ISSUE 03 December 2013
facebook.com/platformdaegu
DECEMBER 2013 INSIGHT 2– 3– 4–
Korean Literature P-P-P-Pokerface: Korea's Stuttering Approach to Gambling Then and Now: Downtown Daegu
ON LOCATION 5 – Warm Up To Spa Valley
MUSIC & ARTS 7 – MyManMike Interview 9 – Rewind & Replay: Remi Panossian Trio 10 – Promoters in Daegu 11 – The World Upside Down: The Photography of Lee Smathers 13 – Daegu Street Style 15 – Old School: Helpless
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Interview: MyManMike
HEALTHY LIVING 16 – Deciphering Labels 17 – Beet the Winter Blues
FOOD & DRINK 19 – Food: 하얀쌀밥 21 – Drink: 동네
COMMUNITY 23 – Expat Diaries: Say Kimchi 25 – Love146
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The Photography of Lee Smathers
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Love146공장장
CULTURE 28 – A Holiday "How To" 29 – Daegu in November
PLATFORM 31 – Directory 32 – Staff & Contributors Cover photo by 이청솔
INSIGHT
Korean Literature In recent years, Korean popular culture has enjoyed a surge in worldwide recognition, with K-Pop, K-Dramas, and Korean cinema all finding enormous popularity across the globe. While these modern art forms have enjoyed such success, the older tradition of Korean literature has not received a great deal of attention outside of the peninsula. Story by Kieran Duffy
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Korean Literature Forum took place in London on October 15th, with Korean Studies academic Dr. Grace Oh noting that many of her students were very knowledgeable about Korean music and cinema, but not overly familiar with the nation’s literature. This may partially be due to the tastes of the Korean people themselves; 2012 was the most successful year ever for Korea’s film industry with over 200 million tickets sold, while the same year saw sales of new books fall by over 20%. It would seem that Koreans’ interest in their nation’s literature is declining in favor of its cinematic output. Despite these ominous statistics, the forum drew attention to many recent novels and short stories, which show a promising future for Korean writing, such as Our Happy Time by Gang Ji Young and Please Look After Mother by Kyung Sook Shin. They drew particular attention to the importance of the short story in Korea and how these stories could potentially achieve greater popularity abroad. One problem that they highlighted was the difficulty in translating Korean books into major world languages such as English, French, and Spanish. Many popular books never receive a
translation, and those that do often take many years to reach foreign markets. This stands in stark contrast to the speed with which Korean movies and songs can find success in other countries, and the delay can hamper the success of authors on the world stage. It has even been claimed that this delay is the reason that no Korean writer has ever won the Nobel Prize for Literature, although the poet Ko Un has long been considered a contender for this honor. Many people with a love for Korea’s literature have become aware of this problem, and are working on the remedy. For example, the Literature Translation Institute of Korea has worked to translate dozens of modern works into other languages, as well as promote them abroad. In addition to this, the Academy of Korean Studies is currently translating over one hundred classic Korean works of literature into many different foreign languages. Such efforts to promote the rich literary heritage of Korea will hopefully bring about a greater global appreciation of this aspect of the nation’s culture. Hopefully Korea will one day be as well known for its novels, short stories, and poems as it is for its pop songs and movies.
INSIGHT
P-P-P-Pokerface: Korea's Stuttering Approach to Gambling Away from Pepero Day and an implausible drop in temperature, November also brought about the public condemnation of three Korean celebrities for their gambling habits. Story by Nathan Ouriach
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ony An of the now defunct boy band H.O.T., comedian Lee Soo Geun, and singer Tak Jae Hoon have all been investigated for online gambling. More specifically, they have been charged with risking hundreds of millions of won on illegal betting sites associated with English Premier League football games. Currently, it is unconfirmed whether or not they gambled on Manchester United. Although it is very easy to be facetious, gambling in South Korea is a sensitive subject. Seoul Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Center suggest that about 7.2 percent of the adult population have a gambling problem. Gambling is illegal in Korea; only when statesanctioned and strictly limited can it occur. In an attempt to pathologically explain this “addiction”, Woo Jong Min, a psychiatrist at Seoul Paik Hospital, suggests that “entertainers are used to being in the spotlight, and they tend to enjoy things that give them instant pleasure and satisfaction even in their daily lives”. Despite what Woo Jong Min describes as “strong stimulation”, South Korea still intends to build a gambling haven for the world’s super rich. Investors intend to take the small South Korean island of Yongyu-Muui and convert it into a utopian gambling resort that will cost up to $290
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billion. Replete with casinos, hotels, shopping malls, and a marina, Yongyu-Muuj will, if anything, encourage Korea’s penchant for gambling rather than palliate it. On a smaller scale, Daegu’s Inter-Burgo casino offers its own modest vices with restaurants, a casino, and a swimming pool. Located in “the Las Vegas of Daegu”, Suseoung-gu, the casino’s name bizarrely originates from the Spanish sensibility, "Citizens living in a peaceful fortress". I have been to the Inter-Burgo restaurant, and its buffet does offer palatable coffee in addition to some okay biscuits, but to suggest that the casino is peaceful and inhabited by citizens is ambitious. The conference room does have a charming 10 foot painting of a bullfight, yet the Don Quixote stature alludes to the casino’s own quixotic folly where the only people able to access it are international businessmen or frivolous English teachers. Addiction permeates other areas of Korean culture, with young people and computer games being particularly salient. As suggested by the ruling Saenuri Party, gaming is something that, although financially beneficial for large companies, can cause long-term social problems. On reflection, perhaps my decision to retire my PS2 at the age of sixteen has finally paid off.
INSIGHT
Then and Now “The lights are much brighter there, you can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares, so go downtown.” Downtown, sung by Petula Clark, 1964 Story and photography by Stephen Schuit
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uzzing, vibrant, bright, noisy, and edgy are just a few ways to describe the downtown Daegu we all know and love. However, it wasn’t always the rocking place it is today. The epicenter of the city, and some would say the entire province, downtown Daegu was a rather sleepy place as recently as the 1970’s. There were few private cars then, and a subway system wasn’t even on the drawing board. Today’s ubiquitous coffee shops back then took the form of tabangs (다방), old style coffee houses, where watery, black coffee was served at small tables by giggling young women. Daegu featured just one department store and one chicken barbeque place.
Vestiges of old downtown Daegu can still be seen in alleys and back streets not far from today’s Banwoldang (반월당) subway station. Turning those same corners today, one finds attendants parking the expensive cars of affluent shoppers. Hundreds of modern high-rise apartments block the sun where small residential homes with traditional Korean tiled roofs used to be. Snappy young shoppers sport brand-name shopping bags filled with perfume from Paris. Shiny German cars flow through downtown intersections so often, that few people even take notice in today’s busy downtown Daegu.
ON LOCATION
Warm Up to Spa Valley As December approaches, and the temperature dramatically declines overnight, we find ourselves falling into the annual pattern of winter hibernation, becoming best friends with our floor heaters, and stocking up on hand warmers - basically, anything and everything to keep warm.
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ON LOCATION
Story and photography by Winnie Ku
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inters in Korea can be pretty brutal (and I’m from Canada!), but no longer being a newbie to cold Korean weather, I have a new strategy in place for this upcoming winter, and it includes many a visit to Spa Valley. Located outside the immediate metropolitan area, in rural southeast Daegu, Spa Valley is accessible by public bus (located one bus stop after Herb Hillz). For those of you who know me, you’ll know that I am a Busan Spa Land addict. Having been for the first time this past summer, I instantly fell in love with the many themed saunas, the outdoor hot spring water footbaths, and yes, even the hot spring water communal baths. An amazing place to recuperate and unwind on the weekends, my only qualm was that it was all the way in Busan and I couldn’t go as frequently as I liked. So you can imagine my delight when I discovered that there was a similar place right here in Daegu, in the form of Spa Valley! Popular amongst my elementary school students for its massive outdoor water park (“What did you do this weekend?” “Teacha, Spa Balley, Spa Balley!”), I initially thought Spa Valley was just for the kids and just a summer destination. I learned that I was wrong, as Spa Valley also has hot sauna rooms and hot spring baths similar to Busan’s Spa Land, but also indoor swimming pools containing water from the hot spring as well. This water is meant to be good for the skin,
so you can enjoy a leisurely swim in a warm indoor pool, whilst also reaping the benefits of the hot spring water. In similar style to Spa Land, visitors are given a t-shirt and shorts uniform upon arrival, in which to change into for entering the sauna facilities. Visitors can relax in the warmth of the 한증막 (Hanjeungmak, Korean traditional sauna), before coming out refreshed for a swim in the hot spring pools. In the shower rooms, you can enjoy two types of baths: a warm water bath (again made from spring water), and a nano bubble milk bath, both said to relieve stress while also softening one’s skin. Unlike Spa Land, however, here you can bring swimming apparel to swim in the various hot spring water pools, some which have even been treated with medicinal herbs, and are said to be able to cure skin ailments and prevent sickness. While I’m not sure I totally believe that last bit, I definitely won’t complain about a hot spring water indoor swimming pool for the winter! Relaxing, skin softening, AND keeps off the winter weight just before winter vacation? I’m sold! So the next time you’re looking to get out of the house and relax a little, while simultaneously NOT freezing to death, pay a visit to Daegu’s Spa Valley! Rest assured, you will not be disappointed!
MUSIC & ARTS
MyManMike Story by Ali Safavi, photography by Ken Robinson
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hilst Korean music can seem to be in it’s infancy in many ways, one genre of music that seems to have been around for an age here is punk music, from skater, to ska, to hardcore, if you like your music to have a bit of spit and blood in it, then there’s a whole new world for you to explore in South Korea. Formed in 2011, and based out of Seoul, MyManMike is a melting pot of nationalities (Korean, American, and British), and have performed internationally several times. We spent some internet time with MyManMike, to pick their brains on all things Korea and punk. So, what is the state of punk in Korea at the moment as you see it? Does it compare to what you've seen/experienced elsewhere? Sun: The Korean punk rock scene seems smaller since 1997, less energetic and less fans, but the bands play better music than they did around 10 years ago. It depends city to city, some places have smaller scenes but stronger attitudes, some other scenes seem much bigger and more energetic, but the people always say "our scene is dead.” So for me, the Korean punk scene is not that bad. The worst part is that I’ve known all of the people involved for 15 years now, so it's kinda boring to see the same people all the time in the clubs or Samgyeopsal places. JP: The punk scene in Korea is pretty good for me. The main difference with Europe is that only a few bands from outside come to Korea, so when you finally go to a show you only see Korean bands playing. Of course, there are many bands in Korea, but in the end, in the punk scene; you always watch the same bands again and again. What I really like is that the audience doesn’t get bored about that and usually a lot of people come to the shows. I would like more
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MUSIC & ARTS bands from outside to come and play in Korea.
lot of good shows in Korea.
It seems like you guys went touring in Europe very quickly after you formed, how was that experience? Also, you seem to be one of very few Korean bands to tour IN KOREA, is touring and playing live an important thing for MyManMike? Sun: Europe was awesome. I had many experiences during the tour. Actually for me, I never wanted to start a new hardcore band again without touring. I get bored really easily while listening to the same kind of music, playing the same tunes in the same places. If it's possible, I would like to tour over 300 days a year, but it’s not that easy. JP: That's right; we started the band then immediately talked about touring. The thing is that we're not so young anymore and each of us used to tour in our own country with different bands, so why not start a band then directly tour? We knew how it worked and, for me, touring is the best part of playing music. I like creating music, but meeting people, drinking, and having fun on tour is really the best. The tour in Europe was very intense, but we really loved it. Even after touring together for two and a half months, we are still friends!
Lastly, is this your first time in Daegu? Have you heard anything about our city at all? Are you looking forward to anything when you are here? Sun: I visited Daegu with my other band, Same Old Story, to play at Club Heavy around 2007 or 2008. It was a fun show. Many people came, and I hope it will be the same way this time round. I'm a bit worried about people caring about Monday morning, but please, let's get drunk together on the 1st Sunday of December! I'm really excited to hangout with you guys! JP: I've never been to Daegu before, and what I heard is that it's the third city after Seoul and Busan where a punk scene exists. So of course, we are very enthusiastic about playing in Daegu, meeting new people, and sharing our music. As usual, we hope many people will come, but if not, we'll just have a fun night in a new place.
You will go to Japan soon for a few shows; do you think it's important to travel outside of Korea to play better shows? Sun: It's just for fun and adventure, to meet up with different types of people in the clubs or on the street. I really love to hangout with them; it's more important than playing a show I think. Whether inside Korea or not, playing in different venues with different people always makes me excited. Different people, different system, and a different sound is the best way to learn something. JP: Definitely yes. There are only a few cities in Korea where it s possible to play punk, so it’s great to travel outside of the country, meeting people and enjoying new experiences. Japan is so close to Korea, but it's very different in many ways. It's so interesting, but in the end it's not really about playing better shows, we played a
MUSIC & ARTS
Rewind & Replay Story by Ali Safavi
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laying in Daegu on November 12th, the Remi Panssorian Trio were very good, damn good in fact. Personally I love jazz; it can excite, it can amaze, and it can compliment a glass of hot whisky and a cigarette like no other music form can. Live, the Remi Panssorian Trio were fascinating to watch, never overplaying an idea but making their changes fun and unexpected. Yes, I just used the word ‘fun’ to describe jazz. Even when the customary self-congratulating solos came about they were done in intriguing, and interesting manners. I’ve seen a violin bow used to bow many things, but
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never drum cymbals... Live they are wonderful to watch, and although I feel like on record they don’t quite have the same ‘pop’, I highly recommend listening to a few of their tracks and discovering something new. P.S. The show took place at The Art Factory, just outside Kyungpook National University Hospital station, an old venue that seems to be putting some effort into holding more shows. If the more mature side of music is your thing, jazz, blues, folk etc. check out their schedule.
MUSIC & ARTS
Promoters in Daegu Does winter come to us, or do we go to it as we travel further from the sun? Story by Ali Safavi
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ither way in music terms the December, January, and February months mean a few things; less gigs as bands go into hibernation (or the studio) to refresh for the pre-festival showcase season of spring, really bad Christmas songs on everywhere (though luckily Korea doesn’t enforce it quite as much as back home), a Christmas show with mulled wine, and promoters planning for next years funtivities. I’ve got a lot of love for the promoters in this city, not just the concert promoters, but the language exchangers, the flea marketers, the bake sale chefs, and away-day organisers. If not for these people mixing a little desire for power and control with the joy of seeing people coming together to experience, or do something, then you’d be living in a bleak, eventless city.
In Daegu, we have a bunch of awesome people putting together great events and activities for everyone to enjoy, and I feel they should get a bit of praise too ‘eh? As one of said people, I can tell you that the headache that comes with organising even a simple speed dating event for charity is enough to push you into a dark corner with a bottle of 18 year old Talisker, but when it all comes together, the event is a success, and new friends are made, it’s definitely worthwhile. Sometimes it’s all in the hope of some financial gain, sometimes it’s for charity, and mostly it’s because otherwise we’d be bored, and so would you. Whatever you are into, in Daegu we have a something going on for all interests, so don’t hesitate to get involved!
MUSIC & ARTS
The World Upside Down:
The Photography of Lee Smathers Story by Stephen Elliot, photography by Lee Smathers
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get an email from the manufacturer of my DSLR camera every week since the day I bought and registered it. New lenses are out, old lenses are on sale, a new sensor is available, firmware updates, added megapixels, advancements like you wouldn't believe. Indeed, digital camera technology is changing, upgrading, and improving at breakneck speed these days. Fascinating? Sure. Expensive? Absolutely. But is it all necessary? I have to wonder sometimes if all of this new technology is going to make me a better photographer. What about the history of photography? What about the greats that came before the digital revolution? What do they have to teach our fast-paced, Instagram-crazed culture about the
slow process of exposure? Enter Lee Smathers. A veteran expat of South Korea for over a decade, his recent transition back into film photography shows an interesting shift in his work from the workflow of a typical photographer, to being very present-minded and focused on in-camera work. An emulsion philosopher of sorts, he often compares good photography to the fermentation process of kimchi. His recent work showcases breathtaking landscapes in black and white, made with a centuryold large format camera that he refurbished himself for use with 7�x17� negatives. It really is the world upside down. It's history leading the revolution. It's a return to what was once familiar and has now become strange. It's slowing down to catch all the missing parts of a world that is yet, for lack of patience, undiscovered. Lee is currently engaged in a Kickstarter project to purchase color films for that same camera in order to complete a yearlong documentation of the South Korean landscape. Quality copies of his work can be had for as little as 10USD. Image sizes were reduced for publication. The quality? Still better than digital. The process? Slow and steady. The result? Satisfying like a long walk in the country. Take a moment to slow down and enjoy the scenery. As always, your imagination is the limit. You can see more of his work and support him at: http://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/643024268/the-world-upsidedown
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MUSIC & ARTS
MUSIC & ARTS
Daegu Street Style Interview by 허유진, photography by Matthew Stroud
Kim Ji-Young
Kang A-Young
Age 22 Shopping Spots High Street Coat Leshop Bag J.estina
Age 21 Fashion Style Bright Colours Shopping Spots High Street Bag Marc Jacobs
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MUSIC & ARTS
Jeon Hyun-Jeong
Baek Ki-Jong
Age 27 Fashion Style Minimalistic Shopping Spots High Street Inner, Skirt Vintage Stores
Age 23 Fashion Style Street style Coat Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Jeans Nudie jeans Shoes Reebok
MUSIC & ARTS
Old School
Helpless Story by Jasetyn Hatcher
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iyabe Miyuki’s bestselling novel Kasha (translated into English as All She Was Worth) was released in Japan in 1992. Upon its release, the novel created a flurry of discussions on social issues in Japan, not the least of which was the common and tragic practice of loan-sharking and debt bondage. Fast-forward to South Korea in the year 2011, as acclaimed female director Byun Yung Joo (best known for her groundbreaking trilogy documenting the lives of ‘comfort women’) adapts the novel into the Korean setting. The result is a thriller with no lack of bravery in its portrayal of society’s faults. Affable veterinarian Munho (Lee Sun Kyun) has his own clinic in Seoul. After seeing the beautiful Seon Yeong (Kim Min Hee) several times outside his clinic, he decides to approach her. Their relationship blossoms, and eventually the decision is made to get married. With a short time until the wedding, Munho and Seon Yeong go on a trip to meet his parents and announce their marriage officially. At a rest stop, Munho retrieves some drinks while Seon Yeong waits in the vehicle. When he returns a short while later, he finds the engine running, the door open, and no Seon Yeong. His frantic search for her leaves minimal clues and ample confusion. Eventually returning to Seoul, Munho arrives at Seon Yeong’s apartment to find it purposely emptied. It is in the midst of this bombshell that a phone call from a friend leads him on the harrowing hunt for answers: answers he may not want. The film was a huge hit in Korea garnering first
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place at the box office on its opening weekend, despite (or perhaps due to) the heavy-hitting underlying themes. The practice of debt bondage (or debt enslavement) is becoming a much more widely discussed social issue in Korea. According to the 2011 US Department of State’s Trafficking of Persons Report, South Korea is a Tier One country, meaning that it is a source, transit, and destination country for the trafficking of persons in forced labor and forced prostitution. When a person has a large amount of money owed, they may voluntarily enter into debt bondage situations to pay it off, unaware of the stipulations and violence they will face. It is this voluntary work that soon becomes enslavement. The connection to wider issues of human rights and abuses worldwide forms a backdrop for the most gripping aspect of the film: the raw, counterintuitive, selfish, and beautiful portrayal of modern love and relationships. The complex interaction between the two main characters expresses some of love’s universal ruminations: what is said and what is understood are often disparate, and what one person experiences is not necessarily what the other person intends. Even in deceit, there can be a reason; even in the truth there may never be closure. Such a modern take on the thriller genre, with relatable characters that highlights complicated social issues and still manages to show compassion and nuance, should not be missed. You can view it for free online with English subtitles: http:// dramacrazy.eu/korean-drama/Helpless
HEALTHY LIVING
Deciphering Labels It’s always good to know the exact breakdown of what you’re putting into your body, right? We’re here to help you decipher some of the more common things on puzzling labels to make shopping a whole lot more enjoyable. Story by Louisa Kouzapas
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veryone knows that you can gather a plentiful supply of delicious fresh produce from your local mart or street market, but sometimes you just want to pick up a packet of something interesting-looking without veering too wildly into the unhealthy realm. I can remember arriving in Korea and standing in the supermarket, staring at the back of the same packet of ramen for five minutes or more trying to figure out the nutritional value (hint: not much), and whether I could get away with eating it for dinner for the third night running (hint: no, you really shouldn’t). Counting calories definitely isn’t for everyone, but it’s always good to know the exact breakdown of what you’re putting into your body, right?
Luckily, Korea is doing a wonderful job in making sure nutritional information is on all food products, including many of the big chain restaurants too. We won’t translate the ingredients for you, but we’re here to help you decipher some of the more common things on puzzling labels to make shopping a whole lot more enjoyable. According to the Korean Organic Farmers Association, South Korea has one of the highest pesticide and chemical usages out of industrialized countries. Gradually the Korean government is focusing on cutting down the use of pesticides and chemicals, but to make sure your food is on the right path, you might want to look out for the labels below, too:
Grown with 1/2 chemicals
Grown without agricultural chemicals
열량 - Calories 탄수와물 - Carbohydrates 당류 - Sugar 단백질 - Protein 지방 - Fat 포화지방 - Unsaturated Fat 트랜스지방 - Trans Fat 콜레스테롤 - Cholesterol 나트륨 - Sodium 칼슘 - Calcium 식이셤유 - Fiber 칼륨 - Potassium 비타민 – Vitamin
(the letter next to it will tell you which type!) 칼슘 – Calcium 철 분 - Iron 마그네슘 – Magnesium 아연 – Zinc
Grown without chemicals and fertilizers for the past 3 years
HEALTHY LIVING
Beet the Winter Blues Story and photography by Erica Berry
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t's time we rescued beets from our childhood nightmares. Beets used to be scary little dark red wedges plopped on our plates and hopefully fed to the dog while mom wasn’t looking (or was that just me?), but fast forward 20 years later and they are delightful - sweet, but earthy, and a festive side dish for holiday dinner parties! Although beets are easy to find back in the western hemisphere, they are a relatively new item on the produce shelf here in Daegu. I first saw beets at HomePlus in the Convenience Vegetable section a while back, but at 4,000 won for just two washed and peeled bright red slices, I had to pass. So, when I discovered whole beets (satang muu) at my local market, in all their dirty glory and super cheap at 1,200 won apiece, I snatched up a few. I wasn’t in the mood for cooking anything extravagant, so I popped them in the toaster oven to roast. Once they cooled down, I coated them with spices, vinegar and oil and tossed them with spinach, apples, onion, walnuts and of course a hefty "sprinkle" of feta cheese. Let me tell you – when you have the right ingredients, simplicity is key. Beets and cheese is probably one of the best combinations ever. It’s like PB&J for adults. If you’re attending a holiday get-together this year, impress your friends with this super easy, yet tasty beet salad. I brought this dish to my Friendsgiving, and it was a hit. OK, maybe the Pinot Grigio I brought along with it was the real hit, but both the bottle and the bowl were empty at the end of the night, so I would call that a success!
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Remember, beets aren’t just for holiday salads. They are a very versatile veggie you can use in side dishes, soups, omelets, pestos, smoothies, and even on pizza. And, just in case you need another reason to get on the beet train, here’s a bonus - beets are not only full of fiber and cancer-fighting nutrients, they are also a natural aphrodisiac and a great detoxifier for the liver. Prevent cancer, feel sexy, and flush out all that holiday gluttony? Sign me up!
HEALTHY LIVING Roasted Beets Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Serves: 6 people Ingredients: • 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt • 1 tablespoon fresh ground pepper • 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Directions: 1. Select 3 beets that are of approximately the same size 2. Preheat toaster oven to 220°C
Warm Beet Salad Prep Time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy Serves: 6 people Ingredients: • 8 cups spinach • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion (or white if you can’t find it) • ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped* • 1 block feta, crumbled (available at eMart, HomePlus, Costco) • 1 apple, chopped* • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 3 roasted and chopped beets (see recipe)
3. Clean beets and wrap in tin foil 4. Bake for about 1 hour or until beets are easily pierced with a fork 5. Let cool for 15 minutes and peel with a paring knife (you may want to wear plastic or rubber gloves to prevent your hands from staining!) 6. Chop into bite size pieces 7. Season with salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar 8. Allow mixture to marinate for 30 minutes 9. Toss with olive oil Cooking Tip: If you don’t wait to add the oil, the vinegar won’t penetrate the beets properly and they won’t taste as good.
Directions: 1. Combine spinach, red onion, crumbled feta, hazelnuts and apple in a large bowl 2. Toss with spices, olive oil and vinegar 3. Top with warm beets upon serving Serving Tip: To make this dish extra delicious, keep the beets in a separate bowl until you’re ready to eat. Re-heat the beets and add to the salad upon serving. *Add-In Substitutions: Any variety of nuts or seed. Try pear or nectarine. Add crispy bacon pieces.
FOOD & DRINK
하얀쌀밥 Story by Maxwell Shellabarger, translation by 최송아, Photography by Tom Rogers
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s winter approaches, you’ll want to find as many tasty, hot meals as you can. Nothing fights the winter blues like a steaming spicy bowl of meaty goodness. 하얀쌀밥 is one of my favorite spots for just this kind of dish. There are only three things on the menu, but all three are excellent choices. The main specialty of the restaurant is pork ribs, which are featured in all of their dishes. My personal favorite is the steamed pork ribs 돼지갈비찜 (dweji galbi jjim). For 7,000 won per person (minimum being two) you can get a bowl with a pile of ribs, a variety of vegetables, and some noodles smothered in a delicious red sauce. A word to the wise, this dish is pretty spicy, though they will ask you how hot you want it. I always request “a little spicy”, and I am never disappointed by the heat it brings. If you are not into spicy food, this dish might not be for you. I would also recommend asking for the rice along with this dish, as they will bring out the standard little metal bowls of rice in addition to a larger bowl with vegetables for a sort of ‘make your own bibimbap’ setup.
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The other dishes are 김치찜 (kimchi jjim) and 김 치찌개 (kimchi jjigae). The former is, you guessed
it, steamed pork ribs again, but this time coated with steamed kimchi and served on a platter. The latter is a delicious incarnation of the classic Korean kimchi stew. Both of these are delicious, but I have a lot of trouble passing on the galbi jjim. 하얀쌀밥 is a traditional style Korean restaurant, so soju and beer are obviously available for about the same prices as any other restaurant you would find in the area. As far as what to expect from the restaurant, the interior is not particularly interesting. You’ll be greeted by a complete lack of chairs, typical Korean floor heating, and tables with heating elements in the middle of them. That being said, if you are not ok with sitting on the floor, this place is not for you. Similarly, I have had little luck trying to negotiate anything with the servers in English. So, if your Korean is a bit lacking, do not try to order anything that isn’t on the menu or order a dish for only one person. If you are alright with these factors, I would highly recommend checking this little joint out. Despite being in an alley, it’s quite easy to find. From the stage in front of Debec, walk down the street between Burger King and McDonald’s. Turn right into the first alley you find. It will be on your left.
겨울이 다가옴에 따라 당신은 맛 있고 따뜻한 먹을 거리를 찾고 싶어 할 것이다. 김이 모락모락 나고 매콤한 고기가 가득한 음 식만큼이나 겨울 우울증을 이길 만한 것은 없다. 하얀쌀밥은 바 로 이러한 음식을 제공하는 곳으 로, 내가 가장 좋아하는 장소들 중 한 곳이다. 이곳엔 오직 세 가 지 메뉴만 있지만, 이 세 가지 모 두 탁월한 선택이다. 이 식당의 주된 전문은 돼지갈비인데, 모 든 요리에서 이용된다. 나는 개 인적으로 돼지갈비를 찐 '돼지 갈비찜'을 가장 좋아한다. 한 사 람당 7000원이면 (최소 2인 기 준) 돼지갈비찜, 다양한 채소, 그 리고 맛있는 붉은 소스가 곁들여 진 면을 맛볼 수 있다. 현명한 조 언을 하나 하자면, 점원들이 당 신에게 얼마나 매운 정도를 묻기 는 하지만 일반적으로 이 음식 은 꽤 맵다. 나는 항상 “약간 맵 게 해 달라”고 요청하며, 결코 그 맛에 실망한 적이 없다. 만약 당 신이 매운 음식을 좋아하지 않는 다면, 이 음식은 당신에게 적합 하지 않을지도 모른다. 나는 또 한 밥도 함께하길 권한다. 일종 의 ‘나만의 비빔밥을 만드세요.’ 라는 차원에서, 대접에 밥과 채 소를 넣어 함께 가져다 주기 때 문이다. 또 다른 음식은 김치찜과 김치 찌개이다. 전자는 돼지갈비위에 김치찜이 올려져 나오며, 후자는 맛있는 전통적인 한국의 김치로 만든 찌개의 정석이다. 이 두 가
지 역시 맛있지만 나는 갈비찜을 너무 사랑한다. 하얀쌀밥은 전통 적인 스타일의 한국 식당이다. 그래서 일반적인 식당에서와 거 의 같은 가격으로 소주와 맥주를 이용할 수 있다. 식당의 인테리어는 그리 특별 한 것은 없다. 좌석은 부족하며 전형적인 한국의 온돌난방과 중 앙에 그릴이 있는 전형적인 테이
블이 당신을 맞이할 것이다. 만 약 당신이 좌식에 불편함이 있 다면, 이곳은 당신에게 적합하 지 않다. 또한 나는 점원과 영어 로 협상이 필요할 때에도 번번히 실패하였다. 그러니 만약 당신의 한국어 실력이 다소 부족하다면, 메뉴에 없는 것을 주문하려거나 오직 한 사람을 위한 음식을 주 문하는 것은 권하지 않는다. 하 지만 이러한 몇 가지 불편함에도 불구하고, 나는 하얀쌀밥을 추천 하고 싶다. 이곳은 골목에 있지 만 찾기가 꽤 쉽다. 대구백화점 앞의 무대에서부터, 버거킹과 맥 도날드 사이의 길을 따라 걸어 내려가 오른쪽으로 돌아서 첫 번 째 골목으로 들어가면 당신의 왼 편에서 하얀쌀밥을 볼 수 있다.
FOOD & DRINK
동네
A Place for Makgeolli Lovers
Story by Courtney Vendramin, translation by 여두원, Photography by Matthew Stroud
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ere is a special treat for all you makgeolli lovers in Daegu. Located downtown, past the bus bar, and down a small alleyway is 동네 (Dongne), one of the best makgeolli bars I have ever been to. What might be a little-known spot to the foreigner community is a hidden treasure to the Korean community. Being a makgeolli lover myself, I was very excited to review 동 네, so three girlfriends and I put on our best heels and headed to 동네 for a girls’ night out. We began the night by ordering chestnut makgeolli. I have never tried the chestnut variety before, but I was pleasantly surprised to find how flavorful it was. When we finished, we immediately ordered another bottle, and perhaps that was followed by a few more, but hey, it was for the good of Platform Daegu. The bottles of makgeolli were 4,000 won each, a price even satisfying my Scrooge budget. Bar snacks were provided, but being the hardworking teacher that I am, I was starving after a long day at the grind, so we ordered the beef galbi. Although I considered 18,000 won to be slightly expensive
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when we first ordered, the portions were big enough to share between four starving women, and somehow we still had leftovers. Not to mention that it was one of the best beef galbis I have ever had. Although the food menu didn’t offer a large variety, any of the dishes would be perfect to accompany the selection of makgeolli that 동 네 offers. Aside from the food and drinks, the atmosphere also added to the experience. Set in a traditional style Hanok building with wooden tables, cute wooden interior and mood lighting, I felt very cozy and comfortable. I could have sat there and drank makgeolli all night. Although we are hastily approaching winter, 동네 is also perfect for the spring/summer time. It has picnic tables and outside décor to make it a perfect night. Whether you’re going out with friends, looking for somewhere to take a date, or just looking to relax on a Friday after a long week, I highly recommend 동네. With their great service, cozy atmosphere, tasty food and many tempting flavors of makgeolli to choose from, you won’t be disappointed.
FOOD & DRINK
여기 대구에서 막걸리를 좋아하는 사람들을 위한 특 별한 제안이 있다. 시내에 위치해 있고, 버스바를 지 나 골목길을 따라 내려가면 ‘동네’라는 곳을 발견하 게 될 것이다.내겐 지금 껏 가본 막걸리 바 중 가장 좋았던 곳이다. ’동네’는 일찍 만석이 되기 때문에 자 리를 얻고 싶다면 적어도 7시전에는 도착해야 한다. 외국인 커뮤니티에게는 숨겨진 보물과도 같고, 한국 인에게도 역시 멋진 술집이다. 막걸리를 사랑하는 사람으로써 이 곳에 관한 기사를 쓰기로 하였을 때 무척이나 즐거웠고 자료를 위해 친한 친구들과 하이 힐을 신고 여자들만의 밤을 위해 ‘동네’로 향하였다. 우리는 밤 막걸리를 주문하였고 내겐 밤 막걸리 는 처음이었다. 밤 막걸리의 맛은 놀랄만하였으며, 밤 먹거리를 다 마셨을 때 우린 또 다른 술을 주문 하였다. 우리는 꽤 많은 막걸리를 마셨지만, 그것은 단지 ‘Platform Daegu’를 위한 일이었음을 기억해주 기 바란다..막걸리들은 각 병당 4,000원이었고, 가 격은 심지어 나의 타이트한 예산을 만족시켜 주었 다. 바에서 제공해주는 스낵도 있었지만, 학생들과 의 많은 수업 후 느껴지는 배고픔 때문에 소갈비를 시켰다. 처음엔 18,000원이라는 금액이 조금 비싸 다고 여겼지만, 갈비의 양은 배고픈 4명의 여자들의 배를 충분히 채워주었다. 어쨌든 우리는 음식을 조 금 남겼으며, 이 곳에서의 갈비는 지금껏 먹어본 갈 비 중 최고였다. 음식메뉴는 다양하지는 않았지만, 어떤 안주도 이 곳의 막걸리와는 안성맞춤이었다. 음식과는 별개로 분위기 역시 중요하다. 전통 한 옥 건물 스타일과 목재 테이블 및 귀여운 목재 인테 리어, 그리고 분위기 있는 조명 때문에 이곳은 매우 아늑하고 편안했다. 이 곳에 앉아서 밤새 막걸리를
마실 수 있을 것만 같았다.우리는 겨울을 갑작스레 맞이하고 있지만 이곳은 봄과 여름 역시 아주 좋다. 야외 테이블과 완벽한 밤을 위한 야외 장식도 갖추 어져 있다. 당신이 친구와 함께이거나 데이트, 또는 금요일 의 멋진 밤을 위한 장소를 찾는다면 ‘동네’를 강력하 게 추천한다. 아주 좋은 서비스, 아늑한 분위기, 맛 있는 음식, 그리고 당신이 선택할 수 있는 많은 종류 의 유혹적인 맛의 막걸리.이 모든 이유로 당신은 ‘동 네’에 실망하지 않을 것이다.
COMMUNITY
Say Kimchi! Story and photography by Kaleena Quarles, from the blog www. kaleenaskaleidoscope.com
T
here was a (much more glamorous) time of my life when I was a “pageant queen”, and little girls flocked to get my autograph and a photo with me. Akin to being a princess at Disneyland, it was a novelty I relished as a once in a lifetime opportunity, for surely never again in my life would I enjoy the status of being a mini celebrity and have to constantly pose for photos with strangers, right? Well, perhaps not... until I moved to Korea. Sometimes it happens when you’re sitting on the subway, and you catch a Korean sitting across from you slyly aiming their phone in your direction to snap a sneaky shot. This only fails to go unnoticed because a) you can see the camera through the subway window reflection behind them, b) pointing a camera at you actually
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isn’t all that discreet, and c) you can usually hear the shutter click. Zero stealth points earned. Other times you are posing while your friend takes your photo, and suddenly a flock of strangers are aiming their oversized lenses at you. Occasionally they will even rush into the photo, put their arm around you, and casually throw up the ‘kimchi’ sign while their friend laughs and happily snaps away. Every now and then, a person will actually approach you and shyly ask you to pose for a photo with them. I prefer these interactions the most, because at least I don’t feel like some B-list celebrity being tailed by paparazzi, and it can potentially even lead to a nice conversation. No matter what the circumstances, though, the question begs to be asked: what on earth are they doing with all these photos of foreign-
while we posed with a group of high-school aged boys dressed up in an array of traditional Korean clothing and costumes; meanwhile, two people took photos of us with our camera and theirs. Perhaps the strangest thing of all was that throughout the entire experience we struggled to suppress our laughter, but no one else even cracked a smile. The boys posing with us, the woman clothing us, the man taking our photos - not a single one found the situation even remotely amusing. After a few pictures they took back their costumes and sent us on our way without the slightest explanation of why we’d just played dress up in a tent with high school students outside of a temple. I can only imagine where those photos are going to end up...
xpat Diaries
ers? Are they posting them to Facebook and acting as if we’re their new best friend? Or are they uploaded more with the same intent you might have for a picture you took at the zoo with an elephant? Are they printing and framing them on their walls, or is there some mass archival collection titled “pictures with foreigners”? Some mysteries may never be solved, but my most bizarre photo experience in Korea to date took place recently at Haeinsa temple. On our way out of the temple a man in an official looking tent booth approached us and said they needed people for photos for something or other (the purpose was lost in translation). We shrugged and agreed to smile for a quick photo. When he ushered the four of us into the tent, however, a woman immediately began shoving prison-orange colored Korean hanbok dresses over our heads without exactly giving us a choice in the matter. Next, a white padded ring resembling a halo was placed on our heads and while we gaped at each other in confusion, several people brought out large, rectangular wooden blocks. They were replicas of the Tripitaka Koreana, wooden printing blocks engraved with the Buddhist scriptures. But instead of asking as to hold them, as we anticipated, they were set on our heads and secured with a bow tied under our chins. We were instructed to balance them
Expat Diaries
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Love1
Story by Jason Bridgewater, images provided by Love146 Daegu Task Force
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he Love146 Daegu Task Force is a small team working towards bringing about a big change through realistic and proven methods. Child trafficking and exploitation is rampant throughout the world, and in particular, Asia. Love146 raises awareness and funds to help break down the taboo of bringing sexual slavery to the public’s attention. Platform spoke to Traci Miller, Daegu Task Force Facilitator, and she had this to say: “Love 146 is an amazing organization centering on hope and recovery. The organization helps make victims into survivors. I think the organization’s vision perfectly represents its goals: The abolition of child trafficking and exploitation. Nothing less [is acceptable].” Traci is but one of the 11 dedicated individuals who make up Love146’s Daegu Task Force. During the day, most work locally as English teachers, but interested individuals shouldn’t feel as though this is requirement. If you are interested, if you are willing to help, and if you care about the cause, you should consider yourself qualified to join the team. Modular meetings are held every two weeks with the purpose of further educating those in attendance and to encourage topical discussion about the cause. It’s easy to catch up with what’s been happening so far and take a role in a Task Force. By joining a Task Force, you will complete the education modules, which are designed to inform you about Love146 and the issues that the organization deals with. Everyone is encouraged to become aware, educated, and involved as much as possible. Your involvement can be as simple as attending an event in support of the charity, or committing to join the Task Force Team, where you can help to organize such events as the particularly successful Love146
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Scavenger Hunt, which had a huge turnout earlier in the year. However, a greater Korean presence is particularly desired within the Daegu team. Korean students themselves are very involved with charity work and activism, as can be seen from the Yeungnam University branches of UNICEF and Save the Children, and Love146 sees the benefit of being a cultural melting pot of languages and backgrounds. Lack of English ability should not hinder an individual’s enthusiasm. This isn’t an English-speaking club, this is a problem of rights and humanity – boundaries of language shouldn’t come into the equation, and this is why the organization wishes to spread awareness in both English and Korean. Translators and bilingual individuals are welcome, certainly, but any individual with time and drive should add to that number. Further events to garner publicity and increase public awareness continue to be organized. Check out the information about the upcoming 2nd Annual Santacon that is pairing with Love146 to spread some Christmas cheer and awareness at the end of this feature! Anyone wanting to learn more or get involved should contact Traci Miller at dynamicdaegu146@gmail.com or join the Facebook page ‘LOVE146’.
COMMUNITY
146 Meet the team...
In order to better understand the workings of the Love146 team, Platform spoke to three members of the task force. Why did you get involved? I got involved with Love146 after the spring scavenger hunt fundraiser. I had never heard about the organization before, but it is a cause that I fully support. I believe that every child has a right to a childhood that is free of abuse and exploitation.
Traci Miller Daegu Task Force Facilitator
What is your opinion of the current success of the organization? The two biggest success stories for Love146, in my opinion, are creation of Round Home in the Philippines and the prevention education given in the U.S. Round Home is a rehabilitation centre for girls who have been victims of sex trafficking and exploitation. The centre is focused on hope, recovery, and reintegration. Why do you think people join the organization? Joining Love146 gives people the chance to help children around the world. Child trafficking is not just a regional problem, but a universal one. People who join Love146 want to educate themselves on the issue and work to stop it. Through awareness and fundraising events, our team is able to help in a way that we would never have been able to before. How are you involved, and what might your role look like at an event or meeting? My role as facilitator is to lead meetings, discussions, and events. Our task force has an annual fundraising goal of $1,000. I make sure that we raise that money and hold appropriate events that help generate awareness and the needed funds. Please summarize 'Love146' in a sentence. Love146 is an amazing organization centered on hope and recovery – the organization helps make victims into survivors.
COMMUNITY Why did you get involved? Travelling in S.E. Asia during vacations opened my eyes to how prevalent sex slavery is. When I heard about Love146, I was eager to get involved and learn about what I could do to help. What is your opinion of the current success of the organization? By having Task Forces like ours in Daegu, Love146 expands awareness and also raises funds for their rehabilitation centers.
Nina O'Reilly
Why do you think people join? Many expats in Daegu are teachers and working with children makes you more concerned about children’s issues. Furthermore living in Asia, where child trafficking is so rife, makes people increasingly interested in trying to combat it. How are you involved and what might your role look like at an event or meeting? At our bi-weekly meetings, I educate myself about child trafficking and also help plan fundraisers. Please summarize 'Love146' in a sentence. Love146 is about stepping up to change the lives of the millions of children who are victims of trafficking.
Why did you get involved? Love146 strives to rehabilitate children who have been in horrendous situations involving human trafficking. It just made sense to help stop the abuse against children; I had no reason not to get involved. What is your opinion of the current success of the organization? The Task Forces are a great way to be educated on the current problems relating to child sex slavery. Farhana Rahman
Why do you think people join? Human trafficking, child sex slavery and slavery in general are universal problems; once you open your eyes to these issues, you realize it’s not happening just in some foreign, distant land, but at home too, and it needs to be stopped. How are you involved and what might your role look like at an event or meeting? During the meetings, we work on educating ourselves about the issues at hand; we know that if enough people are aware of the problem, there can be enough action to stop it. Please summarize 'Love146' in a sentence. Love146 fosters hope for a brighter future, by means of love and rehabilitation for children who have been trafficked.
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CULTURE
A Holiday "How To" Story by Abbey Kaye Ritter
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eppermint flavored coffee, the smell of pine trees, lightly falling snow - just a few things we may associate with our 고향 (go-hyang, hometowns) and the winter holiday season. Rather than pine for home, we can light pinescented candles in our living rooms and recreate parts of our 고향 right here on the Korean peninsula. It’s easy to bring the 활기 (hwal-gi, energy/ cheer) to your Korean home, Korean language style! A goose-bump inducing reminder of the holidays is the weather. As the colder weather is now upon us, we need 스카프 (suh-kah-puh, scarves), 비니 모자 (bee-nee mo-jah, beenie/ woolen hats), and 코트 (co-tuh, coats). Once properly outfitted, you can roam about with no fear of 얼리다 (all-li-dah, freezing) and find yourself a hot drink. Nothing screams “winter holidays” like a hot peppermint flavored treat. Ask your favorite barista if the shop has 페퍼민트향 의 (pae-puh-min-tuh-hyang-ee, peppermint flavoring), and 핫초코 (haht-cho-co, hot chocolate). In between delicious sips be sure to buy 선물 (sheun-mul, presents) for your loved ones. Unfortunately, kissing beneath the mistletoe is not a common practice in the ROK, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still decorate with flair. Look for “크리스마스 장식용” (kuh-ri-suhmah-suh jahng-sheek-yong, wreath/tree). For the aforementioned pine scent, scour your local shops for 양초 (yang-cho, candles) that smell like 소나무 (sho-nah-moo, pine trees). And don’t forget to wish everyone, “메리 크리스마스!” (mae-ri kuh-ri-suh-mah-suh, Merry Christmas) and “새해 복 많이 받으세요!” (shae-hae bok man-ee bahdeuh-sae-yo, Happy New Years).
For language learning I rely on numerous dictionaries, including www.wordreference. com. Many thanks to one fantastic co-teacher of mine for her assistance with accuracy!
Bongmu Lake - Richarquis de Sade
DAEGU IN
Daegu Arboretum - Lauren Jarman
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CULTURE
NOVEMBER
Courtney Vendramin
Remi Panossian Trio - Adam Fletcher
First Snowfall - Kim Chang Jun
Winnie Ku
DIRECTORY ON LOCATION Spa Valley 891, Gachang-ro, Gachang-myeon, Dalseonggun, Daegu 대구광역시 달성군 가창면 가창로 891 (가창면) +82-53-1330 http://www.spavalley.co.kr/
MUSIC & ARTS Art Factory
대구 중구 대봉동 20-35 지하1층
Jeng-iy
대구 중구 동성로3가 8-8 010-8594-5011 facebook.com/Jengiy
FOOD & DRINK 하얀쌀밥
대구시 중구 사일동 65-2번지
053-424-7903 동네
대구광역시 중구 삼덕동1가 55-24
053-425-2678
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STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Editor Korean Language Editor Copy Editors Designers Writers
Translators Photographers
Laura Reynolds 강지은
Adam Fletcher & Brianne Ketteman Karen Melton & Lauren Jarman Abbey Kaye Ritter, Ali Safavi, Courtney Vendramin, Erica Berry, Jasetyn Hatcher, Jason Bridgewater, Kaleena Quarles, Kieran Duffy, Louisa Kouzapas, Maxwell Shellabarger, Nathan Ouriach, Stephen Elliot, Stephen Schuit, Winnie Ku, 허유진 여두원 & 최송아
Adam Fletcher, Courtney Vendramin, Erica Berry, Ken Robinson, Kaleena Quarles, Kim Chung-Jun, Lauren Jarman, Lee Smathers, Matthew Stroud, Richarquis de Sade, Stephen Schuit, Tom Rogers, Winnie Ku, 이청솔
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
T
he first snowfall arrived in Daegu last week, tinsel is now readily available in Homeplus, and the city's Christmas trees are up and sparkling. It can only mean one thing: the festive season is here! The Daegu community has some great events coming up to get you into the holiday groove! From SantaCon to 12 pubs, carolling, and a few Christmas bake sales thrown in for good measure too, no one can get away with being a Scrooge this year! If you are already in hibernation mode, however, hopefully this latest issue of Platform will keep you entertained! From everyone here at the Platform team we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Laura Reynolds
facebook.com/platformdaegu platformdaegu@gmail.com