Haps Magazine Korea Issue 42

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CONTENTS FEATURES The Hole in the Expat Bubble | 12 Spring Training Workout Wardrobe | 14 14 Must-Do Festivals in Korea | 24 4 Korean Novels You Should Read | 28 Photographer Profile: Tatiana Mandziy | 38

REGULARS Events: The Big Five | 8 Word on the Street | 10 In the News | 16

TRAVEL Things to do Traveling Alone | 30 Not All Cow Shit | 34

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING Should I Get a Personal Trainer? | 42

DIRECTORY/GUIDES Hotel News & Directory | 46 Directory | 47-51 Busan Metro Map | 50


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EDITOR’S LETTER

I

t’s election season in the States of Disunited America and much of the world is along for the ride. Will Migukistan dare pull the Trump card, or is there a white horse for the White House saddled up somewhere on which rides a savior for the Republican Party? On the dem side, will it be Hawkish Hillary or Socialist Sanders? I don’t know, but I will go out on a limb and say that someone will indeed be elected president though the current lot will unlikely dance a decent Flamenco at a dinner party in Cuba. On things I can concretely assess, this is another great issue of Haps. Mr. Bocskay is back, blowing bubbles of insight into expat life on the Peninsula; John Dunphy has put together a list of helpful websites for newbies; and resident winophile (man, I love that word!) Anthony Velasquez has selected a few good bottles for you to uncork and give a good sippin’ to.

The charming Stacy Austin, blogger at stacylaughs.com and host of the Weekly Haps on Busan eFm, is leaving Korea for work but has penned a nice little read about traveling alone and an interview with the also soondeparting duo, Robscenity. The ver y talented former Haps editor Michael Fraiman has given us an excerpt from his recently published travel book - an article that marks the first use on these pages of an expletive in the title. Yeah, we’re so hip at Haps. “Dear Korea” creator Jen Lee is interviewed, the Busan Bandits are on the pitch, the stunning photography of Tatiana Mandziy is featured and I’ve made it through the entire editor’s letter without saying “spring has sprung.” Enjoy.

ROBSCENITY Local favorite Robscenity is leaving Korea… seriously! Stacy Austin interviews the two Robs as they get ready for their upcoming final show.

ON THE COVER The warm weather is back and so are the festivals. We’ve put together a good list of some of the more popular ones to get you started.


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who’sHAPPENING

CONTRIBUTORS JOHN BOCSKAY

John hails from Westchester County, New York, and has been living in Korea “for a year” since 1998. In his free time he uses chopsticks, eats spicy food, and says things in Korean. You can check him out more of his writing at www.bosmosis.wordpress.com

MICHAEL FRAIMAN

Michael Fraiman is a Canadian freelance writer and former associate editor at Haps. He’s written for Foreign Affairs, The Globe and Mail and Maclean’s, among others. His first book, A Long Way Back: Stories of Travelling Home, is available on Amazon.

PUBLISHER Ju Shin-hye EDITOR IN CHIEF Bobby McGill SALES DIRECTOR Michael Schneider WEB EDITOR IN CHIEF Jeff Liebsch ART DIRECTORS Christopher Cote,

Kyle Erwin

COPY EDITOR Amy Steele WRITERS

John Bocskay, Stacy Austin Michael Fraiman, John Dunphy, Amy Steele, W. Allen Pfeister, Anthony Velasquez, Randy Behr, Jeff Liebsch, Bobby McGill PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tatiana Mandziy, Relja Kojic, Shuresh Maran, Jeff Liebsch, Nick Holmes INTERNS

Hyun-woo Jeong

STACY AUSTIN

Stacy hails from Portland, Oregon, writer, photographer and artist Stacy Austin keeps herself busy getting into lots of adventures in Busan, South Korea. You can find various ways to socially stalk her at her website, www.stacylaughs.com

BUSAN HAPS Apr/May 2016 Issue 42 BUSINESS REGISTRATION NUMBER: 00001 FIRST PUBLICATION DATE: Sept, 2, 2009 OFFICE ADDRESS

ANTHONY VELASQUEZ

Prior to moving to Busan in 2009, Anthony Velasquez worked in the Alexander Valley of Northern California as a winery lab tech. He has nearly a decade of experience serving, bartending and teaching wine in the finest farm-to-fork restaurants in Sacramento, California. Now he brings his expertise to the page.

JOHN DUNPHY

Before moving to Korea in February 2013, John Dunphy was a local editor for Patch Media in New Jersey, where he was born. He is a lover of food, ranging from fish n’ chips to all things Korean. Read more of his work at jpdunphy.wordpress.com.

Pale de CZ, 2-19, Jung Dong1124-2, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea DISCLAIMER The opinions in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Questions or comments: busanhaps@gmail.com ©2016 Busan Haps Magazine SUBMISSIONS busanhaps@gmail.com ADVERTISING mikey.busanhaps@gmail.com


what’sHAPPENING

AROUND KOREA GREAT EVENTS ARE HAPPENING AROUND THE PENINSULA THIS SPRING. HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS TO CHECK OUT THIS SEASON.

OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN A nice little nostalgia for ya. Olivia Newton John is a four-time Grammy Award winner who racked up five No. 1 singles back in the day. Respect. She’s doing two shows in Korea, first in Seoul and then in Busan. ticket.interpark.com Date: May 14, Seoul; May 15, Busan

SEOUL JAZZ FESTIVAL Pat Metheny, Terence Blanchard, Ramsey Lewis, Corinne Bailey Rae, Rufus Wainwright and more will be performing at the annual two-day Seoul Jazz Festival. Best book your tickets now, as this is a very popular event each year. www.seouljazz.co.kr Date: May 28-29 Location: Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

BOSEONG GREEN TEA FESTIVAL Incredibly gorgeous Boseong is the largest producer of tea in the country and is one of the most attended festivals, so be ready for a crowd. There are hands-on experience programs like picking tea leaves, making tea and sampling green tea snacks. eng.jindo.go.kr Date: May 4-8 Location: Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do

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THE BIG FIVE: EVENTS

BIG DAY SOUTH

ZENA HOLLOWAY

APRIL 30 GWANGJU

THROUGH JUNE 6 BUSAN CINEMA CENTER

Big Day South is an annual audio-visual festival that showcases the ever-growing creative scenes outside of Seoul. Created by Angle Magazine, it heads to Gwangju on April 30, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It features live painting, spoken word, dance, theater, performance art, acoustic music, interactive art, charity fundraising and six hours of live bands. Advance tickets available now for 15,000 won.

In this stunning series, London-based photographer Zena Holloway captures a surreal angelic beauty floating beneath the water. Born in Bahrain and raised in London, Holloway did an ad shoot for Faberge in 1996 and has since become one of the biggest names in underwater fashion photography. We assume there are other names.

anglekorea.org

www.zenaholloway.com

BUSAN GLOBAL GATHERING

BUSAN INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

BUSAN INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL

MAY 21 BUSAN CITIZENS PARK

JUNE 2-13 BEXCO

JUNE 3-7 HAEUNDAE BEACH, BUSAN CULTURAL CENTER

One of the favorite events taking place every year, the Global Gathering features booths from dozens of different countries with food, music, art, performances and more. And if you’ve never been out to Busan Citizens Park then that makes the Global Gathering worth checking out all the more.

The event, with the theme “Inspiring Technology Making Waves in the Future,” will feature more than 2,800 booths operated by 180 automobile companies from 11 countries. Sponsors include the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association, the Korea Auto Industries Cooperative Association and KOTRA.

After being scaled back last year during the spread of MERS, it’s time for another five days of spectacular performances showcasing an array of dance genres from around the world. About a dozen countries will be represented on a specially prepared stage on Haeundae Beach and at the Busan Cultural Center, as the event marks its 12th anniversary.

www.bfia.or.kr

eng.busanmotorshow.co.kr

www.bidf.kr.go.kr


what’sHAPPENING

WISH WE WERE THERE GREAT EVENTS ARE HAPPENING ALL AROUND THE GLOBE. HERE’S ONE WE WISH WE COULD GET TO.

IMAGE: OKTOBERFEST.NET

CINCO DE MAYO

MAY 5 MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the source. This international celebration of Mexico’s victory over France back in 1862 (How many of you actually knew that?) is complete with a military parade, concerts, dancing, arts, excellent beers and some seriously kick-ass food.


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WORD ON THE STREET

SHINSEGAE INTRODUCES

NEW ADDITION

Shinsegae has cut the ribbon on another new mall in Busan, this time right next to its Centum City department store in Haeundae. The large complex is home to a slew of shopping and dining options as well as dozens of luxury brand stores like Armani, Bulgari, Ferragamo and Rolex. There is also a duty-free shop and children’s amusement facility as well as the Electro Mart, which features an Apple shop. “We have high hopes since record numbers of foreign visitors are expected in Busan this year, with 270 cruise ships scheduled to dock in the port city, four times more than last year,” said Jang Jae-young, the CEO of Shinsegae Department Store in an interview with the Chosun Ilbo. A lot of people will be glad to hear that the new mall is bringing in some great new restaurants. At the top of many foodie lists is P.F. Chang’s. The A mer ica n-ba sed eater y is opening its third location in South

OVERHEARD

“It made me question human creativity. When I saw AlphaGo’s moves, I wondered whether the Go moves I have known were the right ones … It was such an unusual experience that it took time for me to adjust.” Lee Se-dol on his Google AI competitor.

Korea on the third floor of the new Shinsegae mall. Known for its spicy chicken, Mongolian beef and lettuce chicken wraps, it also offers specialized drinks and gluten-free dining options. The Asian-themed casual dining restaurant chain was founded in 1993 and has over 260 US and international locations. In addition to P.F. Chang’s, there is a wide assortment of international offerings, including Italian, Mexican and an American-style gastro pub that serves craft beers.

FAST FACTS Korea’s Top 5 Export Markets 1. China 25.4% 2. USA 12.3% 3. Japan 5.6% 4. Hong Kong 4.8% 5. Singapore 4.2% SOURCE: CIA WORLD FACTBOOK 2014


COMMUNITY & LIVING

BUSAN SUBWAY TO GET NEW TRAINS, EXTENSION TO DADAEPO The Transportation Corporation has awarded Hyundai Rotem a $442 million contract to supply 40 new metro trains for use on Busan’s Metro Line 1. The trains will replace the line’s existing eight-car sets that were first introduced back in 1985. Expect to see the new cars starting in 2017 with the trains also set to serve a southern extension of Line 1 from Sinpyeong to Dadaepo, scheduled to open sometime in 2017 as well. The new trains will be the first in Korea to utilize permanent magnet synchronous motors, which are designed to reduce induction motor noise while offering an energy savings of 18%. The new trains will also come with smart climate control systems, which automatically adjust the train’s temperature, illumination, ventilation and broadcast volume depending on passenger convenience and safety.


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BETWEEN THE LINES

THE HOLE IN THE EXPAT BUBBLE WRITTEN BY JOHN BOCSKAY

It’s good to explore the unknown, but the familiar also has its rewards. John Bocskay pokes a few holes in the criticism of the ‘expat bubble.’

A bubble is both sealed and fragile, and thus has long served as the metaphor of choice for a carefully-maintained illusion just begging to be burst. Case in point: the “expat bubble.” Though it means different things to different people, it generally refers to shutting out the local culture, while clinging to a facsimile of one’s own. Symptoms may include having few or no local friends and a level of language proficiency that doesn’t extend far beyond “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Supersize me.” Because living abroad offers a chance to explore a new culture and expand one’s horizons, expats who partake of the familiar are often chided for their missed opportunity or derided for their perceived sense of cultural superiority, their irrational fear, and woefully incurious nature. The benefits of cultural exploration are well-known and numerous, and there’s often merit to such charges of expat insularity, but it’s good to bear in mind that these metaphorical bubbles, like their literal counterparts, are not created equally, or for the same reasons. While expat bubbles around the world may have a lot in common, the difference between them can also be as great as that between champagne fizz and bathtub farts. Features of the new environment may encourage a bubble to form. Some expats report difficulty befriending locals due to vast differences in language and culture (Saudi Arabia, Japan), great economic disparity between locals and expats (Cambodia, Kenya), or even because there just aren’t many locals to be found, as in the UAE, where expatriates outnumber locals nearly nine to one. In places where security is a major concern (Nairobi, Damascus, Karachi), the bubble is a must, and even the most adventurous expats are obliged to hunker down in fortress-like compounds with bug-out kits at arm’s length. Much also depends on the reasons for being there. While

many are drawn by wanderlust, some are yanked overseas by their profession, or in many cases, because their husband or wife was. While some consider a move abroad to be a fringe benefit, to others it’s a hurdle between them and the settled life they crave and thus strive to approximate in their temporary digs. For so-called ‘plus ones’ - the spouses of overseas workers - the challenges of expatriation are greater, as they lack their own careers and workplace networks to lean on. “Your routine is turned upside down,” says Heather McPherson, a stay-at-home mother whose husband works for Shell in Okpo. “For wives that bubble is very important in that you have to get out of the house and create some sort of life.” Even for the most open and adaptable expats, the bubble offers a bastion of familiarity - The Great Known - in an environment where even the simplest tasks can be complicated and taxing. After a long week of figuring new norms and accommodating novel expectations, a retreat into a pint or three of ale with folks who pour their own drinks and sport their own arm hair can be just the thing. For off-the-boat newbies, the bubble can function as a scaffold, which is slowly removed as they build the foundation and structure of a new life until they can stand on their own. Seasoned long-timers also flock together, employing much the same logic by which people everywhere choose their mates: These are the people who best relate to our experience and most closely share our interests and concerns, and the same simply can’t be said of even the warmest and most empathetic locals. Despite the airtight imagery, expat bubbles are in fact more porous and less hermetic than the metaphor suggests. Here in Busan, foreigners are spread around the city, which makes interaction with locals both necessary and inevitable, while the expansion of English proficiency in the past two decades has done much to bridge


BETWEEN THE LINES

the language divide and make cross-cultural friendships more common and more rewarding. In a country increasingly attuned to global tastes and trends, it’s hard even to know where the bubbles begin and end. There may have been a time when going to Starbucks was a gringo thing to do; now I’m more likely to be dragged there by my Korean wife to sip Americanos. One of the interesting quirks of the expat bubble in Korea is that one can find more diversity within it than without it. Over the years, I’ve made friends from so many countries that, if I were to list their nationalities, our conscientious editor might bust me for fluffing my word count. My efforts to explore and acculturate in Korea have been repaid many times over, but I’ve also come to understand that to flee the bubble is to close off another

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sphere of cultural experience. Expat communities now give Koreans a chance to sample the world at their doorstep. Many of the ethnic enclaves I cherish in my hometown began in essence as bubbles for immigrants, and their semi-insular quality is part of what enabled them to recreate so much of the old country so faithfully. I speak for many New Yorkers in saying that I’m glad they brought their kimchi, kielbasa and calypso and enriched my city in the bargain, and it’s cool to think that our pizza, pale ales and punk may be doing the same for them as it bubbles out over here.

John Bocskay blogs about the expat universe at bosmosis.wordpress.com.


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MATERIAL WORLD

SPRING TRAINING:

WORKOUT WARDROBE TECHNOLOGY FOR OPTIMAL COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE With spring finally in full swing, it’s time to embrace the welldeserved sunshine and endless outdoor activities here on the Peninsula. This year, welcome the warming weather with a fresh set of workout gear designed to keep you cool, dry and odor-free while protecting your skin from those first sneaky sunburns of the season.

THE RASH GUARD: PRANA MARA JACKET With an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 50+, this surf jacket can help protect you from long-term sun damage in the water. It’s comprised of spandex, neoprene and recycled polyester, for flexible, durable and ecoconscious sun protection. The Mara Jacket, 99,000 won, moves and stretches with you as you paddle and swim, and the form fit, raw edging and full-front zip make layering super easy. PrAna’s UPF 50+ fabric is also available in swim tights, shorts and tank tops. www.prana.com

THE TANK:

ATHLETA GRADIENT STRIPE FASTEST TRACK TANK This tank top is lightweight, breathable and stretchy - the perfect trifecta for any spring workout session - and it wicks away sweat so it evaporates off your skin faster. The nylon/poly/spandex fabric is made with silver salts to keep it from holding onto odors, meaning you can wear it more and wash it less. Athleta’s Unstinkable fabric is also available in leggings, sports bras, base layers and a variety of tops. Pick up a tank for around 50,000 won. athleta.gap.com

THE POLO:

NIKE DRI-FIT VICTORY GOLF POLO Nike’s Dri-FIT series is a reliable go-to when shopping for a high-performance fabric, and the Victory Golf Polo, 50,000 won, is no exception. Its stretchy, sweat-wicking polyester is designed to keep you dry while the fold-over collar and buttons bring a classic look to your golf game. The polo also features an ergonomic design and flat seams to minimize chafing as you swing. Look for Dri-FIT technology in Nike shirts, shorts, leggings, hoodies and more. www.nike.com


MATERIAL WORLD

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THE JERSEY: PEARL IZUMI P.R.O. LEADER JERSEY

Perfectly suited for cyclists, Pearl Izumi’s Minerale fabric uses the naturally porous structure of volcanic minerals to decrease its dry time by 50% compared to normal polyester. The P.R.O. Leader Jersey, 165,000 won, absorbs moisture and odors in addition to acclimating you to changes in temperature. Its In-R-Cool technology cools the skin and reflects the sun, with a UPF of 50+, and the full-zip style and built-in ventilation can cool you off as your body heat builds. Pearl Izumi’s In-R-Cool technology is also used in shorts, jackets and a variety of jerseys for both men and women. www.pearlizumi.com

THE SHORTS:

UNDER ARMOUR COOLSWITCH COMPRESSION SHORTS

THE UNDERWEAR: BUCK NAKED BRIEFS

Duluth Trading Co.’s sweat-wicking underwear offers support and comfort for any activity. Available in men’s and women’s styles, the nylon/spandex undies are stretchy, soft and odor-fighting. They also dry faster than cotton, making them easy to wash, hang up and wear the next day during your travels. The women’s briefs are 18,000 won, the men’s performance boxer briefs are 22,000 won, and the Man Can gift wrapper (pictured) is 5,000 won. www.duluthtrading.com

For two decades, Under Armour’s compression gear has helped athletes decrease their muscle recovery time after hard workouts. Not surprisingly, the Baltimorebased company hasn’t stopped at that. It now sells leggings, tanks, hats, headbands and more, made with CoolSwitch fabric, which moves heat from your skin and cools you off during a workout. These particular mesh compression shorts, 55,000 won, are ideal for intense spring workouts around the city: They’re breathable, sweat-wicking and quick-drying and come with front pockets and a back storage pocket. www.underarmour.com


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IN THE NEWS

Korean Air to Start Direct Flights to Iran

Korean Air, following the lifting of sanctions and after winning the route license over rival Asiana Airlines Inc., is expected to start a direct air route to Iran for the first time in four decades. Though cargo aircraft flew irregular runs between Seoul and Tehran in the 1970s, no South Korea-flagged passenger aircraft has landed on Iranian soil, reports Yonhap News Agency. “Iran has abundant natural resources and consumers. It had been one of our biggest economic partners in the 1970s,” the transportation ministry said in a release. “The opening of the direct flight route will foster business exchanges between the two countries and strengthen bilateral cooperation.”

KOREA RANKS HIGHEST IN ASIA FOR INCOME GAP

With the top 10 percent of the population receiving 45 percent of the total income, Korea ranks highest in Asia for income inequality, followed by Singapore and Japan. This is according to an IMF research paper called “Sharing the Growth Dividend: Analysis of Inequality in Asia,” released in March. The report, which looked at 22 Asian countries, said that Korea’s income inequality has increased by 16 percent since 1995. This, coupled with declines in the ease of social mobility, is taking its toll on public attitudes. The numbers point to a larger trend of dissatisfaction in the country that has become known among many Koreans as “Hell Joseon” - a phrase referencing the five-centuryrule of the Joseon dynasty, when Confucian hierarchies and a strict feudal system determined who got ahead and who didn’t. There’s even a Facebook page and website, HellKorea. com, where Koreans go to vent.

NUMBERS IN THE NEWS

2,124

Average hours put in by a Korean worker per year - a drop to third place behind Mexico (2,228) and Costa Rica (2,216)


NATIVE AMERICANBACKED CASINO TO BREAK GROUND

South Korea has granted a license to a consortium led by US casino operator Mohegan Sun to build an integrated resort project in Incheon, just west of Seoul. Partnering with South Korean chemicals maker KCC Corp., Mohegan plans to invest $1.24 billion to build a casino, convention venues, a luxury hotel, shopping areas and a K-pop entertainment arena. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the addition of another casino resort, along with the two already under construction, will be a boost for tourism. Incheon, which is also home to the main airport, is a specially designated development zone with several casino proposals targeted at foreigners. One of the resorts includes a joint venture headed by Las Vegas’ Caesars Entertainment Corp. “We will closely monitor the project to help support the (Mohegan consortium) in building a world-class integrated resort,” the ministry said. “It is expected to boost the competitiveness of the South Korean tourism industry with various tourism infrastructure, such as a K-pop arena, a theme park and a convention center.”


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10 USEFUL WEBSITES FOR LIVING IN KOREA WRITTEN BY JOHN DUNPHY

KOREABRIDGE koreabridge.net Sell your stuff, buy some stuff, look for jobs, find out about upcoming events, read some blogs and share your own. Launched nearly two decades ago as “Pusanweb,” Koreabridge has since expanded to include all of the Peninsula, while still very much catering to the Busan community.

Whether you’re a “lifer” or a “newbie,” life in the Land of Morning Calm has never been more convenient for expats. Supermarket shelves are stocked with more and more products familiar to the Western eye. More expats are settling down here, resulting in even more expat-friendly businesses popping up. Smartphones have changed the game completely, providing resources only a finger tap away, in a country with some of the fastest and most widely available Internet in the world. Despite all this ease, finding one’s feet in any new country can still be a daunting, scary task. Thankfully, resources online abound to make the transition seamless. Here are 10 we find invaluable.

BUSAN FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES bfia.or.kr Available in English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese, the BFIA’s homepage should be any newcomer’s first stop for information. News about upcoming events, an extensive “Frequently Asked Questions” list and access to counselling services are only some of the resources available for free online. Free Korean language lessons also are available at the BFIA’s offices across from city hall.

BUSAN DAYTRIPPERS

DAVE’S ESL CAFE

Facebook

eslcafe.com

Hiking takes on an almost-religious passion for so many in Korea. While a solo jaunt can be nice, the founders of the Busan Daytrippers Facebook page recognized it’s often better with friends. Most excursions are organized within the city (and everyone is encouraged to organize a hike of their own), with the occasional trip beyond our dynamic city, as well.

The granddaddy of information sources on the Web for ESL teachers, Dave Sperling’s site remains a go-to for job postings and teaching advice - and as a place to vent for thousands daily. Job posts not only include Korea but also China, Japan and the Middle East. Its “Idea Cookbook” continues to serve as a last-minute savior for when classroom plans fall apart.


21 CINE IN KOREA cineinkorea.com Busan has a lot to fill up one’s free time. But, eventually, you might just want to take in a movie on a rainy afternoon. Cine in Korea offers the English-speaking film buff an easyto-navigate way to find out when and where your favorite flick is showing.

BUSAN CHILDREN’S HOMES VOLUNTEERING/ BUSAN VOLUNTEER Facebook Busan Children’s Homes Volunteering and Busan Volunteer should be your one-two choice when it comes to finding out how to give back to your community. Opportunities include spending an afternoon with the children of several area orphanages, participating in beach cleanups and collecting presents for special holiday events. Like Busan Daytrippers, everyone is welcome to suggest and organize new events on both pages.

WHAT THE BOOK?/AMAZON WhattheBook.com; Amazon.com Sure, there’s digital. But, for many bibliophiles, nothing beats the look and feel of an actual book. Fortunately, English language readers have options, even in Korea. What the Book? has a physical location in Seoul but offers many selections to the rest of the country online. Amazon.com now ships to Korea as well.

YOUR LOCAL FACEBOOK PAGE Facebook Whether you’ve landed in the hustle of Haeundae, the bustle of Busanjin or the relative quiet in the hinterlands of Hadan, there’s likely a local Facebook page for your new neighborhood. Not sure if your area has a page? Try typing in your “gu” (such as “Saha” or “Dongnae”) or “dong” (such as “Jangsan,” “Seomyeon” or “Hwamyeong”) and see what pops up.

BUSAN FOOD Facebook Tired of convenience store food being your go-to source for sustenance? Being the second-largest city in the country has advantages, one of which is the dizzying array of dining options. The Busan Food Facebook page was created for people to both find and share great food and drink experiences throughout Busan. Menus, maps and comments help make deciding what’s for dinner a breeze.

HAPS MAGAZINE BusanHaps.com Forgive us a little self-promotion, but our Web presence offers a lot that both newbies and veterans can use, including up-to-date info on what’s happening around the country and around town.


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MUSIC

THE LAST ROBSCENITY SHOW … SERIOUSLY WRITTEN BY STACY AUSTIN

Busan’s much-loved musical duo are calling it quits and heading home.

Two guys with the first name Rob - one with a guitar, the other on a cajón - both came to Korea for that ever-familiar “just one year.” Yet, their band, Robscenity, quickly became a familiar staple in the Busan music scene since their first show back in February 2012. After performing up and down the Korean Peninsula at music festivals and in bars and releasing an independent album of 12 original songs, titled “Days,” they’re getting set to perform their last show ever. Hailing from Hood River, Oregon, Rob Chrisman plays guitar and spits rhymes. Nova Scotian Rob Evong bangs on a box-like drum called the cajón, but also carries a bag of goodies to each show: a kazoo, rainbow glockenspiel, shaker, tambourine, sometimes a bubble gun and more. Album Artwork by Kelvin Brassbridge II


PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK HOLMES AND STACY AUSTIN

H: How would you describe your music? Rob Evong: The first thing I say is that it’s weird. But, I mean that in a good way, because I’ve never encountered a band I can really compare us to. Rob Chrisman: I would describe it as melodic, acoustic hip-hop. People usually look at me funny when I say that. H: What were you thinking when you first formed Robscenity? Like, did you have any goals? RC: There were no real goals at the beginning. We were just jamming for fun. RE: I wanted to make music. That’s it. [I had] no idea we’d have such stories to tell. Mishaps, big shows, video projects … We started because we clicked as friends and we liked making music together. That has been central to everything we’ve done. RC: I suppose the only goal was to play shows that were fun for the audience and fun for us. Initially we recorded the album just to have something we could take away from the experience of playing together. H: Tell me about the album creating process. RC: Making the album was an exciting, demanding, painful, frustrating, incredibly fulfilling experience. We worked off-and-on for about three years. It involved countless recording sessions and took way longer than we initially thought it would. RE: So much of that experience was new territory: recording an album as a means to share our music instead of relying on the energy of a live show. I’ve absolutely grown as an artist and person. I am proud of us and I attribute that to a lot of hard work and a love of the process itself.

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H: How has the success been, selling an album in CD and online? RC: We live in an age in which all music is “free” instantly. It’s tough to get people to pay for music - added to the fact that much fewer people have CD players these days. That being said, we’ve sold a good amount, and I’m very grateful for the people that have bought our music. H: What’s with the long-awaited music video? RC: Evong has a background in film and he knows his stuff. We’ve been all over the place, trying to work around our schedules, but I’m excited about what we have so far and the direction that it’s going in. RE: This video is about Korea, our passion for music, and our friendship. [Robscenity] has been one of the most rewarding experiences and friendships of my life. I can’t spend too long thinking about saying goodbye to Rob or the band without getting teary-eyed every time.

H: And, what can we expect for your last show? RE: I am leaving Korea soon, and the farewell show and our music video - which will premiere there - are my way of saying goodbye to a place and the people I love. RC: We plan on pulling out all the stops, playing everything in our arsenal. It’s going to be a night to remember. You can download their debut album “Days” at robscenity.bandcamp.com. Physical copies of the album are available at HQ Bar. Their final show will be in Busan in May. Follow them on Facebook at facebook. com/robscenity.official.


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Take the lead at Lakeland. lakelandcollege.ca/international


f tomorrow.

dents

AY.

“I would recommend Lakeland College to anyone living in Canada or overseas. It’s a great school and staff and professors are very helpful. The number one thing I was asked during my first winter here was did I know what clothes I had to have to keep warm.” – Janina Greaves, originally from Barbados. Janina is in the Bachelor of Commerce degree program.

College in Canada. How? Through career-relevant, student-run projects, operations and events. · Lead a team of firefighters as the captain or battalion chief and battle the most realistic fire simulations in Canada. · Create and run your own play program for children. Plan and prepare activities, interact with parents and work hands-on with children, from infants to age five. · Research and select the next crop of species for the on-campus green “living” roof. · Teach elementary students how to add, subtract and more with fun math exercises that you’ve planned at your studentorganized Math Fair. It’ll set you apart from others when you transition from our college to your career.


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coverSTORY

14 MUST-DO FESTIVALS IN KOREA Along with all the great things to do and see during your time in Korea, there are several festivals that are well worth checking out when the weather is warm. For exact dates on all the events visit english.visitkorea.or.kr.

JINHAE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL (APRIL)

GANGNEUNG DANOJE FESTIVAL (MAY)

One of the most popular annual festivals in the country marks the coming of spring following the long Korean winter. See a lot of flowers and a lot of people from all over the country to keep you company.

Gangneung Danoje, the longest running among local Korean festivals, is held each year to worship the guardian spirit of a mountain that protects the town. It’s also an occasion to pray for peace and the prosperity of farming.

JEONGWOL DAEBOREUM FIRE FESTIVAL (LUNAR NEW YEAR)

WORLD TAEKWONDO CULTURE EXPO (JULY)

There are several places around the country where the highlight of festival is an enormous fire (daljip taeugi), ignited to burn objects in the shape of the moon. Two great spots to watch are Jeju and Haeundae Beach.

Taekwondo has become increasingly popular worldwide over the years. Why not go to the biggest celebration of the sport right at its source? Held every year in Muju, North Jeolla Province, it’s a real kick.

JINDO MIRACLE SEA ROAD FESTIVAL (APRIL)

ULSAN WHALE FESTIVAL (JULY)

Every year, on a variable day in the spring or summer, tidal activity reveals a narrow land pass between Jindo Island and Modo Island. Hundreds of thousands turn out for the event, which is accompanied by local festivals.

Throughout history, whale hunting was a large part of the livelihood of Ulsan’s early inhabitants. Now dominated by manufacturing, Ulsan and its people are still very proud of their history of whaling and throw an annual celebration of it.


coverSTORY

27

HAEUNDAE SAND FESTIVAL (MAY) Sand sculptors from all over the world descend on Haeundae Beach to display their works of art. It’s fun to check out their progress over the course of the week as they transform a huge pile of sand into something special.

JINJU NAMGANG YUDEUNG LANTERN FESTIVAL (OCTOBER) BUYEO SEODONG LOTUS FESTIVAL (JULY) The heat of July is the peak time for lotus flowers in Korea. This famous lotus flower festival is held at Seodong Park and Gungnamji Pond in the gorgeous area of Chungcheongnam-do every year.

This festival has origins in the lantern-lighting custom used during the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjin War, following the Japanese invasion in 1592. It was part of a military strategy to prevent Japanese troops from entering into the Namgang River.


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coverSTORY

QUENTIN TARANTINO AND BONG JOON HO PHOTO BY KEITH HORMAN

BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL (OCTOBER)

BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (OCTOBER)

Originally part of the 2005 APEC Summit, the fireworks display proved so popular that it has now become an annual festival, culminating with a massive display of fireworks and light shows set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Diamond Bridge.

Now in its 21st year, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is arguably one of the most renowned festivals in Korea. The focus of the annual event is to showcase new films and first-time directors, especially those from Asian countries.

BORYEONG MUD FESTIVAL (JULY) Though the original draw was the healing properties of the mud, now it’s turned into one of the biggest parties of the year. It’s on almost every expat’s must-do checklist when visiting Korea. Wall-to-wall partying, drinking and playing in the mud.

PHOTO BY YOCHIKA


coverSTORY

29

PHOTO BY GINA SMITH

ANDONG INTERNATIONAL MASK DANCE FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER)

CHEONGDO BULLFIGHTING FESTIVAL (APRIL)

This wonderful gathering centers around the tradition of mask dance, which goes back centuries as part of shamanistic rituals. In the village of Hahoe, mask dance teams perform mudong madang, an offering to a goddess for health and wealth.

This is not man vs. bull. The Cheongdo fest pits bull against bull in the ring, with the crowd cheering on their favorite. It’s not bloody. It usually ends when one bull surrenders, sometimes by simply saying “screw it” and lumbering off.


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BOOKS

4

KOREAN NOVELS YOU SHOULD READ South Korea is becoming an increasingly recognized player in the literary world, much of which is due to the 2014 London Book Fair, which spotlighted Korean literature and rave reviews from critics across the board. Korean storylines have their own flavor, some of which, in their exploration of the darker aspects of humanity, might not appeal to all readers. As Lilit Marcus writes in Vanity Fair, “In particular, the country’s literary scene is making a name for itself with dark, transgressive fiction by female writers, some of which might not feel familiar or likable enough for American readers - but they’re well worth the challenge.” Here are four books that Marcus recommends, with the caveat that you should not “mistake any of them for beach reads.”

PLEASE LOOK AFTER MOM BY KYUNG-SOOK SHIN (2009) The story of an old woman gone missing after disappearing at a Seoul subway station made Kyungsook Shin the first woman to win the Man Asian literary award.

DRIFTING HOUSE

THE INTERPRETER

BY KRYS LEE (2012)

BY SUKI KIM (2003)

A collection of critically acclaimed short stories about Koreans who feel out of place in the world, as they confront some of life’s darker aspects such as abuse, incest and murder.

This focuses on the Korean immigrant experience in America through the story of a young woman whose parents are murdered in the small grocery they manage.


BOOKS

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THE VEGETARIAN BY HAN KANG (2015) A married woman becomes a vegetarian, and her entire life falls apart. Grotesque recurring nightmares, sexual sadism, attempted suicide - it’s got it all.

GETTING THE BOOKS The larger bookstores in Korea, such as Kyobo, will likely have these available on the shelf or for easy order. If not, Amazon and locally run Whatthebook.com are great options. If there are some books you want to share, or even write about, drop us a line at busanhaps@gmail.com.


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TRAVEL

THINGS

TO DO WHILE TRAVELING ALONE

WRITTEN BY STACY AUSTIN

As any traveler can tell you, traveling alone carries its own benefits and disadvantages. For some people, doing activities by themselves are as easy as putting on a pair of socks. For others, it’s a highly daunting task and could cause anxiety just at the mere thought.

PLAN ANYTHING. Even though I am an only child, I can’t say I enjoy tackling activities on my own. I am not one to eat at a restaurant or sit in a movie theater alone. I don’t particularly enjoy striking up conversations with strangers, either. Being alone in a city definitely forces me to get out of my comfort zone - and perfect the art of taking selfies. While this, at times, can feel unpleasant, the end result is a great feeling of accomplishment. So without further ado, for those of you venturing out into the world alone, I offer up a list of my favorite things to do when I’m traveling solo.

This is a time to be selfish. Wake up as early or as late as you like. Hell, have a nap mid-day if you want. I like to write down directions and mark-up maps for my daily agendas. Again, if I get lost, I have no one else to lean on, so I pay extra attention to navigation details. Along with this, eat anything. No peer pressure to eat more or less. I can be as adventurous - or not - as I want with my food choices. It is also much easier to stay on budget while traveling alone. I don’t have anyone to awkwardly explain my poor previous spending decisions to while chowing down on a meal purchased solely from a convenience store.


TALK TO STRANGERS. Even though I am an extrovert, I don’t love doing this all the time, but the majority of the time I really benefit from it. You’ll learn so much more from talking to those around you than what you can find on the Internet or in a travel book. On buses or at hostels, locating fellow travelers can make this easier, but it can also be a great benefit to talk to locals. Not only will you get updated information about your surroundings, you’ll also get a different perspective on life and the world around you.

THINK ABOUT SHORT AND LONG-TERM GOALS. Sitting in silence, alone with your thoughts, can be a good thing. I like to make to-do lists, not dictated or persuaded by my everyday life.

CATCH UP ON (OR START) WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE. Traveling alone triggers a lot of memories for me. I think of people I wish were with me. I also think of people I may not have thought of in a long time. Also, sometimes I think of people that have upset me in the past. I write all of them letters. I tend not to actually send out the letters to the people that upset me. Writing those letters can be therapeutic and offer some desperately needed closure, though.

START PLANNING THE NEXT TRAVEL ADVENTURE. This may happen when you’re thinking about goals (see #3) and it will definitely be benefited by talking to fellow travelers (see #2). Studies have proven that anticipating a trip makes you even happier than being on your trip or reminiscing about it afterward. I take this as scientific backing to always be planning my next trip. I hope you feel the same. You can read more from stacy at www.stacylaughs.com.


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domesticTRAVEL

JONGMYO SHRINE, SEOUL

HWASEONG FORTRESS, SUWON

Jongmyo Shrine was constructed by the first king and founder of the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong-gye (13351408). In its heyday, it was used as the primary place of worship for kings throughout the Joseon Dynasty and is now best-known for being the oldest and most well-preserved of the Confucian royal shrines. jikimi.cha.go.kr

The fortress was constructed between 1794 and 1796 as a display of the King’s Confucian filial piety toward his father. Surrounded by a strong defensive system, which brought together the latest defensive architecture from both East and West, the massive walls extend nearly 6 km and have remained intact over the centuries. ehs.suwon.ne.kr


domesticTRAVEL

35

5 HISTORIC KOREAN SITES TO SEE Korea is home several of UNESCO’s historically significant sites that span the globe. If you are visiting or living here on the Peninsula, here is a list of five favorite spots worth checking out during your stay.

NAMHANSANSEONG, GAYA Namhansanseong was originally designed to serve as an emergency capital for the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Located in the mountains 25 km southeast of Seoul, it was traditionally defended by Buddhist monk-soldiers. Though it was rebuilt several times, the earliest remains date from the 7th century. namhansansung.or.kr For more information on Korean historic sites, visit the UNESCO website at whc.unesco.org.

SEOKGURAM GROTTO AND BULGUKSA TEMPLE, GYEONGJU Constructed in the 8th century, the Seokguram Grotto houses a monumental statue of the Buddha looking out to sea. Nearby Bulguksa Temple is a stunning example of Silla Dynasty construction, and, along with the Seokguram Grotto, forms a religious architectural complex of exceptional historical significance. gyeongju.go.kr

HAEINSA TEMPLE, GAYA Located on Gayasan, Haeinsa Temple is home to the famed Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, which was engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248. Constructed in the 15th century, the Janggyeong Panjeon complex served the sole purpose of housing the sacred woodblocks. haeinsa.or.kr


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internationalTRAVEL

NOT ALL COW

SHIT WRITTEN BY MICHAEL FRAIMAN

Former Haps editor and travel writer Michael Fraiman has released a collection of travel tales in a new book, A Long Way Back: Stories of Travelling Home. Haps is happy to have Michael back with an excerpt from his book.

In Varanasi, India, everyone owns a silk shop - and if they don’t, they know someone who does, and who can give you a great deal - best prices - real silk! Walk down the street and you will be personally invited to one each minute; told “No pressure” and “Just take a look” when you hesitate; persuaded when they explain the secret to proving real silk from polyester knockoffs (the thread should burn into ashes), and allowed to see the weaving factory because, at some point, someone realized that faces sell better than the word of some guy you met five minutes ago on the street. In light of these and other aggressive touts, I’ve developed a trick, a way of shutting out human dissonance when overwhelmed. If someone walks up beside me, I stop, turn to them, and say, in Hebrew, “Slicha, ani lo medaber anglit.” (“Sorry, I don’t speak English.”) So when a young Indian man with swooped hair and a frail body sidled up next to us and asked where we were from, I ignored him. We didn’t have anywhere to be, but it was 11 a.m. and we were eager to escape the fiery

Indian sun. He persisted, so I stopped and gave him the line, in Hebrew: “Sorry, I don’t speak English.” The man paused and flashed a confused smile. “Sir, why do you speak Hebrew to me? You are not Israeli.” “You know Hebrew?” I asked, in Hebrew. “Sure,” he replied, in English. “How do you know I’m not Israeli?” “Man,” he shot back, sizing me up. “Look at yourself.” I asked how he knew the language, and he replied in a long, fluent Hebrew well beyond my primary-school language skills. I laughed and told him I was impressed. “Man, that’s nothing!” he replied coolly. “I speak seven languages.” “Really?” my girlfriend, V, chimed in, and continued in Spanish: “Habla español también?” To which the man turned to her and gave a lengthy, nearly unstoppable monologue about how he has many Spanish friends from Barcelona who live here and come to his shop and buy his silks and please ma’am would you come take a look at my silks they are a very good price.


internationalTRAVEL We stood defeated. Here was a clearly bright man with a proven gift for language acquisition - I didn’t question his claim to Japanese, Italian or French (indeed, he tried me in French when I revealed I was Canadian, but he outperformed me again) - in short, a man qualified enough to work for the United Nations, who is stuck hawking pashmina scarves out of some grungy back-alley shop on the yellowed streets of Varanasi. So, yes, we visited his silk shop. His name was Sirdi, 28 years old, married with a baby daughter. As he led us down the discordant Jangambari Road, an auto-rickshaw driver nodded suggestively at him, but Sirdi muttered back dismissively. He turned to us afterward. “He wants to know if you need driving after this,” he explained. “I say, ‘Ask them yourself, man.’ But he’s just a cheat. So many cheats around here.” “Everyone’s a cheat,” I replied. “No, man!” he snapped. “Not everyone. It’s like … These streets, you know? These streets are filled with cow shit. But not all cow shit is bad. Some you can cook with, use for medicine. But not all. You have to know which to look for.” Though Sirdi’s shop sits near the cramped Golden Temple market, there’s no chance a tourist could find it unless specifically led there. It’s a single room, poorly lit, with a dirty white mattress on the ground and walls lined with packaged silks and cashmere blends. Inside, I was still quietly waiting for a scam; Sirdi, perhaps noticing this, served us cups of hot tea and explained complex Hindu cremation rituals native to Varanasi by way of chitchat. As the conversation turned to silks, Sirdi’s brother tossed some packages out on the mattress for Sirdi to open with a gesture learned by rote, displaying them broadly for V and I to see and feel. He burnt a thread, he named the price - high by Indian standards, low by Western. “I also have scarves for forty rupees,” he added, pointing to the cheaper samples hanging overhead, adorned with images of suns and Hindu gods. “But they are for hippies, you know? Not you guys.” We left his shop empty-handed, still uncertain about the impulse buy. As we exchanged goodbyes in his doorway, he shook my hand firmly. “You’ll come back,” he said. “I know it.” Two hours later, we proved him right. We returned and bought two scarves - not because we felt compelled to buy fabrics in Varanasi, but because this guy, though he detests the word, was an excellent salesman. He was genuine and clever, making us feel guilty for bartering down his obviously inflated price, because he subtly, effortlessly, convinced us that we had become friends. Truthfully, I still think of him as one - that if we ever returned to Varanasi, we might bump into him, fantastically, on a walk down the colourful Jangambari Road, and, instead of wasting time in neurotic doubt, we’d walk sideby-side, sipping cups of chai, catching up in Hebrew. And that, of course, may be the deepest scam of all.

37

SIRDI

“A MAN QUALIFIED ENOUGH TO WORK FOR THE UNITED NATIONS, WHO IS STUCK HAWKING PASHMINA SCARVES OUT OF SOME GRUNGY BACK-ALLEY SHOP ON THE YELLOWED STREETS OF VARANASI”


38

INTERVIEW WRITTEN BY BOBBY MCGILL

A native of Houston, Texas and graduate of George Bush High School, Jen Lee has been publishing her clever take on life in Korea since 2010. Now, the talented illustrator has put her collection into a book called “Dear Korea: Volume One.“

H: When did you publish the first “Dear Korea”? The very first "Dear Korea" was published in late 2010. Though it had spent some time online, the first publication it was featured in was Gwangju News back in November 2010. I had initially sent them my comic to see if they wanted to use it, only to find that it had been printed without my knowledge. Since then, I have made over 130 strips and hope to keep going.

H: How did you get started creating your own comics? As far as I can remember, I enjoyed drawing and writing stories. Though I wasn’t particularly great at either, the idea of combining them both to create something always seemed like a fun idea.

H: “Dear Korea” takes aim at the culture clash for foreigners living in Korea with a humorous touch. Is that your general feeling? Just lighten up and embrace it all?

JEN LEE AN INTERVIEW WITH

My history has been sketchy, to say in the least. I learned at a young age that if I didn’t approach hardships and frustrations with a sense of humor, the negativity of it all would consume me. I made sure to bring this mentality with me to Korea, as I didn’t want to become somebody who would look back on these experiences in a bad light. Even during the most difficult times, I’ve made it a point to search for a humorous aspect of the situation so that I can look back at that point in my life and laugh. I’ve been lucky in the sense that Korea makes it easy to do so.

H: Has there been any blowback from Koreans who didn’t like what you’re doing? Since I first started working on "Dear Korea," my work has received very little blowback in general. While I’m sure this is something that will eventually change, most of the criticisms I have received from all of my readers have been quite constructive and often respectful.


PHOTOGRAPHY BY RELJA KOJIC

H: What do you do when you get comic writer’s block? I bother my friends, procrastinate, have an existential crisis, eat something and eventually manage to push out a comic. This happens far more often than most would think.

H: Are there any particular people that you look up to in your field? That is a list that would go on forever. There are a number of artists, comedians and writers I look up to for an assortment of reasons, and I like to use them as inspiration for different aspects of my work. If I have to think of anyone in my field, when it comes to telling fantastic stories in an entertaining manner, Ryan Estrada (fellow Korean expat) is someone who definitely comes to mind.

39

H: What’s next for Jen Lee? Dear China? Dear America? What’s the future hold for you? The future is a weird, uncertain thing. As much as I’d like to return to America to my friends, family and Cool Ranch Doritos, it doesn’t really seem to be in the cards for me at the moment. For now, the plan is to stay in Korea and work on becoming as awesome as I can before I move onto my next destination. This can definitely change at any moment, but for as far as I can see, there will be plenty of comics to come. I hope to someday be able to release more personal and original stories in the form of graphic novels, but that’s still a bit of a distant dream. You can see more from Jen at www.jen-lee.com or www.dearkoreacomic.com.


40

photographerPROFILE

PHOTO GRAPHER PROFILE: TATIANA MANDZIY WRITTEN BY BOBBY MCGILL

PHOTOS BY TATIANA MANDZIY

Originally from Kamchatka in the Russian Far East, Tatiana Mandziy first set foot in Korea back in 2010 when her husband’s company transferred him to the Peninsula. Tatiana, who received a bachelor’s in journalism back home and a master’s in business here, has established herself as one of Korea’s most gifted expat photographers with an amazing skill for capturing people with her lens.


PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATIANA MANDZIY

41

H: What inspires you most as a photographer? As a portrait photographer, I am inspired by human beauty and people’s vivid emotions that are all their own. In daily lifestyle photography I love the details, like the quivering of the leaves, the dramatic and sonorous sky, the city traffic - everything that gives the feeling of a special atmosphere.

H: If you could spend the day shooting with any photographer, who would it be and what kind of project would you like to do with them? To be honest, I don’t have any photographer idols that I could easily name. It would be hard to say that I love the particular work of some great photographer, though when I find something I really like I enjoy spending a long time looking at it. Also, I love great cinematographers. Recently I’ve been interested in Emmanuel Lubezki. He did cinematography for The Revenant.

H: What was a time as a photographer when you felt most proud of your work?

H: You primarily work with models. Any advice for other photographers on how to get the most out of their subject?

I feel that I do everything right when the people I’ve shot are satisfied and express their appreciation. That is when I feel the most happiness. And I feel so proud when I have a chance to publish and exhibit my works. I think that it’s very important for the artists to share what they do.

I don’t know whether there are any clear rules I follow in fashion photography that I could give as advice, but I think that because I’m a woman, I find it easier to discern their nature and show her beauty. When a model comes to me, it’s not that she wants to grace the cover of a magazine; she just wants to look and feel beautiful. I think every woman deserves that.

You can follow Tatiana on Facebook: mandziyphoto or Instagram: mandzy


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sponsoredSTORY

1 1 ST

ST

THINGS

WRITTEN BY W. ALLEN PFEISTER

It’s never too soon to start investing and getting your money to work.

Why should you learn about investing? The simple truth is that one day we’ll all be too old to work, so we’ll need our money to work for us. If you start early and stick to the basics, you eventually won’t have to work - unless you want to. But before you start amassing your own wealth, there are two things you should do beforehand. The first step to healthy finances is to start an emergency fund and never touch it unless something serious happens, like losing your job. For most people, six months of living expenses is what is normally recommended. I know that seems like a lot, and you should

be wondering if that’s the right amount for you. Everyone’s situation is different, so what you should do is really give some thought into how much you would need if things get bad. Think about how long it will take to find a new job. Think about your rent situation. Think about what you really need and what you really don’t need to get by until things get better. Come up with a rough number, decide on how much you can set aside each month, and put your plan into action. If you save a little each month and just forget about it, you’ll be surprised how fast it adds up.


The second step is to pay off all debt, then avoid it like it’s that crazy drunken person you see at the CU Mart at 8:30 in the morning. Yeah, he might be interesting to talk to at first, but he never seems to go away or to take a hint. Start by making a list of all your debts. You’ll save the most money by aggressively paying more towards whatever has the highest interest rate first. It might take some time, but you’re going to save tons of money and have a lot less stress. Also think of it this way – wouldn’t it be better to be earning hundreds or even thousands a year instead of paying it to a shady credit card company or a soulless student loan corporation? Only after you have some money set aside for emergencies and only after you no longer have the stress of being in debt should you start investing. The trick to being a successful investor is easy. Follow a few basic rules, keep adding to it every month, be patient, and let your money keep working for you year after year. This is my first article for Haps. I’ll be writing a lot more to help you with investing and personal finances. If there is a specific topic you would like me to write about, or if you have a question about investing or US taxes, please email me at taxuncomplicated@gmail. com. I would love to hear from you. W. Allen Pfeister is a CPA who lived in Korea for 10 years. He has over 20 years of experience with investing and currently lives with his wife, Wahrena, in Louisiana. He started a small practice, TaxUncomplicated.com, to help American expats deal with all the crazy US tax laws.


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HEALTH

SHOULD YOU GET A PERSONAL TRAINER? WRITTEN BY RANDY BEHR

To get a personal trainer or not to get a personal trainer? Isn’t this what Shakespeare pondered? Well, something like that.

One of the first objections people have about getting a personal trainer is whether it’s worth it or not. For example, I hear a lot of people say, “All a trainer is going to do is instruct me to do ‘X’ amount of sets/repetitions, exercises, stretches and do some cardio and then tell me, ‘See you next session.’” Then there are those who have all measure of rationalization: “I know how to work out already,” “I have a degree,” “My best friend is a trainer and I watch him,” “My father was a bodybuilder,” “Look at me, does it look like I need a trainer?” The list goes on and on. Don’t be one of these people. As you can see, many of the reasons I have listed aren’t completely related to the physical aspect but rather the mental, behavior modification and adherence model, which is most crucial for those trying to change habits. So, if you can afford one, whether it’s for multiple days or simply once a week, or even once every couple of weeks, the benefits would be immeasurable. For many of you, maybe you can’t afford not to get a personal trainer. Randy has logged over 25 years in the sports and fitness field. If you want to ask more, email him at rbehr@hotmail.com.

HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER GETTING A PERSONAL TRAINER. 1.

TRAINERS ARE QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS; GOOGLE ISN’T. ALWAYS CHECK A TRAINER’S QUALIFICATIONS FIRST THOUGH, JUST TO BE SURE.

2.

A PERSONAL TRAINER IS A MOTIVATIONAL-SPIRITUALLIFE COACH AND WILL ASSIST WITH THE DAILY RIGORS OF SCHOOL, WORK, FAMILY, ETC. HE OR SHE WILL HELP YOU TO “COMPARTMENTALIZE,” IF YOU WILL.

3.

A TRAINER CAN BE A PUNCHING BAG FOR A CLIENT; MEANING THEY WILL ALLOW THE CLIENT TO VENT FRUSTRATIONS, WHICH IS VERY HEALTHY AND ALLOWS THE CLIENT TO FOCUS ON THE WORKOUT INSTEAD.

4.

TRAINERS WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE AND BE TOUGH WHEN THEY NEED TO BE, AN AREA WHERE MOST PEOPLE CAN’T DO IT ON THEIR OWN.

5.

TRAINERS OFFER MOTIVATION AS TRAINING PARTNERS FOR THAT “TOUGH” WORKOUT AND TO COMPETE WITH YOU. RESEARCH HAS ALSO SHOWN THAT YOU WILL GET MUCH BETTER RESULTS WITH A PARTNER, DUE TO VARIABLES SUCH AS TEAMWORK AND ENCOURAGEMENT, TO NAME JUST A FEW.


PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHURESH MARAN

BUSAN BANDITS READY FOR

BATTLE

The Busan Bandits Rugby Football Club was established in 2011 by a few passionate rugby enthusiasts who wanted to introduce the sport to the city of Busan. The club was initially formed by recruiting local expatriates to join a 10-a-side rugby team, and since then has grown to include 50 registered expatriate and Korean players. This growth, predominantly in the beginning of 2015, is due to the word of mouth of our passionate players and the ongoing support of local Busan businesses the Wolfhound Irish Pub and Restaurant, Sharky’s Bar & Grill, HQ Bar, Bulldog CrossFit and Advanced Insulation. In 2016 The Busan Bandits aim to expand even more. The club is excited to announce that we have joined forces with the already established touch rugby team based at the Busan International Foreign School (BIFS). This adds a new dimension to the club as we now share training facilities, club resources and the Busan Bandits name. This also allows the Bandits to not only play in the 10-a-side Korean Expatriate Rugby Association (KERA) league, but also to compete in a number of Korean Touch Association (KTA) league tournaments. Our new Busan Bandits touch rugby team consists of our senior men’s players and BIFS students, teachers and parents who want to enjoy the game of rugby minus the contact. The club will be entering two to three teams into each of the four KTA tournaments this year,

SPORTS

45

with Seoul hosting three major tournaments and the Busan Bandits hosting one. The Busan Bandits will also be hosting one warm-up mini tournament in Busan. Our Senior Men’s team will be playing in the KERA league that consists of eight clubs, as well as competing in the South Sea Cup (SSC) tournament between the Busan, Ulsan and Geoje rugby football clubs. The club will also be traveling to Jeju this summer for an inaugural friendly match against the newly formed Jeju Islanders Rugby Football Club. Team building and socializing are also big parts of the club culture, so we’re planning trips to Hong Kong and Japan to watch international rugby games this year.

With our ongoing growth and continued success, we are confident in growing the club even further. Anyone who is interested can join, and no experience is required as we have trained many players, whom had little to no knowledge of the art of rugby, to become star players in the team. Training for both teams is at BIFS from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and all information for the rugby club can be found on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BusanBandits.


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dine&Drink

HARVEST SPRING WRITTEN BY ANTHONY VELASQUEZ

Spring’s here, so it’s time to celebrate the harvest in the Southern Hemisphere.

PENCARROW 2014 SAUVIGNON BLANC MARTINBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND (29,800 WON, EMART) While winemakers in the Northern Hemisphere are monitoring the bud break, their antipodes are busy getting ready for “the crush.” Why not welcome both the spring and the harvest? Hence, here are five wines for the season that will take you off the beaten wine path. Salud!

Perusing the shelves, you might think that all Kiwi wine comes from the South Island but that’s not true. Look across Cook Strait and check out this classic Sauv Blanc from the North Island with its lovely passionfruit nose and smooth stone fruit profile.


THE GRINDER 2014 CHENIN BLANC COASTAL REGION, SOUTH AFRICA (15,000 WON, SHINSEGAE) With warmer weather, The Grinder’s Chenin Blanc offers a refreshing quaff with its hay, muskmelon and butter almond nose and the taste of white peach and citric acid. Its crisp finish is tart in a good way and pairs great with 가리비 (scallops) and 조개구이 (grilled shellfish).

ALTA VISTA 2013 “CLASSIC ARGENTINA” TORRONTES, SALTA, ARGENTINA (16,000 WON, SHINSEGAE) The varietal Torrontes is the most widely planted white wine grape in Argentina and is rarely grown elsewhere. For something uniquely gaucho that brings a tropical nose with a salty, minerally nerve and grapefruit to the glass, pair with light Mediterranean fare.

PALLISER ESTATE 2013 PINOT NOIR MARTINBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND (49,800 WON, EMART) If you’re seeking an Old World red that’s not your typical run of the mill (or press), the Martinborough is worth a visit. This pinot noir expresses a distinct flavor of dark cherry and cola, almost verging on Dr. Pepper, that is a smooth complement to 양 (lamb) or 오리 (duck).

THE GRINDER 2013 PINOTAGE WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA (15,000 WON, SHINSEGAE) Have you tried breakfast backwards in a glass? Pinotage is a wine that only South Africa can do, with notes of berry, bacon and coffee. A dark purple/black color with liquid smoke on the nose that leads to a raspberry cordial and espresso, Pinotage pairs well with barbecue.


EVENTS & NEWS

Events & News

Whether you are looking for a comfortable place to lay your head, somewhere to enjoy a good meal or a lounge to throw back a few cocktails, here’s what’s happening at some of our favorite local hotels.

CITADINES HAEUNDAE BUSAN 620 Haeundae-Ro, Haeundae-gu,Busan ph. 051 662 8000 web. www2.citadines.com

NOVOTEL HOTEL

1405-16 Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan ph. 051-746-8481 web. www.novotel.ambatel.com

KUNOH SEACLOUD HOTEL

Citadines Haeundae offers easy access to major business, entertainment and cultural venues and is an ideal accommodation choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Tempt your tastebuds with one of five new refreshing fruit ades this spring at the hotel lobby’s Terrace Cafe.

Enjoy a night’s stay near the beach for as low as 77,000 won during the hotel’s Sound of Spring special, until the end of April.

HOTEL NONGSHIM

PARK HYATT BUSAN

PARADISE HOTEL

287 Haeundaehaebyun-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan ph. 051-742-2121 web. www.seacloudhotel.com

1408-5 Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan ph. 051-742-2121 web. www.paradisehotel.co.kr

23, Geumganggongwon-ro 20beon-gil, Dongnae-gu, Busan ph. 051-550-2100 web. www.hotelnongshim.com

51, Marine City 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan ph. 051-990-1234 web. busan.park.hyatt.com

Nyx Grill and Wine offers fresh farmto-table produce as well as an amazing antipasto bar full of delectable treats.

Fresh berries are highlighted until the end of April with two delicious strawberry juices and a fresh strawberry ice cream to choose from.

Enjoy a weekend brunch from noon to 3 p.m. at the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Dining Room, with a huge variety of delicious options to tempt your palate.


HOTEL DIRECTORY

Hotel Directory

Looking for a place to stay when visiting Busan? Find it with the Haps hotel directory, your local English guide to accomodation in the city.

HAEUNDAE CENTUM HOTEL tel: 82-51-720-9000 web: www.centumhotel.co.kr Near Shinsegae and BEXCO. Good subway access. HAEUNDAE GRAND HOTEL tel: 82-51-740-0114 web: www.haeundaegrandhotel.com Enjoy a night at the most affordable luxury stay on the beach. HANWHA RESORT tel: 82-1588-2299 web: www.hanwharesort.co.kr Beautiful views of Oryukdo, the bridge and close to the beach. KUNOH SEACLOUD HOTEL tel: 82-51-933-4300 web: www.seacloudhotel.kr Luxury stay with great restaurants. Short walk to the beach. NOVOTEL AMBASSADOR tel: 82-51-743-1234 web: novotel.ambatel.com On the beach. Great ocean view, Murpii Nightclub. PARADISE HOTEL tel: 82-51-742 2121 web: www.paradisehotel.co.kr On the water, with a casino, excellent spa and a pool. PARK HYATT BUSAN tel: 82-51-990-1234 web: busan.park.hyatt.com Five star quality hotel with stunning views and service. SEACLOUD HOTEL tel: 82-51-933-1000 web: www.seacloudhotel.com Luxury stay with great restaurants. Short walk to the beach. SUNSET HOTEL tel: 82-51-730-9900 web: www.sunsethotel.co.kr Seventy-two rooms with, according to the site, “individual design concepts”. THE WESTIN CHOSUN tel: 82-51-749-7000 web: www.echosunhotel.com Do it right and crash in the same room George W. Bush did.

SEOMYEON CROWN HOTEL tel: 82-51-635-1241 web: www.fnetravel.com/english/pusanhotels/crown.html Mid-range hotel decorated in Korean style, good for travellers.

LOTTE HOTEL tel: 82-51-810-1000 web: www.lottehotelbusan.com Lotte runs a tight ship and it shows in the generous customer service here. TOYOKO INN tel: 82-51-442-1045 web: www.toyoko-inn.com Across from D City, comfortable, clean and affordable.

GWANGALLI AQUA PALACE tel: 82-51-756-0202 web: www.aquapalace.co.kr Beautiful view of the Diamond Bridge, right in the middle of the beach. HOMERS HOTEL tel: 82-51-750-8000 web: www.homershotel.com Right on Gwangalli Beach amidst the myriad of cafes, bars and restaurants.

JUNG-GU BUSAN TOURIST HOTEL tel: 82-51-241-4301 web: www.pusanhotel.co.kr Conveniently located next to the train station. Good for a cheap night’s rest. COMMODORE HOTEL tel: 82-51-461-9703 web: www.commodore.co.kr Beautifully designed traditional hotel. Close proximity to Busan Station. ELYSEE HOTEL tel: 82-51-241-4008 web: www.elyseemotel.com Affordable hotel with good amenities. Close to Nampo-dong. PHOENIX HOTEL tel: 82-51-245-8061 web: www.hotelphoenix.net Highly trained staff, close to Nampodong. Popular with Japanese tourists. TOYOKO INN tel: 82-51-442-1045 web: www.toyoko-inn.com Affordably priced hotel, clean and 10 minutes away from the train station.

BUSAN STATION GUKJE HOTEL tel: 82-51-642-1330 web: www.hotelkukje.com About 3 km away from the train station, close to Citizen’s Hall.

OTHER AREAS BUSAN CENTRAL HOTEL [Yeonsan-dong] tel: 82-51- 866-6225 web: www.centralhotel.co.kr Adjacent to Yeonsan rotary, located 10 minutes away from City Hall. HOTEL NONGSHIM [Oncheonjeong] tel: 82-51-550-2100 web: www.hotelnongshim.com Great area around the hotel. Head north to PNU for original Busan nightlife. PARAGON HOTEL [Sasang-gu] tel: 82-51-328-2001 web: www.hotelparagon.com Business comfort, with close proximity to Gimhae International Airport.

RESIDENCE/HOTEL � CITADINES HAEUNDAE BUSAN [Haeundae] tel: 82-51-662-8888 web: www.citadines.com Directly connected to Haeundae subway station, the newly opened 468-unit Citadines Haeundae Busan is an ideal accommodation choice for both short and long-term business and leisure travelers. Enjoy the comfort of a serviced residence with the personalized service of a hotel.

BUDGET BUSAN YOUTH HOSTEL ARPINA [Haeundae] tel: 82-51-731-9800 web: www.arpina.co.kr Opened in 2004, a cheap place to stay for the night. Culture center inside. GOODSTAY THE PLANET GUESTHOUSE [Haeundae] tel: 010-2780-6350 web: www.earthlinghome.com Women-only dormitory across from Hae-undae Beach in the Crystal Beach Office Tel. HELLO GUEST HOUSE [Haeundae] tel: 051-746-8590 web: www.facebook.com/helloguesthousehello Friendly, clean and cozy atmosphere. Outdoor patio for your enjoyment. HI KOREA HOSTEL [Haeundae] tel: 070-4409-3132 web: www.hikoreahostel.com email: hikoreahostel@gmail.com Your home away from home, Hi Korea Hostel offers you an affordable and comfortable accommodation just a stone’s throw away from Haeundae Beach.

INDY HOUSE [Kyungsung Uni] tel: 82-70-8615-6442 Super cheap, dorm-style room right in the heart of Kyungsung. MARUB GUEST HOUSE [Haeundae] tel: 010-6322-3194 web: www.marubee.com Well-placed near restaurants, commercial area in Haeundae. POBI GUEST HOUSE [Haeundae] tel: 051-746-7990 web: www.guesthousekoreabusan.com Renovated guest houses three minutes from Haeundae Beach.


DINING & FOOD GUIDE

Dining & Food Guide GWANGALLI BEACHED CAFE AND SPORTS BAR [Kiwi Sports Bar] open: 6pm - late tel: 051-924-9662 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ beached-cafe-sports-bar This Kiwi-run sports bar has gained a loyal expat following for its spectacular bridge view and its wide array of Kiwi beer, the only place in the city to boast such a claim. Rugby is the sport of choice on the TV for the punters. BLUEDIAMOND CAN:D [Beach Club] open : 2pm-8am tel : 051.756.3213 web : www.facebook.com/bluediamondcandy The newest chic offering on Gwangalli Beach, dance the night away or lounge while imbibing on a great cocktail and marveling at the beautiful view of the Gwangan Bridge. � BURGER AND PASTA [International] open: 11am - 2am tel: 051-751-6631 web: www.busanhaps.com/food/burgerand-pasta-gwangan The second of the Burger and Pasta shops around the city, this international

eatery offers a great view of the bridge while you enjoy your day on the sand. Burgers, pasta and brunch are on the menu in the stylishly decorated restaurant in the middle of the main drag of Gwangalli Beach. FOUR SEASONS [Raw Fish Korean] English speaking owner, 2nd floor Fish Market. FUZZY NAVEL - GWANGALLI [Bar/Cocktails] open : 7pm-6am tel : 1599.6349 web : www.fuzzynavel.co.kr Located on the ground floor, offering a great view of the beach and bridge. Friendly staff serve excellent cocktails at the vintage-looking bar. Make sure you take advantage of the outside seating in the summertime. FUZZY NAVEL- MILLAK [Food/Bar] open: 11am - 6am tel: 051-754-6349 web: www.fncompany.co.kr It has fabulous views of Gwangalli Beach. Facing the Diamond Bridge, come enjoy a drink and some tacos on our patio. Great staff serve fresh made Mexican cuisine and will mix up your favorite cocktail.

� GALMEGI BREWING [Craft Brew Pub] open: Mon - Fri 6-1am, Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-12am tel: 010-4469-9658 fb: galmegi.brewing Enjoy some mouthwatering food and drink at the Galmegi Brewing Company’s flagship brewery, just minutes away from Gwangan Beach. The two-story brewery is a great place to unwind with friends or groups looking for a chill-vibe. HQ BAR [American/Sports Bar] open: 6pm on weekdays, 11am on weekends tel: 010-7544-8830 web: www.facebook.com/hq.bar.5 � SHARKY’S G [American Sports Bar] open: 6pm weekdays, 3pm weekends tel: 010-6533-2959 (call for reservations) web: Sharkys3busan@gmail.com Sharky’s G is a San Diego, Cali-type Sports Bar and Grill, right here in Busan. A great place to chill, look over the beach and enjoy a nice meal. Plus with the 2 for $20 Big League Meal deal, you get to choose from 14 entrees and appetizers. Ranked highly on TripAdvisor, this is a spot you do not want to miss.

� THURSDAY PARTY [Korean/Expat Bar] open: 6pm - late web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party A summer staple on Gwangalli Beach for the past couple of summers, Thursday Party has two locations situated next to each other on the east side of the beach. Both bars are similar to the Thursday Party city-wide theme, and offer a variety of American style pub grub to tempt your palate.

HAEUNDAE ANGA [Korean] tel: 051-742-7852 Very popular bbq meat restaurant in Haeundae. BILLIE JEAN [Lounge/Live Music] tel: 051-742-0297 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ billiejean A Haps favorite. A party spot on weekend, live music and a lot of fun people.


DINING & FOOD GUIDE

� BURGER AND PASTA [International] open: 11am - 2am web: www.busanhaps.com/food/burgerand-pasta-haeundae Recently opened, this Western/Korean fusion style restaurant has been packing them in since day one. Burgers, pasta and brunch are on the menu in the stylishly decorated restaurant, where you can also imbibe yourself to a glass of wine, a cocktail or beer after your day on the beach. CHEOLMA HANWOO BULGOGI [Korean] tel: 051-709-4000 Bulgogi done at its best. EL OLIVE [Italian] tel: 051-752-7300 Delicious Italian, close to Costco. FUZZY NAVEL - HAEUNDAE [Mexican food/Bar] open : 11am-6am tel : 051.746.6349 web : www.fuzzynavel.co.kr Great location set on two floors near the beach, other bars, and clubs. Amazing Mexican food is served from lunchtime until the early hours of the morning. � GALMEGI BREWING [Craft Brew Pub] open: Mon - Fri 6-1am, Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-12am tel: 010-8917-0252 fb: galmegi.haeundae The newly opened Galmegi Brewing Company’s Haeundae location is just a stone’s throw from the beach, near the

main BMW dealership in the heart of the district. Enjoy their 16 savoury craft beers on tap as well as choose one of their delectable samplers to nibble on at one of the premier pubs in the city. � HARD ROCK CAFE BUSAN open: 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 a.m. tel: 82-51-742-ROCK(7625) web: www.hardrock.com/busan Just off the beach in Haeundae, you’ll find Hard Rock Cafe Busan, the city’s newest destination for fantastic food, outstanding service, and spectacular live entertainment. Our cafe offers 1,584 square meters of space with seating for approximately 321 people, as well as a stage, Rock Shop®, and outdoor terrace, which is perfect for sipping on a cocktail near the beach. MERCADO [Brazilian Steakhouse] open: 11:30 a.m. - 24:00 tel: 051-744-8807 web: www.mercado.co.kr An authentic southern Brazilian Churrascaria, Mercado is the perfect dining experience for family and friends. NAMASTE [Indian] tel: 051-746-1946 Indian fine dining, for a great price. PHO KIM [Vietnamese] tel: 051-740-4868 Good food at a good price. Great soup, located in SFUNZ.

On Air 90.5 www.befm.or.kr

News doesn't stop. Neither do we. www.busanhaps.com

� SHARKY’S HAEUNDAE BEACH [American Sports Bar] open daily: 6 p.m. tel: 010-6533-2959 (call for reservations) web: www.sharkysbusan.com The original Sharky’s is a bit hard to find. Look for the Pale de CZ building (next to Paradise Hotel), go to the 2nd floor and it’s in the back. Yes, hard to find but so worth it. Great food, a relaxed atmosphere and service that is above and beyond make this bar a great local joint. Listen to classic rock tunes and watch sports on 6 screens. � SHARKY’S STRIP [American Sports Bar] open: 6pm weekdays, 12pm weekends tel: 010-6533-2959 (call for reservations) web: Sharkys3busan@gmail.com The newest bar to hit the Strip (the street that runs from the subway to the beach, hard to miss), is a great 2nd and 3rd floor bar and grill. It’s a bit small inside but it makes up for it in the seats right by the windows. Great for watching the world go by as you enjoy an amazing entree and excellent service. TBR, THE BACK ROOM [Secret Bar] open : 8pm-4am web : www.tbrbusan.com tel : 051.746.6410 / 1599.6349 New york style secret lounge bar and dining. The Back Room(TBR) means secret room and consist of two to three stories. Here is single malt wiskey bar and bartenders serve classical cocktail, great dining, also sales cigar.

T.G.I. FRIDAY’S [Chain] tel: 051-740-6531 Good reliable chain in the Harbor Town building, across from the beach. THE WOLFHOUND PUB [Irish Pub] open: 6pm - 2am weekdays, 11am - 2am weekends tel: 051-746-7940 web: www.wolfhoundpub.com � THURSDAY PARTY [Bar] tel: 051-744-6621 open: 6pm - late web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party A staple of the Busan landscape, Thursday Party Haeundae offers a casual, yet comfortable option after a day at the beach. With a patio for outdoor sitting, this openaired spacious pub brings the usual quality service the locals and expats have come to expect from the Thursday Party empire. U2 BAR [Lounge] Great place to chill, great place for pool, a Haeundae institution.

KYUNGSUNG FUZZYNAVEL - KYUNGSUNG [Mexican food/Bar] open : 11am-6am web : www.fuzzynavel.co.kr tel : 051.611.6349 The beach in the city! Our concept is a summer beach bar experience with a Mexican grill, featuring tacos and more.


DINING & FOOD GUIDE

� GHETTO HIP HOP LOUNGE [Korean/Expat] open: 8 p.m. - 6 a.m. tel: 010-4488-4697 web: facebook.com/ghettohiphoplounge Kyungsung University’s favorite hip-hop bar and club. Cheapest drink specials in Busan. With a mix of Koreans and expats it’s the best spot to party till sunrise in the KSU area. Darts, Table soccer and beer-pong. It plays all of the hottest old and new Hip-Hop music.

� THURSDAY PARTY [Bar] open: 6pm - late web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party2 With ten Thursday Party’s around the city, it has become a staple for the young, hip Korean university crowd and expats alike. Beer pong, sports on TV and the free curry popcorn or salted spaghetti sticks are always in play, as is a busy crowd almost every evening of the week.

HQ BAR [American/Sports Bar] open: Mon-Sat 6-Late, Closed Tues and Sun web: www.facebook.com/hq.bar.5

PNU

LE JARDIN [French] open: lunch 11:30 - 3:30 dinner 5:30 11:30 (last meal order 9:30) 11:30 - 10:00 Sunday tel: 051-611-0937 web: www.busanhaps.com/dir/le-jardin This French restaurant puts an emphasis on hearty home cooking by chef Guillaume Strub.Great service and an affordable wine selection. � SLICE OF LIFE PIZZA [Restaurant] open daily: 12 p.m. - 12 a.m. tel: 051-626-4278 web: www.facebook.com/pizzeriasol Slice of Life Pizza has opened to rave reviews for their New York-inspired pies. Using top ingredients and offering six styles of pizza, SOL offers pizza by the slice, half or full pan. Enjoy their selection of pizzas with a quality craft beer in their intimate KSU location.

CROSSROADS [Live Music/Pub] open: 7pm-late tel: 051-515-1181 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ crossroads A small, but atmospheric watering hole in PNU, Crossroads has been a Busan institution amongst the expats for years. FARMERS BURGERS [Fusion] People rave about it. Nominated inBest Burger. SHABANA [Indian] tel: 051-517-1947 Nice Indian food for cheap. THE BASEMENT [Korean/Expat Bar] web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ basement One of the most popular bars in the area. Always a great time, and anchors the PNU scene.

SEOMYEON CLUB FIX [Nightclub] tel: 051-905-5777 web: www.clubfixkorea.info New super club. International DJs and dress code required. DRAGON DREAM - THE CAVE BAR [Korean] tel: 051-646-5924 Very interesting decor with a nice selection of food. FUZZYNAVEL - 1ST SEOMYEON [Mexican food/Bar] open: 5pm - 6am tel: 051-808-1007 web: www.fncompany.co.kr Check out the newly refurbished bar offering a variety of entertainment including, soft darts, pool, and table soccer. FUZZY NAVEL - 2ND SEOMYEON [Mexican food/Bar] open : 5am-6am web : www.fuzzynavel.co.kr tel : 051.817.2242 On the ground floor with sliding windows for when the weather is good, a excellent mix of Koreans and foreigners makes a good place to make new friends. HANGOVER [Western Pub] open: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday - Sunday tel: 070-7789-5868 web: www.busanhaps.com/freehousehangover This eatery/bar located in the prime of Seomyeon brings delicious western food and fine tasting beer with its unique refrigeration system.

ROCK & ROLL BAR tel: 051-818-3425 address: 16, Bujeon-ro 96beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan, Korea email: cocobanggo@naver.com � THE TAP ROOM [Craft Beer Pub] open: Mon - Fri 6-1am, Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-12am tel: 010-4469-9658 fb: galmegi.brewing Enjoy the largest selection of craft beer in the city at the original Galmegi Brewing Company’s Tap Room, just a minutes walk from the beach. Relax in their comfortable chairs, grab a pint and sample some of their exotic beer creations to get your night started. � THURSDAY PARTY [Korean/Expat Bar] open: 6pm - late tel: 051-818-6621 web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party-1 You can expect more of the same from the Seomyeon Thursday Party, which caters to a young, eclectic mix of Koreans and expats. Nestled amongst a slew of bars and restaurants behind Judie’s Taewha, Thursday Party stands out for their quality service and hip atmosphere amongst the Korean cool. VITO [Italian] tel: 051-806-5868 web: www.busanhaps.com/food/vito Fashioned in the tradition of the small Italian trattoria, Vito brings back a taste of the old country.


DINING & FOOD GUIDE

NAMPO FARMERS BURGERS [International] Enjoy a quality, fresh-made burger and fries on the roof. FUZZYNAVEL - GWANGBOK [Mexican food/Bar] open : 5am-6am web : www.fuzzynavel.co.kr tel : 051.244.6349 Fuzzy Navel’s 7th branch located in Busan’s fashion street in GwangBokdong. We have a variety of fun cocktails, icy draft beers and our very own Fuzzy Navel style mexican tacos. NEW LITTLE INDIA v[Indian] open: 11am- 10pm tel: 051-245-4127 web: www.busanhaps.com/food/newlittle-india Situated on the second floor in the heart of Nampodong, New Little India specializes in the finest authentic Indian cuisine. � THURSDAY PARTY [Korean/Expat Bar] open: 6pm - late web: www.busanhaps.com/nightlife/ thursday-party-1 The Thursday Party Nampo store offers a slightly varied atmosphere than the others around the city, though by no means is it less exciting. A slightly more mixed crowd of expats and young Koreans is to be expected, as well as the great service that TP has become renowned for.

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BUSINESS & SERVICES DIRECTORY

Business & Services Directory AIRLINES ASIANA AIRLINES - INTERNATIONAL tel: 051-971-2626 web: www.flyasiana.com AIR BUSAN tel: 051-974-8686 web: www.busanair.com AIR FRANCE tel: 02-3483-1033 web: www.airfrance.co.kr CEBU PACIFIC AIR tel: 051-462-0686 web: www.cebupacificair.com JEJU AIR tel: 070-7420-1502 web: www.jejuair.net KLM tel: 02-3483-1133 web: www.klm.com KOREAN AIR - INTERNATIONAL tel: 051-970-3227 web: www.koreanair.com LUFTHANSA tel: 02-2019 0180 web: www.lufthansa.com

RELOCATION SERVICES � COENS 4185, Geoje-daero, Yeoncho-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeognam, Korea(656-812) tel: +82 55 639 2054 web: www.coens.com An independent association of AmeriA wide selection of privately owned fully furnished apartments and houses for rental. Some of our residential options include gym, swimming pool and 24 hours security. With the accommodation needs managed by our competent COENS Accommodation Management Team, both the Client and consultant can feel settled, and have one less thing to worry about.

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS AMCHAM #4501, Trade Tower 159-1, Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul tel: 02-564-2040 web: www.amchamkorea.org An independent association of American and international businesses, the role of the American Chamber of Commerce is to promote business and trade between the United States and Korea. ECCK 102-2903 WBC The Palace 1523, Haeundae-gu tel: 051-959-9695 web: www.ecck.eu The European Chamber of Commerce aims to provide an effective network of business associates together with discussion forums and seminars on how to do business in Korea.

EDUCATION FOREIGN SCHOOLS BUSAN FOREIGN SCHOOL 1366-3 Jwa-dong, Haeundae-gu tel: 051-747-7199 web: www.busanforeignschool.org BUSAN JAPANESE SCHOOL 173-8 Millak-dong, Suyoung-gu tel: 051-753-4166 web: user.chollian. net/~pusjpnsc BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN SCHOOL 798 Nae-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun tel: 051-742-3332 web: www.bifskorea.org BUSAN OVERSEAS CHINESE KINDERGARTEN 548-1 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu tel: 051-468-2845 web: kbces.com.ne.kr

STUDY ABROAD LAKELAND COLLEGE tel: 1 800 661 6490 web: lakelandcollege.ca/international Lakeland College is a board governed public college with the distinction of being Canada’s only interprovincial college with a mission to inspire learner success and community development through innovative learning in an inclusive and diverse environment. Contact them today to begin your world-class education at one of Canada’s finest educational institutions.

RECRUITMENT ET AGENCY open:8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Office Hours 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Service Hours tel: 051-553-9282 web: www.etagency.net ET Agency is the bridge between ESL teachers and English schools.

TESOL TRAINING KOTESOL Email: bgkotesol@gmail.com Facebook: Busan-Gyeongnam KOTESOL Chapter TESOL ALLIANCE tel: 051-818-0502 web: www.tesolalliance.com

KOREAN LESSONS BUSAN FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES tel: 051-668-7900 web: www.bfia.or.kr email: busanglobalcenter@gmail.com KLIFF tel: 051-513-0131 web: www.kliff.co.kr email: jennakang@hanmail.net

PNU LANGUAGE EDUCATION CENTER tel: 051-510-1983 web: www.ili.pusan.ac.kr email: bangjy77@pusan.ac.kr

INFORMATION EXPAT ASSISTANCE CALL CENTER FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN BUSAN tel: 1577-7716 FREE TRANSLATION SERVICE (BBB) tel: 1588-5644 MULTICULTURAL FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER tel: 1577-5432

INFORMATION CENTERS BEXCO TOURIST INFO. CENTER tel: 051-740-7300 BUSAN GLOBAL CENTER tel: 1577-7716 BUSAN INT’L PASSENGER TERMINAL TOURIST INFORMATION tel: 051-465-3471 BUSAN STATION TOUR INFORMATION tel: 051-441-6565 GIMHAE INT’L AIRPORT TOUR INFORMATION (DOMESTIC) tel: 051-973-4607 GIMHAE INT’L AIRPORT TOUR INFORMATION (INTERNATIONAL) tel: 051-973-2800 HAEUNDAE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER tel: 051-749-5700

JUNG-GU HEALTH CENTER 1 Ga 1, Daecheong-dong, Jung-gu tel: 051-600-4741

SPECIALIST CLINICS KHAP open: 10 am - 4 pm weekdays tel: 02-927-4322 web: www.khap.org

HERBAL CLINICS DONGEUI UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL 397-3, Bujeon-1 dong, Busanjin-gu tel: 051-803-5430 GOOD SAMSUN HANBANG 1162-2, Jurye-dong, Sasang-gu tel: 051-325-0300

RADIOLOGY CLINICS THE ONE MRI CLINIC open: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. tel: 051-937-0303 web: www.mriclinic.net The most trusted name in Korean Medical Imaging, you can enjoy quick, reliable and trustworthy English service for all your medical needs.

HOSPITALS BUK-GU/DONGNAE BUMIN HOSPITAL 380-4, Deokcheon 1-dong tel: 051-330-3000 web: www.buminhos.co.kr DONGNAE BONG SENG HOSPITAL 766, Anlak 1-dong tel: 051-531-6000 web: www.bongseng.com

INTERNATIONAL FERRY INFORMATION CENTER tel: 051-465-3471

DONG EUI MEDICAL CENTER San 45-1, Yangjeong 2-dong tel: 051-867-5101 web: www.demc.kr

NOPODONG BUS TERMINAL TOURIST INFORMATION tel: 051-508-9400

DONGRAE WOORIDUL HOSPITAL 205-10, Nakmin-dong tel: 051-559-5000 web: www.dongrae.wooridul.co.kr

TOURIST INFORMATION SERVICE tel: 1330 UN MEMORIAL CEMETERY TOURIST INFORMATION tel: 051-625-1608

HEALTH CENTERS DONGNAE HEALTH CENTER 702-54, Myeongryun-2 dong, Dongnae-gu tel: 051-555-4000 HAEUNDAE HEALTH CENTER 1339, Jwa-2 dong, Haeundae-gu tel: 051-746-4000

INJE UNIVERSITY BUSAN PAIK HOSPITAL 633-165, Gaegum 2-dong tel: 051-893-7761

DONG-GU BONGSENG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 401, JUNGANG-DAERO tel: 051-664-4000 web: www.bongseng.co.kr GOOD MOONHWA HOSPITAL open: 24 hours tel: 051-630-0123 web: www.moonwha.or.kr


BUSINESS & SERVICES DIRECTORY

HAEUNDAE HYOSUNG CITY HOSPITAL 1094-2, Jaesong 1-dong tel: 051-709-3000 web: www.hshos.com INJE UNIV. HAEUNDAE PAIK HOSPITAL 1435, Jwa-dong tel: 051-797-0100 web: www.paik.ac.kr/Haeundae

JUNG-GU HAEYANG HOSPITAL 80-8 Jungang-dong 4-ga tel: 051-469-4456 web: www.haeyang.net MARYKNOLL MEDICAL CENTER 12, Daecheong-dong 4-ga tel: 051-465-8801 web: www.maryknoll.co.kr

NAM-GU BUSAN ST. MARY’S MEDICAL CENTER 538-41, Yongho 4-dong tel: 051-933-7114 web: www.bsm.or.kr

SEO-GU DONG-A UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER 3-ga, #1 Dongdaeshin-dong tel: 051-240-2400 web: www.damc.or.kr PUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL 10, Ami-dong 1-ga tel: 051-254-0171 web: www.pnug.co.kr

SUYEONG BUSAN CENTUM HOSPITAL 1077-1, Gwangan 3-dong tel: 051-760-5000 web: www.centumhospital.com BUSAN HANNAH WOMAN’S HOSPITAL 304, Namcheon-dong tel: 051-625-2300 web: www.hannah4u.co.kr

GOOD GANGAN HOSPITAL 40-1, 41-9, Namcheon-dong tel: 051-625-0900 web: www.gang-an.or.kr

RELIGIOUS SERVICES AL-FATIH MASJID MOSQUE Namsan-dong, #30-1 Guemjeong-gu tel: 051-518-9991 web: www.busanislam.or.kr services: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily HOSANNA CHURCH Myeongji-dong, #3245-5 Gangseo-gu, tel: 051-209-0191 web: www.him-busan.blogspot.com services: Sundays, 12:30 p.m. GIFT MINISTRY Myung-nyun-dong, Dongnae-gu tel: 010-7999-8644 web: www.tinyurl.com/lifeisagift services: Saturdays,10:30 a.m. NEW PHILADELPHIA CHURCH Suyeong-gu Gwangan 2-dong 199-6 (8th floor) tel: 051-932-6832 web: www.newphilly.cc services: Sundays, 2:00 pm REDEEMER INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CHURCH Busan, Minllak-dong & Changwon, Sangnam-dong tel: 010-8326-1985 web: www.redeemerbusan.org services: Sundays - Busan 11am, Changwon 4:00pm

BUSAN MUSEUM OF ART 40, Apec-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan tel: 051-740-2602 web: www.art.busan.go.kr Opening Hours - 09:00 ~ 20:00 Closed - Jan. 1, Every First Monday Admission Fee - Free BUSAN UN MEMORIAL CEMETERY AND PARK 779, Daeyon 4 dong, Nam-gu, Busan tel: 051-625-0625 web: www.unmck.or.kr Hours of operation - 09:00 ~ 17:00 Open Year Round Admission fee - Free

SOCIAL/NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

SPECIALTY STORES KAI SURF SHOP 183-11 Gwangan-dong, Suyeong-gu tel: 051-753-2746

GROCERIES COSTCO web: www.costco.co.kr E-MART web: www.emart.com HOMEPLUS web: www.homeplus.co.kr MEGAMART web: www.megamart.co.kr

BUSAN BANDITS RUGBY Facebook Group: Busan Bandits

INTERNET GROCERIES

BUSAN BOOK SWAP Facebook Group: Busan Book Swap

EZSHOP KOREA web: www.ezshopkorea.com

BUSAN BOWLING LEAGUE Contact: David Alderman tel: 010.7919.1223 Facebook Group: Busan Bowling League

� HIGH STREET MARKET open: 24/7 online, Seoul in-store 10am to 10pm daily. tel: 02-2201-0652 web: highstreet.co.kr email: hsmonline@authenticgroup.co.kr High Street Market has all your favorite foods from home ready for delivery to your workplace or doorstep for just W3,000! Hard-to-find western foods, sliced-to-order deli meats, imported premium cuts of meat, gourmet cheeses, variety of spices, homemade vegan & gluten free foods and more.

BUSAN FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES tel: 051-668-7900 web: www.bfia.or.kr BTC FOOTBALL FB Group: Busan Transportation Corporation Supporters Fanpage

MUSEUMS

BUSAN FRIENDSHIP GROUP www.meetup.com/Pusans

BUSAN MODERN HISTORY MUSEUM 104, Daechung-ro, Jung-gu, Busan tel: 051-253-3845 web: www.modern.busan.go.kr Opening Hours - 09:00 ~ 18:00 Closed - Jan.1, Every First Monday Admission Fee - Free

EPIK TEACHERS IN BUSAN Facebook Group: Busan EPIK EXPAT SAILING CLUB Contact: Mark Chi email: Koreasailing@gmail.com web: www.busansailing.com

BUSAN MUSEUM 63, UN Peace-ro, Nam-gu, Busan tel: 051-610-7111 web: www.museum.busan.go.kr Hours of operation - 09:00 ~ 20:00 Closed - Jan. 1, Every First Monday Admission fee - Free

LAOCHRA BUSAN GAELIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CLUB Contact: Peter Bonner email: busangaa@gmail.com Facebook Group: Laochra Busan Members ULTIMATE FRISBEE LEAGUE Email: ch.pyles@gmail.com

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