormous sukhbaatar square and quickly realizing the ubiquitous presence and almost God-like worship of the bloodthirsty war hero Ching-gis Khaan, everything else we

saw was largely a decaying and decrepit city that feels in many ways, still very much Soviet. UB is in need of great physical repair. From the leaky rusted-out pipes, to the common rolling blackouts, to the Ger district where nearly 600, 000 of the 1, 000, 000 people live without water, sanitation, or any necessary infrastructural needs, UB definitely has its fair share of issues. Not to mention driving in UB makes jumping in the back of a Korean taxi seem like a luxury cruise. I’m convinced the

the Last Place on Earth

Written by Jeremy Taylor Photos by Jeremy Taylor and Chanel Barlowhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremyandchanel M o n g o l i a

© Jeremy Taylor and Chanel Barlow "The Golden Gobi"

26


roads were made for about 100, 000 cars and are further brutalized from the extreme range of scorch-ing hot summers and bone chilling winters. When walking, you can absolutely forget about waiting for the lights if you ever want to reach your destination. Furthermore, we heard from locals that those in the shantytown Ger districts burn literally anything they can find to brave the -50 degree Celsius win-ters. Who could blame them?

Although necessary for survival, the fires cause an obscene amount of toxic pollution and a nostril stinging stank for everybody in the area. With all that said, there is something to be said about the rawness of UB. It is charming, worrying, and wonderful all at the same time. Mongolia held their first multiparty democratic elec-tions only 20 years ago. It’s a new country and the people are fiercely proud. Squished in the middle of nowhere, the country is sur-rounded by mountains, and they are doing pretty good considering both their history and their cur-rent state. Despite their problems, women dress up beautifully, crime

is relatively low, and people, even in the city, are extremely hospi-table. For example, on that last point, my girlfriend and I found out the difficult way when asking our hostel manager how to get to the huge UB black market. We were told, “Just grab a cab and give them this piece of paper.” Easy enough, we thought. After about 30 minutes of fruitless walking, we finally spotted a little yellow taxi. Later, we found out that everyone in UB is a potential taxi. Simply hitch a ride with any car, mark the odometer, pay the honorary 600 togrogs/km and get out at your destination. It’s an excellent if not a little intimidating way to get around the gridlocked streets.

The real magic of Mongolia lies outside the busy confines of UB. Once you have dabbled in the black market for a few hours, picked up some yak-hair socks, and haggled for some authentic Mongolian cashmere (their main export) it’s time to leave the city. Drive twenty minutes and the beauty begins to unmask itself. There are camels crouched down happily waiting for nothing, sheep

with their flapping rears, running frantically from your approaching minivan, and maybe, if you look close enough, you’ll catch a lone Mongolian Ger dwarfed in front of the distant horizon; the chimney puffing smoke and a single horse tied up to its stake, all silhouetted against a beautiful orange and red sunset. There’s your moment. Perfection. And it’s in these small slices of life where you uncover the true beauty of Mongolia. I cer-tainly had a few of these moments, because out there, you are allowed to have those times of pure self-reflection; with nothing to distract you or remove you from your own thoughts. No, the landscapes of Mongolia are not brown at all. They are forever changing and diverse, even in the Gobi desert, where you’ll find limestone cliffs, massive sand dunes, ice forma-tions in the middle of summer and infinite grasslands

The beauty is in the nothingness, and never has nothing been so beautiful. Where else can you drive in a fenceless land, free from telephone poles, street signs, and other eyesores that usually mark

© Jeremy Taylor and Chanel Barlow

"The Golden Gobi"

“Sunrise over the flaming cliffs. The site of the earliest found dinosaur bones of Asia.”

continued on p28

27


your way? Where else can you drift for 7 days without a GPS or compass, free to roam wherever you like and do whatever you want? It seemed the longer I was there, the more I detested the city. I guess, for me, it was about getting back to my human roots and to try living like humans have for millennia. Away from the material-ism and rush of everyday life that keeps people striv-ing for something that they can never ultimately find. Mongolia genuinely is the last place on earth where traditional nomads still decide to live this way, together with an enormous respect for the nature and wildlife around them. Our itinerary took us on a three-day drive southwest from UB to the remarkably high, 300-meter Khongor Sand Dunes, west across to the southern Gobi capital, Dalandzadgad, north up to the Yol Am Valley and finally back northeast to UB. After a week of bouncing around in a jeep, and receiving what our tremendous guide referred to as a Mongolian massage, we were left dirty and dusty, but it just didn’t matter that much. At my dirtiest, I have never felt cleaner and bet-ter than I felt out there. There’s nothing more unique than waking up in a Ger after being kept warm all night by burning camel dung, stepping outside into the crisp and

cool morn-ing air, and realizing there is absolutely nothing or no one around you but a vast amount of undeveloped

and untouched land. Travelers in Mongolia and those who have traveled there routinely refer to Mongolia as the most magical place. I finally understand where the magic comes from. I think that it comes from being able to explore like a child. You want to set up camp 5 miles north of you? Go ahead. You want to dig for dinosaur bones where you stand? Go ahead. There may be a chance you’ll find something.

On our second night, after driving

for two days, we stayed with a nomadic family and were asked whether we would like to ride their camels for an hour or so. We took up the jolly old man’s offer and soon he had us all see-sawing back and forth on these great Bactrian camels. We rode what had to be a few kilome-ters from the family’s Ger and

stopped abruptly. The man laid the camels down and preceded to dust off an area and uncover what he said was a large dinosaur skull. We were in Bayanzag, which was the site of the first excavated dinosaur bones in Asia. He had plastic wrapped around it, showed us quickly, and then covered it back up and kicked dust and dirt so not to attract any attention to the sacred spot. He then picked up a few pieces of scattered bone and motioned towards his tongue, basically telling us to lick the bone. He said, “Camel, cow, horse, goat.

© Jerem

y Taylor and Chanel Barlow

© Jerem

y Taylor and Chanel Barlow

“The adults and children are some of the most genuine and accommodating people I’ve ever met.”

“This particular nomad took us out to an area of Bayanzag that he swears still has dinosaur bones. He even showed us what he says is his own dinosaur skull. To believe or not to believe...”

continued on p30

28

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011


No stick. Dinosaur bone? Stick”. We were left a little dumbfounded but proceeded anyway. The bone left a white paste on our tongue. We weren’t sure whether to be-lieve him or not, but it’s the belief that counts. We had a tiny piece of bone and a piece of history for ourselves. Bayanzag has no fences, ropes, or any means of protect-ing this important site as funds do not exist, so despite my concern that there should be some protection in place for future generations, I was excited to freely explore these areas.

It is this humor, comfort and relaxing aura that the nomads possess that makes them so terrific and calm-ing. The people in UB re-semble those in other large cities. They seem hurried, stressed, occasionally cold, but I’m sure they’d be won-derful people if you were to actually meet them. Those residing in the sheepskin Gers outside the city are of a different sort. They are warm, hospitable, and kind. There is a whole fusion of influences that has shaped them including a deep belief in Shaman-ism in the North and a meshing of Tibetan, Chinese, and Mongolian Buddhism in the south and west.

The people of Mongolia hold many interesting beliefs. Many Mongolian Buddhists believe in a strong hierarchy between head and foot, and if you were to ever touch someone’s foot in a public or private area you are to immediately shake their hand, thus balancing the touching of feet. There are also many cairns

or religious man-made rock piles throughout the countryside. If you were to come across these on your travels, you would circle the rock pile three times and throw two stones into the middle to ensure good luck on your travels.

Furthermore, Mongolians do not start their travels on Saturday due to a belief of bad luck, nor take

money from the cairns as they will most definitely develop a serious illness and die quickly.

As I’ve mentioned before, the beauty of Mongolia is authentical-ly living life before the industrial revolution, and then realizing that, to us, it is a bit of a novelty, but to them, it is their way of life. Their entire existence is determined on their willingness to survive with what limited resources they have. Approximately 90% of their diet comes from their livestock. From burning their dung to stay warm,

to drinking their milk, to having them aid in moving gear, to oc-casionally having to eat their meat; their livestock are everything to them and it’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship to witness up close.

Mongolia is a brutally honest country. If we broke down in the middle of the Gobi, we could have been stranded for days. There is

no electricity, or bottled water, or any infrastructure of any kind with the exception of a few outposts you’ll come across along the way. It’s up to the families to create a way of life, and they have somehow managed to do this for centuries. When traveling, you’ll see skulls and bones of all kinds reminding you whose land this is. Not mine, not yours. No ones. I had a very honest trek with many moments where I couldn’t believe where I was or what I was doing. I witnessed an unbelievable moonset, tried camel meat, horse and way too much mutton. I washed in beautiful rivers, slept on an old wooden skid under the brightest of stars, and

witnessed an old lady almost beat a wild hedgehog senseless in front of me for sniffing around their camp. With the recent tourist attention and increasing human interference, which is mining for natural resources, I am not sure how much longer Mongolia will be unscathed. If you have the op-portunity, I recommend Mongolia to the highest degree. It’s only a three hour plane ride from Korea and relatively easy to obtain a visa. If you have any questions or would like some advice, I would happily get back to you.

© Jeremy Taylor and Chanel Barlow“A Ger camp near Yolyn Am Valley. Despite scorching hot days, this valley is deep and shades the sun. 10-meter thick Ice sheets cover areas of the valley during the Winter and last 10 months of the year.”

30

GOLD PANDA - PERFUME GENIUS - TESOL

LOCAL ARTIST MUSIC REVIEW

Playing the game is usually a phrase used by American rap-

pers when talking about becoming famous. For some teachers in Korea, we are also playing a sort of game. Teaching often disinter-ested children, we find other ways to embrace our community and play the game. This can put space between foreign teachers and Ko-reans within Korea. Regardless of whether we understand each other all the time, Koreans and foreign-ers alike know what it means to be in over your head. Enter a foreign teacher with a sense of humor and a keen sense of rhythm. BalaBMC asks Koreans to jive with him; rather than laugh at the mis-dealings of foreigners and their undying affection with the drink, in his Korean rap song, “Play The Game.”

With a collection of original licks, finger pointing, smiling and stylistic throat clearing, BalaBMC has been continuing to try and break through an international scene. Often engaging the Korean audience to explain his song (about waking up after a big night out and trying to find out what really happened), he attempts to cross the boundary of foreign only hip-hop shows.

Freestyling in his native home of rural South Island, New Zealand and working an open mic scene in Taiwan; he began a love affair. After getting complimentary drinks and payment from bars and clubs, he became hooked on the

thrill of gain-ing recognition for his passion. He turned to a local Taiwan-

ese DJ and started recording in Mandarin Chinese.

Upon coming to Korea, he started the game of getting recognized again. This time with a differ-ent medium. He began to learn Korean to become involved in a Korean native dominated hip-hop scene. During a phone interview, we talked about the difficulties of making it in the Korean rap “game.”

Compass- “How is it getting gigs in Korea?”

BalaBMC- “Getting gigs in Ko-rea… If you wanna play for free you can go anywhere. [If] You wanna play for cash you have to hustle and step on some toes and get your toes stepped on.”

BalaBMC- “Many foreigners are trying to play. People who help

you and you help them will be your competition unless you cash them in.”

BalaBMC- “For getting gigs a lot of rappers are using entertainment companies. They might start by playing for free at an open mic night and then they will play a few gigs for free and then start becoming featured and becoming crowd-drawers. Dealing with bar owners can be wishy-washy. They can have excellent facilities and no crowd. [Or you could be involved in a] Technical nightmare.”

Taking a moment to talk to a Korean cab driver on his way to a

show he gets back to me.

Compass- “Why did you begin to use Korean in your songs?”

BalaBMC- “I am a language teacher. I love learning lan-guages. I think it is shocking to see a foreigner singing in Korean. A big challenge.”

BalaBMC is currently trying to create a music video to showcase his showman-ship. He would like to be the first to have such a video published.

While working and playing shows internationally in Taiwan and the Philippines, he hopes to make new music videos. He is hoping to be accepted into the Busan Global Music Festival and keep his schedule booked with gigs around the country. He continues to play the game of trying to become a popular entertainer in Korea.

PLAY the GAMEWritten by Lowell Sanborn Photo by Barley Prendergast

32

ECO BIKING

SOKCHO & SEORAKSAN - KOREA TRAVEL

Fresh Sokcho is a quaint fishing town in the northeastern

part of Korea. A friend and I wandered up to the area primarily to see Seoraksan National Park. The weather was gloomy at best - unusually cold, windy and rainy. Nevertheless, the sights were memo-rable. There is a few look-out points over the water, and we went to two of them. Yeonggeumjeong Observatory is close to the ocean and in the open-air. The sound of the ocean

reverberates perfectly into the pa-vilion and makes for an ideal place to take a picnic or read a book.

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory is a modern, sleek building, which provides a less intimate, but more

postcard-esque view. By the port, there are lots of hole-in-the-wall galbi style restaurants with an

array of meat and seafood. The prices were reasonable (13,000 won a per-son for us), and the sides and drinks were self serve. Further down the road, there are plenty of fish restaurants whose specialty is raw fish. Plate prices

can vary from 30,000 to 150,000 won, so be sure to communicate your price range clearly.

Fresh Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park

Written and photographed by Britney McSweeney

SOKCHO & SEORAKSAN - KOREA TRAVEL

As for the National Park, words cannot describe the overwhelm-ing sensory experience in seeing Korea’s natural landscape. Next to Geoje-do, it is hands down the best place I’ve been in the country. Sokcho is worth the visit and a fantastic alternative to camping in Seoraksan, but the real pull to go here is to hike.

As a novice hiker, there are a few courses starting from the Sokcho area I would recommend, from easiest to the more difficult. First, the cable car route will take you up to a panoramic view, after which you can hike up a set of stairs and some rock paths to Gwongeum-seong Fortress. This is actually a giant rock formation, but it is breathtaking.

Second, the trail to the Biryong Waterfall is more of an easy nature-walk than an actual hike (2.5 km each way). It takes about an hour and a half, and for the

majority of the trip you can see smaller waterfalls and rushing streams. Even if you haven’t hiked before or have much interest in it, this hike is quick and painless. The main falls are stun-ning and it is a sight not to be missed.

Third, Ulsanbawi Rock is a series of steep cliffs; it is a more strenuous hike but only 3.5 km each way. On the way, it passes through Gye-joam Hermitage and Heundeulbawi Rock; both are well worth the pause in your trek.

The first 2.5 km are moderately difficult, while the last kilometer is more arduous. The final 200m is a staircase of over 800 steps straight up - defiantly not for the faint of heart. It took about 3.5 hours there, but only an hour back. Once you’ve reached the peak, how-ever, the view is more than worth the sweat it took. The view reaches out over Sokcho, the rest of the park, and all the way to the ocean. If you only have one afternoon, this is the course I would take - it gives you the best

view in the fastest hiking time.

The fourth, most difficult hike, is to Daecheongbong Peak. Due to the weather, I didn’t have the op-portunity to attempt this course, but it is estimated to be 11 hours each way.

The adrenaline rush, endorphin high, and sense of accomplish-ment you get when you climb a mountain are entirely unmatched. If you haven’t been to Mt. Seor-aksan yet, you are missing one of the most beautiful places in Korea. Jagged mountains made from colorful rock cut into the skyline, wisps of fog create a dream-like feel over the view. The trees were lush and green, but as a deciduous forest, I imagine it would be at its finest in the fall.

35

The most difficult aspect of teach-ing English in Korea is the lack of communication between us, the co-teachers and the administra-tion. Most of the time you have to just roll with it when they spring something on you at the very last minute, but there are times when you can take a stand and say no. It’s important to emphasize that they need to let us know about things in advance. - Female

NEW TO THE GU - INTERVIEWS

New to the Gu What is the most difficult aspect of teaching in Korea, and what have you done to deal with it?

While teaching in Korea is a wonderful experience, there are times when you will become frustrated. Whether it’s the social paradigm, employee relations, classroom management or the desire for better communication, we can all agree that our jobs get to us at some point in time. While it’s okay to share our cries and woes, we also have a responsibility to our employers and ourselves, if only for the preservation of our sanity and positive demeanor, to rise above unpleasant circumstances and do what we can to turn things around, or at the least, tolerable.

I find being treated like a novel-ty to be the most difficult aspect of teaching in Korea. It seems at times that both the students and my co-teachers don’t really view me as a “real” teacher, even after I tell them I have a teaching degree. However, I’m dealing with it by making an effort to get involved in the teacher community, and by attending their social functions, which seems to be helping, slowly. - Male

The language barri-er is a very obvious, but a big problem. Nothing is worse than explaining what you want the students to do, ask-ing if they under-stand, having them nod and say yes, and then they just sit there. To over-come this situation, I started running a more structured routine in my classroom so that the students can tell by the tone/speed of my voice what they’re expected to do. I’ve also started asking my co-teachers for translation and incorporating the translations for keywords into my lesson plans. I have also started learning Korean, which I feel is the most useful way to get your points across to the students. - Male

Interviews by Lu Johnson

The most difficult thing for me is the feeling that we are seen more as entertainers than as educators. If you pour your heart and soul into a lesson with games and everything around a particular aspect of language that you’re trying to teach them you generally get lukewarm feedback from your co-teachers, but if you just play a completely unrelated game with them, they seem to love it. It’s kind of difficult realizing that you’re not really here to teach. I tried just playing games and showing them films every week, but it killed me with boredom, so I’ve reverted to my old ways, and stopped asking for feedback. - Male

36

NEW TO THE GU

New to the Gu

The hardest thing for me was when one of my co-teachers used her “love stick” on the kids. I realize that I am unable to really do anything about it, but I told her it made me un-comfortable when she used it. She continues to use her “love stick” in front of me, but I just look away and pretend it’s not happening. I also tried hiding in a cabinet once, but she eventually found it. I hid it between her papers, and I pushed it pretty far back, so it looked more like misplacement, rather than me hiding it. - Female

Adapting to the way that some Koreans seem to judge the physical appearance of everyone that does not look like them. It’s dif-ficult having to try and switch students’ focus from what you look like while you’re standing in front of a class trying to teach, and not having any support from your co-teacher. In the end, I feel as though its uphill battle and I’ve decided to just work with the Koreans’ way of thinking instead of trying to educate them about people from around the world. All in all, I’m just focusing on what I’m here for and the more important matters at hand. - Female

Want to get involved as an interviewer or writer? Contact [email protected] for more information.

ASIAN GAELIC GAMES - SPORTS

Gaelic Games are the national sport of Ireland. The two primary games played are Gaelic football and hurling. Although these sports are only played competitively in Ireland, the sport has a worldwide pres-ence in five continents.

What exactly is Gaelic football?Gaelic football is a team sport, which some describe as a cross be-tween soccer and rugby. Although commonly described as a hybrid of these two sports, it is impor-tant to note that Gaelic football predates both.

In its full form, the game is played by two teams of fifteen. The goalposts are H-shaped – similar to rugby but with a slightly lower crossbar. Players use a combina-tion of foot and hand skills to control the ball which is round and slightly smaller than a soccer ball.

To score, a player may kick or fist the ball over the crossbar for one point, or under the crossbar and into the net for a goal, which is equivalent to three points. Each game lasts 70 minutes.

The Asian Gaelic Games are an annual tournament which has been held at various locations across Asia. The 2011 Asian Gaelic Games will take place in Suwon, Korea over the weekend of October 15th. This year’s event will be the first to be staged in Korea. The Asian Gaelic Games first started in 1996 when Manila hosted the inaugural event. Since then, the Games have been staged in Singapore, Phuket, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Penang and Bangkok.

Since 1996, (where 5 teams competed) the Games have contin-ued to grow. 54 teams headed to Hong Kong to compete in the 2010 Games. Early indica-tions from the organis-ers suggest that the number of teams this year will exceed that number. Teams will arrive from Dubai, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Qatar and Singapore to compete in the Games.

Although the rules remain the same as those of Gaelic football, the Asian Gaelic Games will take the format of 9-a-side with games being played out over 14 minutes. Over the course of the tourna-ment, up to 180 matches will be played.

Local hopes will be pinned on Daegu Fianna (Fianna is the Irish word for warriors). Daegu Fianna was founded 4 years ago and they held their first training session on September 23, 2007. The club continues to grow, and although

they’ve been in existence for 4 years, this will be Daegu Fianna’s debut at the Asian Gaelic Games. The club has entered 3 teams into this year’s tournament – 2 in the men’s competition and 1 in the ladies competition.

The club has an international feel to it. Among the nationalities represented on the field by Daegu Fianna are Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA, Scotland and South Africa.

Tournament veterans Seoul Gaels will be keen to impress on home soil as they look to land their first title since completing three-in-a-row in 2004. Also joining Daegu and Seoul in the tournament will be a Busan team, Laochra Busan GAA who, like Daegu Fianna will be competing in the Games for the first time.

Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh, Daegu Fianna! (Good Luck Daegu Fianna!)

For more information on the Asian Gaelic Games, visit: http://www.2011asiangaelicgames.comIf you are interested in join-ing Daegu Fianna, visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/4968316925

Asian Gaelic Games 2011 Written by Keith Lyons Photo by Aaron Murray

38

DAEGU BANK - USEFUL INFORMATION

Allforskin4th FL of Bennigans BL

Big Stage

Have you heard about Mr. Cool Guy in Daegu Bank?

We‘d like to introduce you to JaeHwan Kim, working at DGB DongSeongRo Branch. Many foreigners are coming to Daegu these days, but this city is quite unfamiliar to them.

Foreigners often have questions about banking.

For example: How can I exchange money? How can I use Global ATM Machine? I want to check my email for a sec-ond, but can I? I want to ask how to get somewhere but it’s hard to find a Korean English speaker.

Then, ask JaeHwan Kim for help!!!!! He will be your friend and will give you many tips for living in Daegu beyond bank transactions.

DGB DongSeongRo Branch (walk down the Samduk Seo Bang Seo street), where Mr. Cool guy is working, has special facilities such as the café, a rest place for using a computer, and Global ATM which offers English services, etc.

HOW-TO-MAKE RED BEANS AND RICE

This recipe is vegetarian/vegan friendly, but if you want to add some protein and extra flavor, saute some smoked sausage with your “Trinity.”

Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: about 40 minutes Serves: 6 people (or 4 very hungry people)

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped2 green bell peppers, chopped (you may also subsititue other colors)4 celery stalks, chopped6 cloves of garlic, minced (not usually included in “Trinity”, but it’s delicious)

3 cans of red beans (Donna Linda red kidney beans, available at Home Plus, are a good choice. Other brands may be sweetened, which is gross.)1 can diced tomatoes (S&W Diced Tomatoes with Chilies and Spices are my favorite)2-3 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1. Saute the onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic with olive oil in a frying pan, until soft. (Optional: add ½ pound (175 grams) of smoked sausage. Andoille is the best for Cajun recipes).

Red Beans and Rice(adapted for Cajuns in Korea)

Written and photographed by Stephen Mayeux & Tanya Dirago

2. Canned beans are preserved in brine. Drain two of the three cans of beans and pour into a pot. Mash the beans thoroughly until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the third can of beans with brine and the canned tomatoes.

4. Add the sauteed vegetables to the pot of beans and tomatoes and stir.

5. Bring pot to a boil and simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally.

6. Serve dish hot over rice.

40

HOW-TO-MAKE MAKGEOLLI

6. Serve dish hot over rice.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING

After attending the first “Single Mom's Day” in Seoul on

Adoption Day, Emily Cashell was inspired to do something to help support single moms and spread awareness about the social stigmas that they face. So, in conjunction with the Gyeongbuk chapter of the Association for Teachers of English in Korea (ATEK), she organized a “Style Your Sole” party in Daegu.

“Style Your Sole” parties are a brainchild of TOMS shoe company, which donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair that they sell. Thanks to TOMS “One for One Movement,” thousands of children all over the world have received shoes.

Through donations, the group in Daegu raised enough money to purchase 30 pairs of Tiny TOMS. At the shoe party, those 30 pairs were decorated by English teach-ers and local citizens. The shoes were then taken to Haerimwon, which is a local social welfare center.

Thanks to the generosity of local English teachers, their friends and families, and TOMS shoe com-pany, 60 pairs of shoes were given to children in need. For some, it would be their first pair of shoes. The Gyeongbuk ATEK group, chaired by Joe Tremblay, hopes to

hold bi-monthly fundraisers and events.

For more information, join the “Daegu Gyeongbuk ATEK” Facebook group or email [email protected].

To find out more about TOMS and “Style Your Sole” parties, visit www.TOMS.com.

입양의날, ‘미혼모의 날’ 서울 행사에 참석을 한 에밀

리 카셀은 미혼모들이 직면한 사회적 오명을 바로잡고 그들을 도와주어야 겠다는 생각을 하게 되었다. 그래서 ATEK(원어민 강사모임)대구, 경북 지부와 함께 “Style Your Soul”파티를 대구에서 가지게 되었다.“Style Your Soul”는 TOMS 신발 회사의 아이디어로 이들이 신발을 판매할 때마다 신발이 필요한 불우 아동들에게 신발을 한켤레 씩 기부하는 것이다. 전 세계 수천명의 아이들이 신발을 받을 수 있는 TOMS사의 “One for One Movement”이벤트에 감사히 생각한다.이번 기부를 통하여 모은 돈으로 ATEK은 TOMS에서 30켤레의 유아용 신발을 살 수 있었고 모임에서 이 신발들을 각자의 취향에 맞게 꾸미게 되었다.그리고 이렇게 모아진 신발들을 대구의 복지단체 혜림원으로 보냈다.대구의 원어민 강사, 친구들과 가족들의 너그러움에 감사드리며 신발을 필요로 하는 아이들에게 총 60켤레의 신발이 전달되었다. 몇몇의 아이들에겐 생애 첫 신발이 될 것이다. 또, Joe Tremblay가 의장으로 있는 대구 경북 ATEK은 2개월 마다 기부금 조성과 이벤트 열기를 희망한다고 한다.

이에 관한 자세한 문의는 “Daegu Gyeongbuk ATEK” facebook group 가입이나 [email protected]로 하면 되겠다. 또, TOMS와 “Style Your Sole”파티에 관해서는 www.TOMS.com으로 방문하길 바란다.

Written and photographed by Emily Cashell, Joe Tremblay and Sangdae Kim Style Your Sole

42

SUPER COLOR SUPER brings Max Tundra to Korea for the first time this October 12-15th, giving his Korean fans the chance to craze out to his twitchy, mind-boggling dance tracks. He’s guaranteed to make you move like you’re up against Neo Exdeath in a dance-off.

The English multi-instrumentalist has recorded three albums for the tastemakers at Britain’s Domino Records, but he got his start at age fifteen when he began compos-ing songs on the vintage video game-consul Commodore Amiga 500. And after nearly 15 years his songs still retain that sugar-high of adolescence, recalling video-game scores and TV theme songs that bounce along tirelessly, imbedding themselves in the memory of even the most stubborn listener.

When asked to describe the aim of his song, he insists he has the populous in mind, commenting, “It’s for singing and whistling along to.

That’s what I’d like – to walk past abuilding site and hear builders whistling a song of mine which

they've heard on Radio 1”. Jacobs has toured with club-favorites like Hot Chip and Junior Boys and is himself a consummate per-former. Although his sound is dense and relies on prere-corded parts, he also plays many of the melodies himself, improvising and adding new wrinkles to otherwise-familiar songs.

Come out and see Max as he makes his way through Korea, sparking a sweaty dance party everywhere he goes.

SUPER COLOR SUPER SHOWS

“Shows the breadth of his creativity, yet it’s accessible, catchy and brilliantly simple. A massive achievement.”-Pitchfork, 9.3 Score

“Idiosyncratic, DIY-style electronica, with wayward time signatures and bonkers samples.”-Time Out London

“Pop tour de force, bursting with bright, bouncy hooks, warped lyrics about love”- The Guardian

COMING TO SEOUL IN

NOVEMBER : MOGWAITICKETS

AVAILABLE NOW!

Tour Info10/12 Gwangju Nevermind 10PM 14,000 advance /18,000 door10/13 Daegu Urban 10PM 10,000 advance /18,000 door10/14 Busan Fabric 10PM 10,000 advance/ 18,00 door10/15 Seoul Theater Zero 10PM 15,000 advance, 20,000W door

http://www.myspace.com/maxtundraMUSICAN'S OFFICIAL WEBhttp://maxtundra.com/

43

1. Regular Korean ClassTuition Fee: Each course 130,000won(Extra textbook charge)

1) Morning Class * Period: Oct 8 ~ Dec 24(12weeks)* Time: every Saturday, 11:00-13:00* Level 1 ~ 8

2) Evening Class* Period: Oct 11 ~ Dec 27(12weeks)* Time: every Tuesday, 19:00-20:50* Level 1 ~ 7

3) Afternoon Class* Period: Oct 13 ~ Dec 29(12weeks)* Time: every Thursday, 12:00-13:40* Level 1 ~ 2

2. Essential Korean for Everyday LifeTuition Fee: 100,000won(Extra textbook charge)* Period: Oct 15 ~Dec 31(7weeks, 14classes)* Time: every Saturday, 14:00~16:00* Level: Beginner

3. TOPIK Preparation Tuition Fee: 50,000won(Extra textbook charge)

1) Grammar & Vocabulary* Period: Oct 8 ~ Nov 12(6weeks, 6classes)* Time: every Saturday, 14:00~15:50* Level: 초급(1-2급), 중급(3-4급)

Let's learn Korean culture-Foreigners who come to Korea stay here at least for a year, but there are not many opportuni-ties for them to experience what Korean culture really is. Therefore, YMCA is providing an opportu-nity to experience Korean culture for their enjoyable stay in Korea.

Korean Art Program "Minwha"* When: Sep 28 ~ Nov 16(8weeks), Wednesdays 10:30~12:30* Fee: 50,000 won(Extra materials charge. approx 50,000won)Minwha is paintings in which artists paint folk tales and the lives of middle and lower class Koreans in ancient times.

Korean Traditional Instru-ments WorkshopsYou can sign up for one, two,

or all three workshops below. Workshops(모듬북, 장구, 판소리) are free for YMCA students who are taking any class during this fall semester. There will be a normal fee for non-students. The workshops will be a performance at the end of the workshops except for the cooking workshop.

1) 모듬북(Modeumbuk) is a skin drum that is used in Nanta, a non-verbal performance that integrates Korea’s traditional rhythm.* When: Saturdays(10times), Oct 15 - Dec 17, 14:00~16:00

2) 장구( Janggu) is a Korean traditional drum. It is most widely used in Korean traditional music. * When: Wednesdays(4times), Nov 2 - Nov 23, 19:00~20:50

3) 판소리(Pansori) is a Korean vocal and percussion music. * When: Wednesdays(4times), Nov 30 - Dec 21, 19:00-20:50

Korean Cooking Workshop- Bulgogi, Bibimbap, Bean Paste Stew* When: Wednesdays(3times), Oct 12 - Oct 26, 18:30~20:00

* For more information- Contact: Koo EJ, Program Man-ager or Jaeeun, Program Assistant- Phone Number: 053-255-0218- E-mail: [email protected]

YMCA CLASSES

44

LOCAL ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHY

SPOTLIGHT PHOTOGRAPHERSThis is a new series the Daegu Compass plans on running. We will be profiling individuals or groups who have that certain “eye” for capturing life around us behind the lens. This month we have two great pictures by Levi Johnson and Jeremy Taylor and Chanel Barlow. Want to show off your photo skills. Get published! Contact [email protected] Thanks!

"I was fortunate (or unfortunate) to have been in Daegu Stadium the day Bolt was disqualified for a false start. It was a pretty toasty day, but clear and it gave me the opportunity to capture the photo's for this panorama. I assembled it out of 9 different photo's taken that day shortly after arrival." - Levi Johnson

© Levi Johnson

LOCAL ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHY

“Bactrian Camels - If not a little goofy looking , these versatile animals are everything to the nomadic people of the Southern Gobi.” - Jeremy and Chanel : http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremyandchanel

© Jeremy Taylor and Chanel Barlow

PALGONG MOUNTAIN REVIEW

Have you ever felt like you needed to escape the monotony of the city? Do you find yourself going to the same places, doing the same thing, seeing the same people? If you want to escape the urban surroundings for a more relaxed, nature and historic oriented environment, Daegu has several options for you.

First off, there is a little-known area of Daegu called the Bullo-dong Tombs which is only a short bus ride away from downtown (you can take the 101, 101-1, 401, Palgong 1 and the Express 1 bus to Bullo-dong Tomb Park). This is not your typical cemetery; the Bullo-dong Tombs were discov-ered in the second half of the 20th century and they date from the 5th and 6th century. The mounds in this park are presumed to hold the remains of the first ruling powers of the area. This park also has a

hiking course comprising of more than 2 kilometers. Now that fall is upon us the Bullo-dong Tombs will be a great place for seeing the changing colors of the leaves.

After you are done walking the hills of the tombs park, you may want to head to the Donghwasa temple to do some meditating. For the modest price of 2,500w you can have access to the most famous temple in this city. If you have never visited a temple before, Donghwasa will surely take your breath away with recently remod-eled and freshly painted buildings. Once you are done looking at the beautiful buildings inside and out (make sure you take your shoes off before entering any building!), you should take a short walk to see the biggest Bud-dha in Korea, if not one of the biggest in Asia. One of the great advantages of this Buddhist temple is that it has some of the freshest, cleanest and coolest air in

our area. The 401, the Express 1 and the Daegu City Tour buses will get you there. If you don't feel adventurous enough to ride the bus all the way to the temple, a taxi from the downtown area will cost you around 20,000w.

Feeling a bit hungry after hiking all over the Palgong mountain area?

You don't have to worry as there are many options to choose from. If you ask anyone what the most famous dish of this area is, they will more than likely say duck. Duck is prepared in different ways (stuffed with rice, vegetables and nuts, or grilled) and it is de-li-cious. But, as this is not a meal for everyone's taste, there are other dishes that will satisfy your empty stomach. Not feeling like eating meat? Try the 산책정식 (san-chaek-

Palgong Mt. a Fall EscapeFall Escape

Written and photographed by Ivan Broida

48

PALGONG MOUNTAIN REVIEW

jong-sik) or a table d'hote meal with wild herbs and vegetables which costs around 12,000w If chicken is more up your alley you should have the 촌닭백숙 (chon-dalk-baek-suk) or boiled chicken with rice and ginseng. It feeds 3 to 4 people and costs around 35,000w. However, this dish is slow food so make sure to order a 버섯파전 (beo-sot-pa-jeon) or korean-style mushroom pancake

as a starter dish (10,000w).

As a last reminder, don't forget your camera! The Palgong moun-tain area is extremely photogenic, and will give you plenty of oppor-tunities to use it.

Enjoy the fall in nature and explore all of the areas that Daegu has to offer!

ALTERNATIVE VACATION - TRAVEL

Summer break has come and gone, and by now, most of us are back in the thick of things. The semester has begun, routine has reasserted itself, and that week or two of freedom has receded into memory. Happily, though, it won’t be long before vacation is just over the horizon, and we’ll hear once more all those familiar conversa-tions about where to go to escape for a bit. Should I pop over to Boracay and get my diving certifi-cate? Head to Japan and see an alternative Asian culture? Take a package tour to Thai-land, for some serious pamper-ing? Or should I pop to China for a stroll along the Great Wall? With so many options avail-able, the choice can be seriously daunting.

If you jet off somewhere for a bit of bliss, regardless of whether or not it's as good as you hope, regardless of how refreshing it feels and how recharged you are when you once again set foot in the Land of the Morning Calm, chances are you'll come back home and fall back into the same old rut within a week or two, left primarily with some memories and some photos and some stories to tell. Why not take the chance, then, to try a different sort of trip? One that you can take here in Ko-rea, that will cost you next to noth-ing, and that will pay dividends for

the rest of your life?

Why not sit for a ten day Vipas-sana course?

Vipassana, which means "right seeing" in the ancient language of the Buddhist scriptures, is the meditation technique the Buddha used to reach enlightenment over 2500 years ago. The term "enlightenment" sounds a little heavier than what it really is: the

understanding that our happiness and unhappiness have more to do with our state of mind, than with whatever happens to us day to day. Learning to control your mind and to monitor your reactions to the fluctuations of daily life is no easy task, but by spending ten days in "Noble Silence," observing your breathing, bodily sensations, and the emotions that appear and disappear as you attempt to sit motionless, you can gain some real insight into how your mind works, and what a difference it makes.

Of course, there are no promises.

Vipassana courses are rigorous, and what you get out of them is proportional to what you put in. Those who merely follow the rules – no speaking, reading, writing; rise early, meditate ap-proximately ten hours a day, keep your eyes closed and mind free from thoughts – may find them-selves bored to tears or frustrated enough to bail. But those who can look at it as an experiment, or even as an operation (to excise some of

the bad habits of our minds), will find out first hand that what Vipassana requires in diligence, it more than gives back in wisdom, inner strength, and peace of mind. To some, this may sound goofy or vague, but to be hon-est, the results differ so much for each individual that it’s impossible to predict exactly what sort of

changes it will prompt in you. I may have compared it to a surgery, but perhaps it’s more like being shipwrecked inside your own head. For a week. In a good way. Don’t want to spend your vacation sitting still? Or maybe you can’t find ten days in a row to spare? Terrified of what may surface from the depths of your mind? All reasonable concerns. If Vipassana doesn’t sound like it’s up your alley, then how about some time on an organic farm?

Seasoned travelers, as many of us

AlternatiVacations Written and photographed by Mike Roy

© Viktor Pravdica | Dreamstime.com

50

ALTERNATIVE VACATION - TRAVEL

are, may already know all about WWOOFing, which stands for either Willing Workers or World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Regardless, the deal is this: the farmers feed you three meals a day–often with food they’ve planted, raised, and picked themselves!-and give you some-where to sleep; in return, you spend four to six hours each day helping them. You might wind up doing a lot of weeding, which is, of course, the main difference between organic and industrial agriculture. Other tasks I’ve been assigned to have included picking persim-mons, disassembling and cleaning greenhouses, build-ing chicken coops, cooking meals, repairing sprinkler systems, feeding animals, harvesting herbs and vegeta-bles, making kimchi, sticking stickers on pumpkins, and scarfing watermelons right out of the thicket (with permission, of course). Each farm specializes in different produce, and each farm family has its own personality and way of doing things, so there’s no telling what sort of fun you’ll get up to until you register with WWOOF, get in touch with a farmer, and see what they have to offer. No matter what, though, you’ll learn valuable lessons about what it takes to grow food that’s clean, healthy, and as good for the environment as it is nourishing for our bodies.

WWOOFing is also a great way to get to know about the hidden aspects of Korea, the ones that get buried beneath the urgency of studying, the fear of the big tests, the insane consumerism,

and all that noise and neon. The WWOOF farmers don’t host be-cause they need someone to work for free. They host because it’s their chance to meet foreigners, to hear stories about places they may never make it to, to share meals and discussions with those from other backgrounds, and mostly, to give great hospitality to guests who have come from afar. They see it as their duty to show the

best of Korean country life, which is in many ways the best of human life: living close to the land, close to your pets, close to your plants, and close to your family. Finally, nothing creates or cements bonds

between people quite like working side-by-side, particularly in the great outdoors, particularly on projects that have tangible –or edible– results.

So, if you’re interested in spending your vacation in a way slightly less ordinary, here’s your chance. For in-formation about Vipassana course offerings, schedules, locations, theory, practice,

and instruction, check out http://dhammaaruna.org and http://www.kr.dhamma.org. If you’d pre-fer to WWOOF, head to http://www.koreawoof.com and gorge yourself on photos and farm reviews. There might just be one near you.

To learn more about Korea’s eco-scene, and

particularly about eco-friendly eating in Daegu, find the group Daegu Green Living on Face-book or visit our blog at http://noksaeksari.blogspot.com. Keep your eyes peeled for news about upcoming group bike rides and environmental film screenings, too.

51

DESTINATION CHINA PT 2 - TRAVEL

A Diverse Nation: China is a huge country. Geographically it is roughly the same size as the US. It is home to the second largest population in the world. Different regions have their own cultural traditions and ethnic groups. No matter how much time you spend there, it won’t be enough to see everything. I had two weeks of vacation, so I roughly broke it up like this: 5 days in Northern China, 5 days in Central China, and 4 days in Southern China.

Flights: I purchased a multi-destination ticket with China Southern Air. It included two domestic flights to help me travel to different parts of China. It was cheaper and more convenient than travelling the same distance by train. I had few problems at any of the four airports I visited in China. The baggage facilities were quite efficient. People were always willing to help you along your way.

Expect Delays: Chinese Airports are desperately overcrowded. The most common reason for flight delays was air traffic congestion. If you fly early in the morning, your flight will probably leave on time. If you have an evening flight, however, don’t be surprised if you end up leaving an hour after your scheduled departure.

Luggage: I was pleasantly surprised by how efficient the checked baggage carriages were. You only had to wait a few minutes for your baggage and you could be on your way. Save your luggage

tags (the stickers they usually staple to your boarding pass). They actually have an employee check to make sure you aren’t trying to make off with someone else’s luggage.

Trains: Tickets from major cities to other major cities can be a little tricky to get. They only go on sale 5 days in advance, and the com-fortable seats are gone in a blink of an eye. Unless you want to sit in a hard seat or stand for 12 hours, it’s probably better to just fly. I met a few people who were stranded in Beijing longer than they planned while they played the train lottery to get tickets to their next destina-tion.

Normal trains: I rode on one normal train, during my trip. I had an evening flight to Zhengzhou. I planned to then catch a high speed train to Luoyang. Well, my flight was delayed an hour. It took me half an hour to get to the train station from the airport. The line to buy tickets was incredibly long since everyone was trying to get

tickets on the last train for the night. So, by the time I got up to the counter, all they would sell me was a normal train ticket. The lady behind the counter didn’t speak any English, so I guess I should be grateful I got a ticket at all.

I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything now. I got to people watch for an hour while I waited for the train. I’ll never forget the beggar that was going around playing a harmonica in everyone’s ear until they paid him something. I gave him the equivalent of a dollar and he literally bowed three times for me.

When the time came to board the train, it was so overcrowded that it was hard to find even a place to stand up. We were literally packed liked sardines for over an hour and a half. Everyone was courteous, but it got pretty warm. Someone even gave me free walnuts. I guess that is the kind of ride you get for 10 Yuan(1,750 won).

High Speed Trains: These trains are the way to go, if you are look-ing for convenience. The service

Destination China How to Guide pt. 2

Written and photographed by Cara McCain

52

is quite similar to what you would expect to find on the KTX. They usually aren’t sold out ahead of time, because most locals can’t afford them. I rode first class in a high speed train from Luoyang to Xian. It took about 2 hours and was 140 Yuan (24,500 won). Apparently, the trains used to run faster, but in light of July’s deadly train accident all high speed trains have been slowed down to safer speeds.

Luoyang: A bit off the beaten track, but worth it. If you want to say you have been somewhere truly unique. It’s no Beijing. It’s much smaller, and don’t count on anyone knowing English. Luoy-ang’s main attraction is the Long-men Grottoes. There are tens of thousands of Buddhist statues carved in the mountain walls as you walk along the Yi River. The statues date from 500 to 1100 AD. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. The entrance fee is 120 Yuan. That grants you access to the grot-toes on both sides of the river and the local shrine and temple. The park is well taken care of. Local and special buses as well as taxis run there quite frequently. If you have your luggage on you, there are services that will store your luggage for a small fee (10 Yuan).

Xian: Xian is an ancient city that once was the capital of China. It has a lot of history and is the only Chinese city that has preserved the original city walls. Most of the major tourist attractions are included within or around the city walls. So if you find accommodation within the city walls, you will be in reasonable walk-

ing distance to most attractions or a short taxi ride away. I stayed at the Han Tang Inn, which wasn’t too far from Xian’s Bell tower.

The Great Mosque: This was by far my favorite place in Xian. The Mosque is one of the oldest and most famous in China. It was built using Chinese architecture. I went on a Friday evening and was able to observe the Jumu’ah or Friday Prayer. The area surrounding the Mosque is called the Muslim Quarter, which is famous for its markets. When I first stepped into the market, I felt like I was back in Damascus. The market has very Middle Eastern tone to it. Many of the merchants are Hui,

or Chinese Muslims, and they are selling everything from authentic goods to souvenirs. There are also all kinds of delicious and unique food items to try.

Terracotta Warriors: Most people come to Xian particularly to see these soldiers of clay. The terracotta warriors are located outside of the city limits. Many hostels and hotels offer tours. But it’s not too hard to do it on your own either. I ended up catching a bus from the train station for 8 Yuan. It took about an hour to get to the warriors. Entrance fee was 110 Yuan.

Taxis: Try to use only legal taxis. Not all cities regulate their taxis, though. I took an unofficial taxi from the Xian North Train Station to my accommodation without any problems. However, a guy I met did the same and left his suitcase in the taxi’s trunk. Since the cab wasn’t from a real taxi company, he had no way of track-ing down his bag. Also, cab driv-ers will try to barter with you. You will either have to talk them down to a reasonable price or insist on using a meter.

Dictionary: Having a Chinese dictionary or guide book with a decent amount of phrases will

come in handy. I made the mistake of not writing down the word for train station when I arrived in Zhengzhou. I had a dozen cab drivers laughing at me, while I pulled up Google Trans-late on my 3G kindle.

Next Stop: Guangzhou

DESTINATION CHINA PT 2 - TRAVEL

53

AWEH - ART MOVEMENT

Aweh is pleased to announce the launch of www.aweh.tv , a flagship platform for sharing creativity from across the world. As a result Aweh would like to extend an invitation for you to visit the site and attend our launch party/ex-hibition in Seoul, South Korea on September 24, 2011.

The Aweh site aims to share a range of creative mediums, from both established and emerging in-dividuals, through weekly features and daily blog posts of selected submissions. A number of offline projects are also being de-veloped by Aweh, including exhibitions, publications and limited edition merchandise, which will draw upon cre-ative communities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Aweh was founded by Ollie Walker and Dann Gaymer on the belief that creativity is an important way of bright-ening up the world. The duo were inspired by the bur-geoning expatriate creative scene in Seoul and set about taking this open attitude to art, music, film and performance to a global set-ting. “We both have pretty eclectic interests and got involved in a lot of different events and groups, so when we set up Aweh we didn’t want to just focus on one form of expression,” said Walker.

Despite taking a broad and equal

approach to content, quality remains a key concern for Aweh’s founders. “These days you can get access to so many different mediums from every corner of the planet, but we often find ourselves

overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content out there. As a result we often barricade ourselves into our own little online spheres to block out all the advertisements and other junk,” said Gaymer. Therefore Aweh is designed to serve as a hub and connect different creative communities, filtering out the chaff to bring the best of what’s out there, while also documenting creative types who deserve recognition on a visually rich website that contains quality features and articles.

To this end www.aweh.tv is not intended to be a recycling depot for content that has already been passed around social network-ing sites or lifted from print publications. Instead it has been conceptualized as a virtual space for sharing and inspiring, through work you would expect to find in an exhibition, at a screening, or in a high quality print publication

(all of which are coincidentally in the works for Aweh).

To celebrate the site going live and to introduce a flavor of things to come, a launch party/exhibi-tion is being hosted by Laughing Tree Lab, a partner of Aweh, on September 24th in the Yongsan-gu area of Seoul. Starting at 7pm the event will feature a myriad of expression from 15 international artists, including a live graffiti bee, audio-visual performances from Un escargot Vide? (France) and Rafael (Spain), and music from Used Cassettes, DJ Jpath with MC Kala, while Omniology will take the party into the small hours.Ad-mission on the door will be W10, 000 with a complimentary drink.

Keep an eye on the Aweh and Laughing Tree social networking sites for more information about

this very special event.

For more information:-For more information http://www.facebook.com/LaughingTreeOrg

-For all enquiries relating to press, sales and details on our partnership program please [email protected]

-For submissions and details on how to get involved with Aweh please email [email protected]

-Aweh on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/ehtv/166898363348765?ref=ts)-Aweh @ Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/awehtv)-Aweh’s Vimeo channel (http://vimeo.com/aweh)

Press release and photos courtesy of Dann Gaymer

54

DAEGU BOOK SWAP

Are you tired of paying for English books, only to have to schlep them home or leave them behind? Then come to the Daegu Book Swap! This com-pletely free event is held monthly at MF Bar, one of Daegu’s funkiest spots. Just bring any books you don’t want, drop and swap! Extra books (those which people bring but are not picked up) are sold, and the proceeds are sent to Books for Africa.

The bar’s owners David and Zeke designed and decorated MF Bar themselves. The walls and tables are covered in colorful hand-painted images. The book swap is held on the second floor, but MF also recently opened a third floor with ample space and an equally artsy vibe. If you come to MF early enough, you might even get to see Winnie, the bar’s resident and adorable ShihTzu.

For more info about the Daegu Book Swap or to check when our next swap is, find us on Facebook (Daegu Book Swap @MF Bar)!

MF Bar is located about Who’s Bob on Rodeo Street. It’s across from Berkley, which has an out-door seating area.

Daegu Book Swap at MF Bar

Written by Tanya Dirago Photo by MF Bar

© Helder Almeida | Dreamstime.com

Thanksgiving Day Turkey time!

11.19-20

Slow Roasted Turkey + Gravy + Cranberry sauce

We deliver all over Daegu!

Reserve NOW!www.daegucompass.com/turkey

delivery charges apply : 5,000w-10,000w (depending on location)

99,000w - Early Bird (Sept 24 - Oct. 31)109,000w - (Nov. 1 - Nov 15)

The Daegu Compass would like to help you enjoy a great holiday feast. We’ll provide the slow roasted turkey (feeds 8-10ppl), gravy and cranberry sauce. All you have to do is grab

some friends, mash some potatoes and ask mom for that green bean casserole recipe. Turkey’s are limited and will be sold quickly. Visit our website to reserve your Turkey today!

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

October 2011 30 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Daegu Food Tour Expo @ EXCO

Yeongcheong Herb Festival @ Yeongcheon 9.30~10.3

Halloween Bar Crawl @ Down-town Daegu : http://www.daegcompass.com/halloween

Daegu Fashion Fair @ EXCO

2011 Street Musician @ Bongsan Art Center

2011 Global Gathering @ Haeundae, Busan

EVENT CALENDAR

Global Gath-ering @ Nanji Park, Seoul

This is an overview of our July events. For more information on events in our calendar, check out the next two pages or email : [email protected]. Please email us your event information by October 15th for our November 2011 issue.

JEEEP CLUB PARTY

Gyeong Ju “떡 & 술” Festival@ Gyeong Ju (10.8-10.13)

Janacek String Quartet Concert @ Suseong Artpia

Art Concert @ Suseong Artpia

Park Ra On “ Jazz & Story” @ Suseong Artpia

Busan International Film Festival @ Haeundae, Busan

Berliner Barock Solisten 내한공

연@ Suseong Artpia

30 31



Yeongcheong Herb Festival @ Yeongcheon 9.30~10.3

Daegu Food Tour Expo @ EXCO

Busan International Film Festival @ Haeundae, Busan (10.6-10.14)

We deliver all over Daegu!

delivery charges apply : 5,000w-10,000w (depending on location)

57

October 1 - 15Event Calendar

10.2Janacek String Quartet Concert in Korea with Kim Jung Won

10.8 Global Gathering Electronic Festival

10.6~10.14Busan International Film Festival

10.12~10.14 2011 Daegu Fashion Fair

10.13~10.16Daegu Food Tour Expo 2011

Sat

Tue-Wed

Wed-Sat

Thu-Sun

Time:10.6~10.14Price: 6,000w - 10,000wPlace: Busan Haeundae BeachTicket: 051.747.3010http://www.biff.kr

Time:10.2 5:00(PM)Price: R:50,000w / S:40,000w / A:30,000wPlace: Suseong ArtpiaTicket: 02.585.2934 http://www.ssartpia.or.kr

Time: 10.8 Price: 110,000w (door)Place: Nanji Park, SeoulTicket: 02.323.2838http://www.globalgather-ing.co.kr

Time: 10.12~10.14Price: FreePlace: EXCOTicket: 053.721.7432http://www.fashiondaegu.com

Time: 10.13~10.16Price: FreePlace: EXCO Ticket: 053.601.5036http://www.colorfulfood.co.kr

Sun

EVENT CALENDAR OCTOBER 2011

58

October 1 - 15 October 16 - 3110.16Berliner Barock Solisten 내한

공연

10.222011 Global Gathering

10.30Dynamic Harmony City

10.26 Park Ra On “ Jazz & Story”

10.28~11.7Geo je Island Flower Festival

Time: 10.16 5:00(PM)Price: VVIP:200,000w / VIP:150,00w / R:120,000w / S:80,000w / A:50,000wPlace: Suseong ArtpiaTicket: 053.668.1800http://www.ssartpia.or.kr

Time: 10.22 10:00(AM)~5:00(PM)Price: FreePlace: Haeundae, BusanTicket: 051.668.7900http://www.globalgathering.or.kr (different from Seoul)

Sat

Wed

Fri-Mon

Sun

Time: 10.26 8:00(PM)Price: R:50,000w / S:40,000w / A:30,000wPlace: Suseong ArtpiaTicket: 053.744.5235http://www.ssartpia.or.kr

Time: 10.28~11.7 Price: FreePlace: Geo Je Island Ticket: 055.639.3980http://flower.geoje.go.kr

Time: 10.30 7:00(PM)Price: FREEPlace: 대구 국채보상공원 (big

bell park)

Ticket: 053.762.0000www.bongsanart.org

Sun

EVENT CALENDAR OCTOBER 2011

Event Calendar

59

DAEGU ART VENUES

60

How to > Get therebring the Compass with you and show the taxi driver your destination

This is a guide to all the art centers in Daegu. Various art centers play a range of art performances: from musicals, non-verbal performances, operas, and classical plays. Check out our event calendar on p57 for some of the events playing this month.

DAEGU ART VENUES

61

Suseong Lake

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

6

1. Napoli (Italian)

2. Ganga (Indian)

3. Tasting Table

(Italian)

4. Pita Bono (Sandwich)

5. Business Bar

6. Bin (Italian)

7. Japanese (Sushi)

8. Hai Long Bay

(Vietnamese)

9. Africa (Pasta & Coffee)

10. Long Bar Cafe Francessco

La Bella Cucina

(Italian)

New York New York

(Steak)Suseong Land (Amusement Park)

Minature GolfDusan Ogori두산오거리

66

Suseong Lake area offers a change of pace to the hustle and bustle of downtown. Suseong Lake also boasts an amusement park (Suseong Land) reminiscent of those carnivals you went to with your parents at the local fair ground. There’s something to be said when you are on the back of the seahorse with a safety bar that barely locks you in place as you float for a few brief seconds in mid-air before being plunged back down in your seat. Thrilling, exhilarating are just a few choice words to descrribe the experience.

Suseong Lake area is one of the classiest places in Daegu. A perfect date area. After taking your sweetheart out to a nice meal, I’d recommend Napoli, Ganga, La Bella Cucina or New York New York, take a stroll around Suseong Lake until you come upon the famous ‘duck boats’ and paddle your way into each other’s hearts. Next, swing by the minature golf course and Suseong Land. Thanks to the photogs who took the great pics you see here. Aygul Sarvarova, Jeremy Taylor and Chanel Barlow. Photos by Aygul Sarvarova, Chanel Barlow and Jeremy Taylor

67

1

1

3

7

8

9

6

2

2

3 4

4

5

5

6

7

89

Seomun Market is Daegu’s biggest market. There are multiple areas dedicated to similar products. BARGAIN, it’s challenging, but fun. We hope you have an awesome time and try to enjoy and see as much of the market as possible. We would like to thank Dyren J. Billups-Adam for his photos of the different areas. Thanks bud!

to Seomun Market Subway Station

Main Entrance (5min walk to

subway)

Parking Lot

Wholesale Clothing Knicknacks,

clothes, food

Traditional Clothes, Souvenirs Food

Court

Textiles, Blan-kets, Leather

goods

Women’s Clothes

Bargaining tip : Ask for a discount in Korean, “Gga Gga Ju Say Yo.” 68

I have lived in Korea for one year and seven months. Every morning, I wake up, step outside my building

and fall in love again. I’ve fallen in love with this country hundreds of times. I blame my neighbourhood: 방천시장. (Bangcheon Market) This place feels like home in a way that almost nowhere else could.

Bangcheon Market is located out of exit 3 of Kyeongpuk National University Hospital Station and is a fifteen minute walk from downtown. It is unique, it has a lot to offer. This traditional Korean market is home to a large number of young Korean artists. The entire far wall of the market is a massive mural and memorial dedicated to the amazing protest singer Kim Kwang Seok. It’s beautiful and a great example of what the arts in Korea have to offer.

My love affair with the market is something often made fun of by my Korean friends when they ask me, “Where did you have that dress made?” or “Where did you get this kimchi?” or “Where did

you go drinking last night?” and my answer is always an enthusias-tic “Bangcheon Shijang!”

My favorite watering hole in all of Korea is ‘Shocking Hof ’. Shock-ing Hof is located just inside the market entrance and boasts an interior unlike anything I’ve seen in Korea. The owner, once a chef and connected to downtown’s Di-jon, is a laid back man who speaks some English, cooks some great anju (I suggest the, 돼지두부김치, fried kimchi and pork with tofu) and is always smiling. We have spent many a night there laughing,

eating wonderful food and drinking copious amounts of beer and soju. Not once has it cost us more than 10,000 won per person. A total steal.

The main attraction in the market is a wonderful res-taurant called Daehan News. One of the owners speaks English (and the other is well on his way) and it is like a second home, run by people who have become dear

friends. It has a very mellow atmo-sphere. The interior design is basic but comfortable and welcoming. Daehan News has a simple menu that features incredibly high qual-ity meats at very reasonable prices. The galbi sal is among the most incredible I have tasted for 13,000 won per 100g and the bulgogi is tasty and will only set you back 6,000 won for 100g.

Daehan News has also introduced me to seng gogi and yook hwey. Both of these dishes are raw beef, the first served sliced with a delicious spicy sauce and the second chopped finely mixed with chopped peppers. Either is worth a try.

Banghcheon Market is a great way to get out of downtown and try something else for the night. Take the simple trip to the east from downtown and enjoy some truly Korean food and drink in an amazing, artistic, unique and welcoming neighborhood.

AArt, TTradition and Food Bangcheon Market – A love story.

Written by Stevie BakerPhotos by Nicole Harrington

BANGCHEON MARKET

69

To Apsan Mountain

To Hyunchungno Station Exit 2 (Red Line 1)

71

The Daegu Compass and it’s volunteers have come up with this comprehensive guide to the bring you the best places to enjoy the night in beautiful downtown Daegu.

Downtown Eats & Drinks

Photos by Ivan Broida, Vacquer Richard, Fuzz @ www.chrischucas.com

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT GUIDE

Caliente053.426.2268

Everyday 11am – 4am

Mexican & Bar

\ \

Map on p62

about

Everyday 11am – 9pm

Pasta, Handmade Pizzas

\ \

Map on p62

Bennigan’s053.424.8200

Everyday 11:30am – 10:30pm

Western American Food

\ \

Map on p62

Berkeley053.421.8577

Everyday 11am-2am

Pasta and Coffee

\ \

Map on p62

Bulzip053.257.2220

Everyday 11:30am – 10:30pm

Samgyeopsal - thick slices of pork belly

\ \

Map on p62

Burnham’s Burgers 053.254.3320

Everyday 10:30am – 11pm

Burgers and Milkshakes

\ \

Map on p62

Chinese


Chinese Food

\ \

Map on p62

(쨔쌰)

Definitely a date place.

Definitely a date place.

Great for large groups!

\ \ \

\ \ \

Won’t break the bank

Who cares, hav’n funz

Millionaire Club

72


Map on p62

Design Factory


Coffee and Desserts

\ \

Map on p62

Japanese

Everyday 1pm – 2am

Saki and Japanese Steak

\ \

Map on p62

KoKoChon


Fried chicken and rice

\

Map on p62

Lazy Diner


Burgers and Breakfast

\ \

Map on p62

(웅)

(꼬꼬촌)

Map on p62

Club That010.8247.3939


Burgers, Mojitos, Wine

\ \

053-255-4048

11:00am-10:00pm

Sandwiches

\

Map on p62

\

Awesome outdoor deck!

Very busy on the weekend.

Double cheese and ramen!

Interesting interior

Little Italia


Pasta and Wine

\ \Chef studied in Italy.


Millionaire Club

\

Dijon053-422-2426

11:30am-9:30pm

French Mediterranean

\ \

Map on p62

\

The Holy Grill Take Out

73

Seorae053.255.8970

Everyday 4pm– 4am

Galmaegisal - Korean BBQ

\ \

Map on p62

Mies Container


Pasta, Pizza, Salad

\ \

Mies Factory


Pasta, Pizza, Salad

\ \

Map on p62

Quiznos Subs

Everyday 11am-9pm

Subs and Sandwiches

\ \

Map on p62

Samcho-(Shovel Samgyeopsal) 053.252.1266


Samgyeopsal - thick slices of pork belly

\

Map on p62

Seoga & Cook053.254.9989

Everyday 11:00am – 11pm

Korean Western Fusion

\ \

Map on p62

Traveler’s Bar & Grill010.4591.4869

Weekdays 5pm–CL

Weekends 12pm-CL

Burgers, Hot Wings, Beer

\ \

Map on p62

Map on p62

Electronic music and Bacon Pizza

One of the busiest restaurants downtown.

Near Banwoldang for all your sub needs.

Fuzz @ www.chrischucas.com




74

Map on p62

Vin


Pasta, Coffee & Desserts

\ \

Map on p62

What!


Samgyeopsal - Korean BBQ

\

Map on p62

Camapkaha


Uzbekistan & Russian Food

\ \9’s, 7’s ~ great beer!

Great lunch specials

Different flavored Samgyeopsal.


Downtown Bars & Clubs

Champs Sports Bar


Beer Pong, Darts, Air Hockey, Live Music

Daegu thrives at night. Downtown is loaded with bars and clubs to meet everyone’s drinking and partying needs. Challenge yourself and try out places you’ve never been.

Photos by Ivan Broida, Vacquer Richard, Fuzz @ www.chrischucas.com

Communes


Beer, Trivia Night, Sports

\

Map on p62

Apple Lounge


Cocktails, Electronic music, Wine

\ \

Map on p62

AU Lounge


Bottle service, trendy

\ \

Map on p62

Billi Bow & Dart


Western food, on 2FL of Lotte Cinema

\

Map on p62

Blue Ketchup053.286.1000

Everyday 6pm - 3am / Fri, Sat 6pm - 5am

Korean fusion food

\

Map on p62

Bus Bar


Korean fusion food

\

Map on p62

Map on p62

\

\











Great interior and good drinks.

Upscale and good for large groups.

Lots of Dart Machines and Pool Table

Theme bar, fun atmosphere.

New bar in town ~ They came to play.

Longest running bar in Daegu. A must go to.

DOWNTOWN BARS AND CLUBS GUIDE

\ \ \

\ \ \



Millionaire Club

76

Club Frog


Hip-hop / Dance / Party

\

Map on p62

Map on p62

Go Go Party


Party / Hip-hop / Dance

\

Map on p62

Kush


Pure Electronic Music

\

Map on p62

Makgeoli

Everyday 6pm - 3am

Traditional Korean Tavern

\

Map on p62

Gold Label


Top 40 hits / Good Beer

\

Club JEEEP010.7527.4879



\

Map on p62

Club G2



\

Map on p62

Flower Bar


Wine and Hooka Bar

\

Map on p62

\

\

\









You should experience it once.

Party all day, party all night.

Upscale club, 17,000w cover.

Good for large groups who drink.

4am~headed to Frog?

Apple is the best!

Everyone’s favorite bag drink!




Millionaire Club

77

Who’s Bob


Beer Pong, Dart Machine, Pool

Club Pasha

Everyday 9pm - 4am

Large Club / Banging House Music

\ \

Map on p62

Teum Lounge


Electronic Music

\ \

Map on p62

Old Skool

Everyday 7pm - 4am

Hip-hop / Dance / Pool

\

Map on p62

Map on p62

\MF Bar

Everyday 7pm - 4am

Darts / Music Requests / Cheap Booze

Urban Club & Lounge


Live Music, Darts, Hip-hop

\

Map on p62

Thursday Party I


Beer Pong, Darts, Danc’n

\

Map on p62

Thursday Party II053.252.1266


Beer Pong, Shuffle Puck, Darts

\

Map on p62

Map on p62

\

Check out these other great eats around town. Fuzz @ www.chrischucas.com








My Favorite bar ~ owners are cool!

Ghetto blaster!

3 : 1 Women to men ratio, always.

Classy lounge with a sexy, futuristic atmosphere.

The best of the best go here.

Live Music on the weekends.

The Bob.


78

Suseong-guGanga - http://www.ganga.co.kr

A cuisine worthy of Shiva. This upscale Indian restaurant has great curries. There naan is quite exquisite as well. You can even order samosas! Wash it down with a nice mango lassi and you have yourself an aroma massage for your stomach! Check out the Suseong-gu Compass map on p65 for directions.

Lunch : 11:30am ~ 3:00pm Last Order 2:30pmDinner: 17:30 ~ 22:00 Last Order 21:30Weekend Hours: 11:30 ~ 22:00

Indian

Indo Bang Rangi - 3F RestaurantSanjay welcomes you! Renovated and redesigned last year, this Indian restaurant is famous for it’s curries. The chef is from India and speaks English very well. Plus, he’s super friendly and will answer all your existential Indian food questions. The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor right across from Kyungdae Buk Moon (north gate). Check the Kyungdae Compass map on p64 for directions.

11am - 10pm everyday (except major holidays)

Indian

Maya - 2F RestaurantA wood-fired tandoor oven seeps into your senses as you enter the door to this fantastic Indian/Nepali restaurant. Relatively new to Daegu, about 2 years old now, this restaurant is a great escape from the retro-urban decor that most Daegu restaurants display. A cozy interior with exotic tapestries of the far east adorning the walls. Reason-able prices and great Thali sets round out this establishment. Check the Kyungdae Compass map on p64 for directions.

11:00am to 11:00pm everyday (closed Mondays)

Nepalese/Indian

Kyungpook Uni. area

Compass ConnoisseurCheck out these other great eats around town.

053.768.3610

053.956.9940

053.214.1916

Sang-in DongThe Holy Grill Take-out - Delivery in Daegu

The Holy Grill has taken it’s talents South. Well, the south part of Daegu that is. The Holy Grill Take-out store will deliver anywhere in Daegu as well. This is a fresh reminder that The Holy Grill will be part of Daegu for many more years to come. And coming soon, The Holy Grill Take-out downtown store will open, making it easier for you to enjoy their famous sandwiches.

11:00am to 10:00pm everyday

Western

053.633.6665

RESTAURANTS AROUND TOWN

79

HOTEL GUIDE

HOTEL GUIDE

Novotel Daegu City CenterAdd : 대구광역시 중구 문화동 11-1번지

Tel : 053-664-1115Website : http://www.novoteldaegu.comEmail : [email protected]

Welcome to the Daegu Compass hotel information guide. We will also be adding a guide about motels soon. Daegu is very spread out, and not all the hotels will be con-venient for you. We hope our hotel guide will help you with making your decision on where to rest your weary bones for the night.

Downtown Area Hotels

HOTEL GUIDE

Eldis Regent HotelAdd : 대구광역시 중구 동산동 360번지

Tel : 053-253-7711Website : http://www.eldishotel.com/Email : [email protected]

Hotel the PalaceAdd : 대구광역시 남구 봉덕3동 688-1번지

Tel : 053-471-9911Website : http://www.hotelthepalace.co.kr/Email : no - online reservation system

Prince Hotel Add : 대구광역시 남구 대명2동 1824-2번지

Tel : 053-628-1001Website : http://www.princehotel.co.kr/Email : [email protected]

Nam Gu Area Hotels Near Camp Walker

Near the nightlife

Room rates start at150,000won

Fantastic all you can eat buffet!


Close to Hyundai and Dongha Shopping


Near Camp WalkerClean and Friendly


Western and Koreanrooms available

80

HOTEL GUIDE

Daegu Grand Hotel Add : 대구광역시 수성구 범어1동 563-1번지

Tel : 053-742-0001Website : http://www.taegugrand.co.krEmail : [email protected]

Hotel Inter-burgoAdd : 대구 수성구 만촌동 300번지

Tel : 053-6027-171, 173Website : http://hotel.inter-burgo.comEmail : [email protected]

Hotel New Young Nam Add : 대구광역시 수성구 두산동 888-2번지

Tel : 053-752-1001Website : noEmail : [email protected]

Hotel ArianaAdd : 대구광역시 수성구 두산동 200-1번지

Tel : 053-765-7776Website : http://www.ariana.co.krEmail : [email protected]

Suseong Gu Area Hotels

Dong Gu Area Hotels

Hotel J’sAdd : 대구광역시 동구 신천4동 326-1번지

Tel : 053-756-6601~10Website : http://hotel-js.com/Email : http://hotel-js.com/

Near Camp Walker

10 min from Dongdaegu station

Across from Dongdaegu stationClose to Express Bus Station


One of the top hotels in Daegu


Daegu Casino is open!



Walking distance to KTX & Express Bus

Great beer!

2FL MICRO-BREWERY

81

Compass SponsorsTHANK YOU SPONSORS & READERS

The Daegu Compass would like to dedicate this page to all of our SPONSORS who make this information guide possible. Without your support now and in the future, we couldn’t make the Daegu Compass. We’d also like to thank everyone in the com-munity who takes time out of their day to enjoy the Daegu Compass. Our goal is to constantly improve to help your stay in Daegu be the best time of your life. Please visit our SPONSORS to show them appreciation for supporitng the Daegu Compass.

Sincerely,

The Daegu Compass Team

for sponsorship ratescontact: [email protected]: 010.3815.8169 (Ha Mi-yong)

© Yuri A

rcurs | Dream

stime.com

82

october 2011 daegu compass

Documents

daegu compass logo

rice3editors noteshi

travel articles

distributionpohangtilt

thanks folks

property of spark media

club guidep80 hotel

sri lankap26 mongolia