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K o r e a n Mu s i c & D a n c e Pe r f o r m a n c e
The Queen's Banquet
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CONTENTS FEATURES Buddhist Paintings | 16 Michael Uchrin Interview | 18 Autumn Leaves in Korea | 20 Riesling | 24
REGULARS Events: The Big Five | 8 Word on the Street | 10 Between the Lines | 12 In the News | 14
TRAVEL Daytripping in Ulsan | 26 Chiang Mai | 28
ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING A Kick In the Asana | 30 Everyday Life by Min Wonki | 32 Sangsu Chong Interview | 34 Tharp On | 36 Lance Lim Interview | 38
DIRECTORY/GUIDES Hotel News | 39 Directory | 40-45 Busan Metro Map | 43
7
EDITOR’S LETTER
I
write these words in the Starbucks down the street from my home. Since I started publishing Branding in Asia last year, I’ve spent a lot of my time here, hunkered down at a table in the corner gathering content, managing writers, reading the latest in the Asian business world and drinking way too much coffee. Once again, here I sit, writing another editor’s letter, which, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m not very fond of doing. Thus, I begin with an opening ramble that has little bearing on Haps, but which gets me halfway through the 44th time I’ve tackled this task. I raise my mug to you, fair reader, and thank you for indulging me. This issue is full of great stuff. On the interview front, Michael Grady Wheeler speaks with expat director Michael Uchrin, the man behind the curtain for the excellent productions of the Busan English Theatre Association. We also interviewed up-and-
coming Korean-American child actor Lance Lim, of Nickelodeon's School of Rock and the recent Independence Day sequel. Anthony Velasquez is back, talking wine in another edition of his “Savor Busan” column; John Bocskay focuses the expat lens on the old maxim about choosing friends but not choosing family; and Hal Swindall offers up the fascinating history of the ancient Buddhist art that had vanished during the Korean War. On a special note, this issue marks the return of the first two people ever to write for Haps, Jen Sotham and Chris Tharp. To have them both back here in our pages is all kinds of cool for me. I think it will be for you too. Have a great fall.
INTERVIEW In the late 80’s the world’s major advertising firms were just starting to set up shop in Seoul. Former Ogilvy exec, Sangsoo Chong, talks about what it was like back in the day.
ON THE COVER COVER PHOTO BY MUNDUUK
Mother nature’s gift for the coming bleakness of the long Korean winter is the fiery colors of the autumn leaves that blanket the peninsula.
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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 out more of his writing at: www.bosmosis.wordpress.com
PUBLISHER Ju Shin-hye EDITOR IN CHIEF Bobby McGill DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Michael Schneider WEB EDITOR IN CHIEF Jeff Liebsch ART DIRECTOR Kyle Erwin
Chris hails from Washington State and is the author of several books as well as an upcoming bio on Jeff Monson. If you buy him a drink he’ll tell you all about the times he met Kurt Cobain, but you probably already know the story.
WRITERS Jen Sotham Chris Tharp Anthony Velasquez John Bocskay John Dunphy Michael Grady Wheeler Maurice Lineman Jeff Liebsch Bobby McGill
MICHAEL GRADY WHEELER
PHOTOGRAPHERS Min Wonki Miguel Rojas Jessica Pettyjohn
CHRIS THARP
Michael is approaching year four of his oneyear stay in Korea. He is an active member of BETA. You can hear him on Busan eFM three times a week, including the Weekly Haps segment on Friday morning.
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.
BUSINESS REGISTRATION NUMBER: 00001 FIRST PUBLICATION DATE: Sept, 2, 2009 OFFICE ADDRESS 3-18 Namcheon-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea, 48304 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
JOHN DUNPHY
John Dunphy is from New Jersey, where he signed up for his first 100-mile bike ride, around Lake Tahoe in 2006. Today, he enjoys less strenuous rides around Eulsukdo, up the Oncheon stream and through dogged crowds on the Gwangan-li boardwalk. Read more at: jpdunphy.wordpress.com.
ADVERTISING mikey.busanhaps@gmail.com
WHAT'S HAPPENING
AROUND KOREA REMEMBER BACK WHEN YOU WERE WISHING FOR WARM WEATHER? NOW YOU KNOW YOU’RE LOVING HOW IT’S COOLING DOWN AGAIN, RIGHT? HERE’S SOME GREAT EVENTS TO TAKE IN DURING THESE MORE TOLERABLE TIMES.
DAEJEON INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL The Daejeon International Wine Festival is an annual event showcasing a variety of imported wines as well as those produced domestically. There is also a large selection of traditional liquors. About 10,000 different wines can be seen during this festival. www.djwinefair.com Date: October 28-30 Location: Daejeon
BAEKJE CULTURAL FESTIVAL Baekje Cultural Festival was born back in 1955 as part of a commemoration for the souls of three loyal subjects of the Baekje Dynasty era, named Seongchung, Heungsu, and Gyebaek. The three are said to be lonely souls drifting through Baekje’s land are also comforted through a separate ritual ceremony, known as the Suryukje rite. www.baekje.org Date: September 24 - October 2 Location: Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do
ANDONG MASK FESTIVAL The Andong region is renowned for its historical and cultural sites, including the must-visit Hahoe Village. The major cultural attraction for the region is the Andong Mask Dance Festival. It’s a celebration of dance, food, music and, of course the masks. www.maskdance.com Date: September 30 - October 9 Location: Andong, Gyeongsangbuk
All times reflect those on visitkorea.or.kr and are subject to change.
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THE BIG FIVE: EVENTS
THE QUEEN’S BANQUET
BUSAN CHORAL FESTIVAL
THROUGH DECEMBER 25 HAEUNDAE GRAND HOTEL THEATER
OCTOBER 18 - 21 BUSAN CINEMA CENTER, SOHYANG THEATER, BUSAN CULTURAL CENTER
This Korean music and dance performance offers up the sights and sounds of a historical drama that mixes the traditional with video art and a lavish digital set. The story features a ceremonial court and banquet music, dances and elaborate costumes, as the queen prepares for her wedding.
For four days singers from around the world come together to show off the hours and hours of practice these dedicated artists put into their work. If you’ve never been or you’re even a casual fan of choral performance, this is a must attend event.
051-811-0114
www.busanchoral.org
BUSAN FIREWORKS FESTIVAL OCTOBER 22 (MAIN EVENT) GWANGALLI BEACH
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. Get there early, it’s rammed. www.bfo.or.kr
DALMAJI ART MARKET
BUSAN BIENNALE
THROUGH NOVEMBER DALMAJI-GIL, HAEUNDAE
THROUGH NOVEMBER BEXCO, CENTUM CITY
On the top of Dalmaji Hill in Haeundae, a group of artisans and craft makers gather every Saturday and Sunday to ply their wares. It’s a great pit stop when walking around the area, either up the windy main road or along the wooded Moontan Road.
Busan Biennale is back with both local and international artists from around the world showcasing their work in galleries across the city. This year’s theme is “Hybridizing Earth Discussing Multitude." Now that’s an artful way with words!
www.busanbiennale.org
WHAT’SHAPPENING
BUSAN INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL
WHEN AND WHERE?
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6TH - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH AROUND HAEUNDAE First held in 1996, the Busan International Film Festival, known more popularly by its acronym “BIFF”, is one of the best times of year to be in Busan. During the 10-day fest hundreds of films from around the world are screened as representatives from the film industry come together to network at events all over Haeundae. And if you’re looking for a chance to see a movie star, this is your best chance in Busan. Info: www.biff.kr
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WORD ON THE STREET OVERHEARD
“We see his defection as a sign that some of the core elite in the North are losing hope in the Kim
Regardless of the weather, ice skating is a great option year ‘round. Here are two favorite spots in Busan to lace up your skates.
SHINSEGAE DEPARTMENT STORE CENTUM CITY, HAEUNDAE Home to a 2,800-square-meter ice rink, you can rent everything you need to hit the ice. An added benefit of skating at Shinsegae is there is plenty to do before and after, with all the shops and restaurants there are also two nearby movie theaters. Tickets for a two-hour skate will cost you 9,000 won for elementary students and 12,000 won for students above middle school level. To rent the skates is 3,000 won. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on weekends.
Jong-un regime and that the internal unity of the ruling class in the North is weakening.”
South Korean spokesman Jeong Joon-hee on recent defection of top North Korean diplomat in London.
FAST FACTS
CULTURE AND ICE SPORTS CENTER OF BUKGU DEOKCHEON STATION Built to international standards for short track skating, the ice rink offers you a good spot to prepare for the next Olympics. They offer Day passes and memberships and there is an interesting artifacts exhibit as well as liberal arts lecture rooms. Tickets for three hours costs 4,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for middle/ high school students. Skate rentals are 3,000 won. Hours: From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
Top 5 Women Golfers in the World 1. Lydia Ko - New Zealand 14.96 pts 2. Ariya Jutanugarn - Thailand 8.16 pts 3. Brooke Henderson - Canada 7.94 pts 4. Lexi Thompson - United States 7.78 pts 5. Inbee Park - South Korea 7.20 pts SOURCE: LPGA (AUG. 2016)
COMMUNITY & LIVING
THE
HAHA HOLE RETURNS
It’s 6 p.m. on Friday afternoon, your classes are done, and you’re back at your crummy little one-room apartment. You haven’t eaten all day. You’re chain smoking again. By now, your neighbors definitely think you’re insane— they’ve been hearing you, the person whom they know lives alone, having loud conversations with themselves for the last few days. They don’t know that you’re just going over your set for tonight. You take a final drag on your Dunhill then stab it out in disgust. You go over your set again, telling jokes to the couch, the bed, the wall. Hopefully the real audience will laugh more. You time your set this time. Fourteen minutes. Too long, dammit. Don’t worry, kid. It’ll all work out. (Steve Feldman) The HaHa Hole Busan’s comedy open mic. Find showtimes on Facebook: THE HA HA HOLE
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BETWEEN THE LINES
WRITTEN BY JOHN BOCSKAY
That’s not a misprint, but just the way it seems to work when you live abroad. John Bocskay explains. Follow John on facebook @johnnicholasbocskay
BETWEEN THE LINES
I was thinking recently about the old saying that you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family and how this commonsense idea gets turned on its head when you’re an expat. Living abroad, I find I often haven’t chosen my friends in the same way I did before, sometimes to the point of having little choice in the matter. This was particularly true when I lived in a smaller city, at a time when there just weren’t many foreigners around. Many of the folks I met would have become friends wherever we happened to meet, but there always seemed to be one or two others I almost certainly would not have become friends with had we met in our home countries. These were not people who were lacking in good qualities; they were the friendships that required the greatest patience and tolerance to maintain, and were based on little more than the two of us being foreigners in a strange country. When you’re one of a handful of expats, there’s a palpable sense of being in the same boat, and it inclines you to extend a lifeline to those who would otherwise flounder. Looking back, the only foreigners I really avoided were the ones with the most profound defects: the congenital jerks, the violent drunks, and the certified wackjobs. Everyone else was a potential friend. Now that I live in a much bigger city and can afford to be a bit pickier with my foreign friends, I still find the same impulse to stick together and learn to tolerate differences in much the same way you would with a member of your own family. You can see this dynamic in nearly every expat group - this tolerance that gives everyone second and third chances to join circles that might have closed to them in the home country.
This invisible bond is most apparent during actual emergencies. One bad move on a motorbike or a lengthy bout with a strange bug is all that stands between you and a real crisis, and that knowledge acts as a subconscious glue that binds expats together in remote places. Many times I’ve seen people rally around an acquaintance, a friend-ofa-friend - even complete strangers - to assist in a time of need, and it is always very beautiful - and very reassuring - to know that there is an instant and apparently instinctive support network there if it’s needed. The idea that “you can’t choose your family” also seems to apply to people from a different time and place, in which people were obliged to live near their extended kin networks, and thus rightly found it wise to periodically remind themselves that it’s best to look beyond differences, find common ground, and to get along or else risk constant strife and misery. That too has changed overseas, though in truth, the notion that we don’t choose family already began to strike me as quaint long before I left America, where people migrate long distances for a job, chase their dreams from coast to coast, and retire to gentler climates. All modern economies now favor those most willing to go mobile, to adapt, to be ready, willing, and able to uproot and go where your skill set is needed, and this doesn’t appear to leave much room for “choosing family”. Like the vast majority of expats, I didn’t move abroad to get away from my family, but I have found that it has given me the opportunity to be more choosy with the relatives who are more distant (in both senses of the word), and to redefine the most problematic relationships as family in name only. For me, that only applies to a couple of people in practice, but it was liberating to realize I could let them go (and very occasionally, to tell them exactly where to go). We all maintain the bonds with those closest to us, despite our occasional disagreements, and the cultural gulf that yawns between us as the years pass. We get together when I’m in the States, we talk on the phone or on Skype, exchange e-mails, fart around on facebook. That doesn’t change. There is however one other group: the relatives I like very much yet slip out of touch with due to nothing more than distance, the march of time, and his or her over reliance communication media that were popular in the 20th century (and in some cases, the 19th). I miss them and regret not having more significant contact with them, but so it goes. There’s always some family that you don’t get to choose.
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IN THE NEWS
KOREA LOOKS TO RETRIEVE MORE OF ITS HISTORY FROM ABROAD The Cultural Heritage Administration has announced plans to conduct more thorough investigations into Korean cultural properties kept overseas. The increased scrutiny is part of a survey the CHA said will center on more than 7,000 designated cultural assets and private collections located mainly in China and Japan. The administration has also vowed to trace the source of lost Korean relics in the United States and Europe as well. One well-known example is the Joseon Bell located at the Jogu Shrine in Japan. The bell which is known to have been built in 833 A.D. during the Unified Silla Period (668935) was offered to Toyotomi Hideyoshi who invaded Korea in 1592 as part of the Imjin War. The bell has since been designated as a Japanese national treasure, reports the Korea Times.
Tattoo Trend
EXPLODES IN KOREA Once considered something of a taboo in Korean culture, tattoos are all the rage. Along with an increasing number of average citizens sporting ink, you would be hardpressed to find a celebrity who isn’t showing off their tattoo on social media these days. This is quite the change for a country that only recently forbid people with tattoos from entering public baths and assumed gang membership. "I think it's a matter of personal taste, like cigarettes. You can't say it's right or wrong to smoke or get a tattoo.
You don't have to fully understand them, but you should at least respect people's choices," said Korean tattoo artist known only as “Novo." He has a stark message for people out there who still look down on body art. "Whatever caused you to dislike something or someone, you must have a clear reason for why. If it's just ingrained prejudice, well, all I can say is, poor you, because you will never get out of it."
IN THE NEWS
NUMBERS IN THE NEWS
10.6 PERCENT The unemployment rate for Korean youth during the first seven months of 2016.
PUTTING THE
"FUN" IN FUNERAL?
The Korea Tourism Organization said that over 10,000 employees of a major Japanese funeral service company will arrive in Seoul and Busan starting from October. The KTO and Busan Tourism Organization said travelers on an incentive tour program from Japan will be touring the country over the span of the next six months, with the first group scheduled to begin their itinerary on Oct. 16. “While most Japanese travelers prefer independent trips to South Korea, we will diversify content for incentive tours and international conferences to foster the emerging sector,� the KTO said.
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featuredSTORY
LONG-LOST BUDDHIST
PAINTINGS RETURNED TO BEOMEOSA
WRITTEN BY HAL SWINDALL
Historic Buddhist paintings from the 1860s that were smuggled out of the country during the Korean War find their way back home to Busan.
Last year, Busan’s largest and most historic temple, Beomeosa, quietly acquired three long-lost antique Buddhist paintings with the help of the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, an affiliate of the Cultural Heritage Administration. They are of a genre called “Chilseong paintings,” and were displayed in Beomeosa until they were smuggled out of the country during the Korean War. Therefore, their return to their place of origin makes this a “very special case,” according to Haksan, a monk who was involved in the operation as Beomeosa’s representative. The repatriation process began when the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation (OKCHF), which monitors foreign auctions and art fairs to determine if they are selling any Korean cultural artifacts, learned that these three Chilseong paintings were to be auctioned by the Koller Auktionen in Switzerland. It is not known how they arrived in that country, or what happened to them after they left Korea. Once OKCHF had notified Beomeosa about the Chilseong Paintings, a monk there named Subul swung into action to retrieve them. Through an independent expert, the monks were able to verify that they were genuine; also, by the “hwagi,” or script on their bases, that these three were part of an original group of ekeveb works of art.
featuredSTORY
This was a fortunate discovery, since overseas Korean paintings usually have their hwagi cut off when auctioned. Beomeosa’s monks desperately wanted the paintings returned, partly because they were the temple’s original possession, but also as penance for having lost them in the first place. Therefore, they were willing to pay any price at Koller’s auction. Fortunately, the process of getting the paintings back went smoothly. Subul dispatched a team of three people: Minseon Lee from OKCHF, Youngun Lee from the Buddhist Cultural Institute and Haksan, who represented Beomeosa. The trio carefully planned every step of recovering the paintings. Minseon handled the practical aspects of bidding and transporting the paintings back to Korea, with Youngun advising on their cultural worth. Since they looked on the paintings as saintly relics, the return of the paintings was an act of faith, and there was a seven-day ceremony followed by a formal celebration when they reached Korea in July of 2015. Since then, they have undergone restoration work. These eleven Chilseong paintings are attributed to Seonjong, a monk artist of the mid- to late nineteenth century who worked in Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, and
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are dated from the 1860s. They were painted at Pyochungsa in Miryang, then displayed in Beomeosa’s Geukrakam. Chilseong paintings were a common genre in the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and derived from the Chinese Daoist belief that the seven stars (“chilseong”) forming the Great Bear (Big Dipper) in the heavens controlled the worldly fortunes of a person’s life. This belief was adapted into Buddhism when it entered China. In Korea, it became part of folk belief, and that is why many Buddhist temples here have a Chilseong-gak, or “Seven Stars Shrine” (then there is Chilsung Cider, but that is another matter). The worship of the Chilseong deity is called “chilseongdo,” and is integrated into Korean Buddhism. Presently, Beomeosa’s three Chilseong paintings are not on display to the public, and Haksan has no idea if and when they will be. It is good news, however, that Beomeosa has them again after over 60 years of not knowing where they were.
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INTERVIEW
SANGSOO CHONG
ON THE EARLY DAYS OF ADVERTISING IN KOREA AND HIS MOVE TO ACADEMIA WRITTEN BY BOBBY MCGILL
The 1988 Olympics in Seoul marked Korea's first spotlight step into what would eventually become one of the world's strongest economies. Sangsoo Chong was just entering Korea's nascent advertising industry at that time and has a good story or two to tell. A former child actor and a playwright, Seoul-based Sangsoo Chong made his move into advertising in 1987 —a time when Korea was preparing for its first steps onto the world stage with the hosting of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. Chong started off working with Oricom as a TV producer, before later moving on to Lintas. He would eventually work at Ogilvy & Mather as the Executive Creative Director in Seoul and later VP and Chief Talent Officer of the Diamond Ogilvy Group. And then, after two decades in the biz, practically on a whim, he up and left the ad world in 2008 for a professorship at Cheongju University, where he’s remained ever since. And, for the past six years, he’s headed up the judging committee for South Korea’s international advertising awards, Ad Stars, which kicks off again later this week. Branding in Asia publisher, Bobby McGill, recently caught up with Sangsoo for a conversation about the ad world in Seoul back in the day and life after advertising.
H: You got your start in the Korean ad industry in 1987 with Oricom and then Ogilvy. What was the creative environment in Seoul like back then? Oricom, which is owned by Doosan, was the first modern advertising agency in Korea. Doosan had started to import global brands such as Coke, Kodak, Seagram’s, KFC and Nestle. Naturally. Oricom was suddenly tasked with handling the big brands without having much understanding of global business standards. In 1988, at the time of the Olympics in Seoul, the Korean advertising market opened to the aggressive foreign investors. J. Walter Thompson was the first, followed by many other global agency brands which came in as joint ventures with local agencies. It was an exciting time since local ad agencies began to think more broadly while acting narrower at the same time. They shot their TVCs in New York, Sydney and even in Moscow, but struggled with the differences in the working process and rules. A fad for creatives was ‘not invented here’ because lots of centralized campaigns, mainly from New York, were imported by global big brands. Creatives, including myself, hated them. We wanted to be recognized by our own ideas.
INTERVIEW
H: Awards were not that big of a concern at that time? Back then, Korean advertisers and agency creatives didn’t care about winning Lions. Why should they? ‘Got a Lion? For what?’ My clients, even the big ones like Samsung and Hyundai, didn’t care about that kind of shit. Their attitude was, you focus on my brand and never steal my time and use my budget trying to achieve your art director’s’ dream, OK? In a lot of ways that really made sense.
H: You had to deal with your fair share of government oversight back then, right? Yes, there was strict censorship and some silly rules. For example, kids in TV ads weren’t allowed to touch the product –no matter what. That created some problems for Huggies. Probably the most memorable, in a sad, frustrating way, was when one my film producers for Johnson & Johnson was trying to get government approval for the “No More Tears” baby shampoo campaign TV spot. He sat there and had to put baby shampoo into his eyes to justify the product slogan. He did it, and there were no tears. It was allowed to air.
H: What was the pitch process like? At that time I had a lot of power, even though I was just a junior creative in the agency. This was because TV was the strongest medium and I was the only one who had the professional skills to develop and direct TVCs. I used to make 12 rough storyboards in one night and could sell one of them to the client the next day with ease. Ideas with results, of course. From there the art directors developed print and outdoor ads with the key visuals from my storyboards.
H: What’s your take on the process these days from a creative standpoint? It’s not as easy to sell ideas that are clever and creative anymore because marketers began to cry out for digital. For many of them, digital means cheap, sometimes free of charge media so ideas have taken a back seat. I don’t see the world as being divided into analog and digital, though. Technology never overpowers ideas. We are in the idea business!
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H: You made the move to academics in 2008. Can you talk about that decision and what the transition was like? It was quite unintentional. I was being interviewed by Advertising Information magazine. I was telling the interviewer about my career, beliefs, campaigns and my plans after retiring from advertising; one of which was to become a professor. It turns out the interviewer also worked as a professor and suggested I go for an interview at a university. I did it, kind of on a whim actually, and got the job. At first, I was not happy, since my life had totally changed. Less salary, no company car, no corporate card and new tasks as a professor. I guess as a creative I never plan ahead. I was impulsive. Of course, I’m happy now. Life goes on and on. The happiest moment I enjoy now is when I get a phone call from one of my students. “Professor, I got in! I got in!” Getting a job is not easy nowadays. When they say, “I heard that the boss of my new company knows you!” That feels even better.
H: What do you miss most about working in the industry? Seeing my ideas on TV, even though nobody cares, I miss that. I also miss karaoke nights with my mad creatives and all night brainstorming sessions with the teams. Appreciation from clients. Starting to drink in the morning time. Haha.
H: You’ve been chairman of the judging committee for Korea’s Ad Stars Festival since 2010. What do you look for in judges? At Ad Stars we’re big on diversity. And our judging brief is pretty simple, we look for people who have a solid background, have won awards of their own and judged in major shows.
H: Had you never gone into advertising or teaching, what do you see yourself having done instead? Acting. It is like a drug. Once you’re on the stage and everybody’s quiet, you feel a certain air from the audience. If you recognize that they’re on the same page with you, you can’t help but fall in love with that feeling.
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coverSTORY
Typically, mid-October into early November is the peak time when leaves across the peninsula start to change colors. And, much like the emergence of the cherry blossoms in the spring, heading out for a look at the crimson colors of autumn is a thing here on the peninsula. And well it should be, for not long after the leaves change, and then fall, Korea’s long winter sets in and the only color you’re going to see is on your flat screen while you hibernate until April. For more info on all of Korea’s national parks visit: english.knps.or.kr
GYEONGBOK PALACE IN SEOUL GREAT URBAN VIEWING OF AUTUMN LEAVES
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SEORAKSAN MOUNTAIN (설악산) INJE, GANGWON PROVINCE Located 2.5 hours east of Seoul, Seoraksan, with its far northern location, is one of the first places in the country to witness the colorful changes of autumn. Keep in mind that Seoraksan is a very popular spot, especially on weekends during the autumnal peak. Make a plan before going or you might end up spending more time watching leaves while stuck in traffic going up the mountain.
ODAESAN MOUNTAIN (오대산) PYEONGCHANG, GANGWON-DO Pyeongchang is where Korea will host the Winter Olympics in 2018 and is a popular vacation spot all year round. Often visited by campers and guests at the forest lodges, it is especially popular during peak foliage season which happens around mid-October. Odaesan is one of the most heavily forested national parks in Korea and is home to wild boars, musk deer and turtledoves as well as a wide selection of native wildlife.
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coverSTORY
JIRISAN MOUNTAIN (지리산) SANCHEONG, GYEONGSANG It’s hard to spend anytime in Korea without someone recommending that you visit Jirisan. Known for its rocky landscape and vast reaches of forest in a park that stretches across three provinces, during peak foliage season in late October the slopes are ablaze with brilliant colors. Some great hiking trails wind through both Piagol Valley and Bam Sagol Valley if you want to get in a good hike while taking in the brilliant sites Jirisan offers.
NAEJANGSAN (내장산) JEONGEUP, JEOLLA PROVINCE Located in Jeolla province, many consider this area to be the best place in Korea for viewing autumn’s crimson-infused colors. The name Naejang means 'many secrets' in the mountain. Read into that what you will. Along with the leaves there are several scenic waterfalls, as well as historic temples, including Baekyangsa Temple, which is surrounded by Gulgeori trees that retain their lush green foliage through the winter.
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BEOMEOSA TEMPLE (범어사) BUSAN, GYEONGSANG PROVINCE Being located so far to the south, Busan is not known for its autumn leaves, but Beomeosa Temple on Geumjeong mountain offers some decent viewing in an already gorgeous environment. The temple was founded about 1,300 years ago by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year of King Munmu the Silla Dynasty. It offers easy access by subway and bus, making it a good spot to hit for the day.
JUWANGSAN MOUNTAIN (주왕산) CHEONGSONG, GYEONGSANG PROVINCE Located in Juwangsan National Park, the mountain is well-known for its waterfalls, rocky peaks, and deep valleys. If you want to make the hike, enjoy the leaves and check out an awesome waterfall, there is a great four-hour round trip hike that starts in Sangui Parking Lot. If you catch it right, at dawn there is sometimes a gorgeous blanket of fog that hovers over Jusanji Pond. The area is also home to Cheongsong Folk Museum.
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savorBUSAN
Riesling WRITTEN BY ANTHONY VELASQUEZ
An Appreciation of Enology and Geology in a Glass
MOSEL, GERMANY
savorBUSAN Kilgore: Smell that? You smell that? Lance: What? Kilgore: Petrol, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of petrol in the morning. Yeah, I’m with you. I love the smell of petrol in the morning, too. OK. So I’m paraphrasing here, one of the most memorable scenes in Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece Apocalypse Now. Because for enophiles, Riesling, whose origin lies in the rocky, steep terraced vineyards along the Rhine River of Germany and the Alsace region of France, has an aroma so distinct it’s as invigorating to wine lovers as napalm to Lt. Colonel Kilgore. It’s revered for its telltale notes of petrol complementing ripe orchard fruits (in a richer, sweeter style) and minerals like slate or chalk uplifting citrus (in a leaner, drier style). Though it currently ranks 18th in wine grape acreage globally, riesling is one of the four most important grapes to know. If Riesling were a musician, it would be the Ringo Starr of the wine world. Often underrated, but those in the industry know that, like Ringo, riesling is uniquely stylistic and influential. That’s why in 2010, while my friends left Berlin for Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest, I made a pilgrimage to Koblenz to spend three days hiking down the Mosel River to imbibe this inspiring wine in its provenance. Nowadays, world-class wines from this varietal are abound beyond the Rhineland of Western Europe. Just last month, I visited over a dozen wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A RECOMMENDATION AVAILABLE HERE IN THE ROK, HERE IS A SIX-PACK OF LABELS WITH QUALITY TO PRICE AND STYLE IN MIND. CHILL AND ENJOY. SALUD! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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WEINHAUS SCHLOSS KOBLENZ, RIESLING, KABINETT, URZIGER SCHWARZLAY, GERMANY (₩15,000 EMART, JUNGDONG) KESSLER-ZINK, RIESLING, KABINETT, RHEINHESSEN, GERMANY (₩8,000-20,000 NC DEPARTMENT STORE BASEMENT, JANGSAN) CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, RIESLING, COLUMBIA VALLEY, USA (₩15,900 COSTCO, MANGMI) HUGEL ET FILS, RIESLING, “HUGEL”, ALSACE, FRANCE (₩29,900 MEGAMART, NAMCHEON) WEINGUT MAX FERD. RICHTER, MUELHEIMER SONNENLAY RIESLING, ZEPPLIN-LABEL, MOSEL, GERMANY (₩44,000 SHINSEGAE, CENTUM CITY) WEINGUT ROBERT WEIL, RIESLING, TROCKEN, RHEINGAU, GERMANY (₩56,000 SHINSEGAE, CENTUM CITY)
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“IF RIESLING WERE A MUSICIAN, IT WOULD BE THE RINGO STARR OF THE WINE WORLD. OFTEN UNDERRATED, BUT THOSE IN THE INDUSTRY KNOW THAT, LIKE RINGO, RIESLING IS UNIQUELY STYLISTIC AND INFLUENTIAL.” York and the Niagara Escarpment of Southern Ontario, Canada and found many that rival Old World stalwarts. From the Columbia Valley of Washington state, all the way down to the South Island of New Zealand and from Western Australia to Tasmania, these areas are also gaining a reputation for excellent rieslings. While styles range from racy, bone-dry thirst-quenching acidity to noble, unctuous age-worthy wines, their minerality expresses a sense of soil and climate in a particular place, in other words an expression of terroir, like no other. Another reason foodies and cork dorks love this wine is its versatility at the table. A dry, slightly effervescent, minerally riesling is a fantastic pairing for seafood, particularly shellfish. Also, consider how the inherent sweetness of this grape even when vinified dry, perfectly balances a salty or spicy dish. That’s what makes this wine the call for Asian dishes such as chicken tikka masala, Thai curry, and especially spicy octopus and pork favorites here in Busan. And if you’re looking for a wine to pair a proper cheese plate as an appetizer or dessert, riesling can complement the funky notes of strong cheeses and the sweetness of the accompanying fruits and nuts from the note of honey in the glass. In addition, these wines are lower in alcohol than the usual suspects. Most bottles are from eight to twelve percent alcohol by volume, which makes them especially quaffable for breakfast or brunch, particularly delicious with a Korean seafood pancake (해물 파전 haemul pajeon).
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domesticTRAVEL
WRITTEN BY JOHN DUNPHY
For more info on where to go and what to do check out www.ulsancitytour.co.kr
Busan’s neighbor to the north has a lot going for it for a fun weekend that’s not so far from home. From a sprawling park, to an observatory that overlooks it all, from delicious, locally-sourced seafood to the home of one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, there’s lots of things to see, do and eat in Ulsan.
SEUL-DO “Seul” refers to the sound made by a Geomungo stringed instrument, which is said to be mimicked by the wind and waves hitting this rock island. The small quiet island, accessible by car or bus, is home to a number of attractions, including the haenyeo, the women sea divers known more famously on Jeju Island than in this mainland city. Their handiwork can be seen throughout in the form of the fresh hand-caught fish found in many of the island’s restaurants. An unmanned lighthouse at the edge of the windswept destination makes for great photo-ops, as do the myriad fishing and heavy industry boats out along the water. A sign near the lighthouse notes it as a location of the 2010 K-Drama “Fire of Desire,” as well. In July 2016 a cultural center was opened, featuring island focused exhibits and a café. While on Seul-do, grab lunch at Bada Bap-sang, (바다 밥상), which offers seafood that is caught fresh right off the island. The aggujjim, a rich, hot fish stew, and bibimbap served with rice mixed with abalone are recommended!
DAEWANGAM PARK Daewangam (Big Stone King) Park offers stunning seaside views and lots of room to roam through forests of pine, cherry trees, magnolias, forsythia and more, including some trees that are over 100 years old. Photo-ops abound, including the many naturally-carved rock formations along the coast. A small shopping area is located at the park’s entrance.
HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Get a tour of the world's largest shipbuilder during your trip to Ulsan. Established in 1972, the Hyundai Heavy Industries company produces 15 percent of the world's ships, with clients all over the world. Approximately 25,000 employees work at the shipyard site. An on-site museum offers a tour (in Korean, with written information in English) dedicated to Chung Ju-yung, founder of all Hyundai Groups in South Korea. Other highlights of the trip included a stop at the Jujeon Mongdol (“round stone”) beach, where a number of people were enjoy the warm summer days, and the Ulsan Observatory, which has only recently opened and as such does not yet have a website. The new observatory provides dramatic views of the city, water, as well as several of the city's industrial sites on one side contrasted with a sweeping canopy of green on the other.
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internationalTRAVEL
WATS HAPPENING IN
CHIANG MAI Most people get to Thailand and head straight for the beaches. But there is so much more to see and do, especially in the north where the weather is cooler and where it’s more laid back and the history overflows. Chiang Mai is a great place to start, and one of her best offerings are her awesome temples, known as “Wats”.
WAT CHEDI LUANG An enormous temple built at the end of the 14th century by King Saeng Muang Ma as a final resting place for the ashes of his father, Wat Chedi Luang was enlarged the following century when the height of the main chedi reached 90 meters. It was severely damaged in the great earthquake of 1545, and has only recently been restored. Located in the city center, the pleasant and peaceful grounds are home to several other buildings including the City Pillar (Inthakhin), a Buddhist university and a variety of other Buddha statues. An enormous yang tree has also taken root there. Wat Chedi Luang is also home to many of the city’s most important religious ceremonies. Feel free to wander the grounds and explore the temple on your own, but for those interested in learning more about the history and cultural significance, it is recommended to join a temple tour.
internationalTRAVEL
WAT JET YOD Thai King Tilokarat, currently entombed in Wat Jet Yod, built this temple complex in 1477 to host the Eighth World Buddhist Council. The complex, which is based on an Indian design, is unlike any other in Chiang Mai. The grounds of the temple are tranquil and spacious, shaded by many old trees in case you need to get out from under the hot Thai sun overhead. The most intriguing feature of the temple is the series of 70 beautiful stucco celestial beings that decorate the walls. Though they have been damaged over the centuries, their intricate clothes and jewellery, as well as their smiling faces are an excellent example of Lanna art. The temple is conveniently located close to the city center.
WAT PHRA SINGH Famous for its excellent examples of Lanna art, this temple is situated in the heart of the city. It was founded in the 14th century, but most of the structures date from the 19th century, as well as several that were restored over the past 10 years. There are some beautiful murals depicting scenes from everyday life in Lanna from a century ago. There are also several exquisite wood carvings on other buildings and the scripture repository, where you can see holy texts made of bai lan or sa paper, which have been carefully preserved. The senior abbot of the Buddhist order in Chiang Mai resides at Wat Phra Singh. Wat Phra Singh is conveniently located in close walking distance to several guesthouses and hotels.
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HEALTH
A KICK IN THE ASANA HOW CANCER MADE ME A YOGA PERSON
HEALTH
WRITTEN BY JEN SOTHAM
Former Busan expat and long time Haps writer, Jen Sotham, offers us an unfiltered look at how yoga can benefit those living with cancer.
I've always kept myself at arm's-length from yoga. I've taken yoga classes here and there for over twenty years, but yoga studios always seemed to have an air of cliquey-ness. Yoga was like a secret society for which I, having a penchant for cheeseburgers and beer, would never be taught the secret handshake. My sense of balance is laughable, to the point where, when I'm carrying a drink at a family gathering, people place bets about whether I'll make it across the room without spilling. Whenever I've taken yoga classes, I've arrived early to claim a space along the wall so I could hold on when the dreaded tree pose rolled around. I liked yoga, but long ago made peace with the fact that I was never going to be a yoga person. When I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma in late 2014, I had been living in Busan for almost a decade. I was forced to quit my job and return home to New York for treatment. I was moving back into my parents’ suburban home in the dead of winter. If anything, yoga was a good excuse to get out of the house for something other than doctor's appointments. I bought a yoga mat and a few pairs of yoga pants, printed out schedules for all the local studios. With no income and still carrying the selfconsciousness that has always pervaded my yoga practice, I only managed to attend a class every week or two. When, several months later, the drug combination I was on rendered me essentially cancer-free, my verve(ish) for yoga fell to the wayside. For nine months, my scans continue to show no evidence of disease. Then, my appetite disappears and I am riddled by extreme fatigue. I attribute these symptoms to my ever flip-flopping thyroid levels, or perhaps my body's final farewell to side effects, or maybe it's my cancer, shaking its fist and shouting, “eff-you” as I round the corner in escape. I decide to combat my fatigue with yoga. Not only is my enthusiasm for yoga renewed, but I also discover restorative yoga, a meditative, low-exertion practice that I fall madly in love with.
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After undergoing the PET scan that, if clean, will mark one year of being cancer-free. I am dripping with apprehension. This time it's not the typical 'scanxiety' that has accompanied every scan results appointment before. I had spent my therapy session the previous day trying to make sense of exactly what “moving forward” means. It is time to put the role of “cancer patient” in my spring cleaning boxes and try “cancer survivor” on for size. With my recent weight loss, I think it might even look good on me. Turns out, the lack of appetite and fatigue are not a side effect of the drug combo, nor are they result of my schizophrenic thyroid. My scans reveal that I have four new, large, oozing tumors - two in my stomach and two in my small intestine. I'm back at ground zero, and I am gutted. After a blood transfusion and an endoscopic biopsy, I'm set on a new course of promising treatment. The weeks that follow are emotionally devastating, mentally exhausting and physically brutal. I find myself desperate for something, anything, that can help me through it. I begin to attend yoga classes almost daily. I mostly opt for the gentler classes and struggle my way through a few more challenging ones.I absorb a few choice pieces of wisdom from the lips of instructors, wondering on occasion if they are said just for my benefit. I learn how to be here now. Yoga starts to feel good... right. I even manage to roll myself into a passable headstand. I still can't do tree pose without holding onto the wall, but, as one instructor pointed out, "Every tree bends differently in the breeze." I shed my self-consciousness. I embrace the present. And I absolutely relish in the quietude of Shavasana (aka corpse pose, ironically enough) that punctuates each class. As I'm nearing the end of a particularly enjoyable class, I am suddenly flooded by emotion. I find myself in child's pose, sobbing into my own knees. This is not my one of my typical, weekly cancer cries. These are tears of gratitude. I realize that I am crying because these hours spent breathing and stretching in darkened rooms have offered me a critically needed reprieve from the shitstorm of chaos and heartbreak and to-do lists and pity and fear that cancer has brought into my life. And it is in this moment that I know that I have finally made the transition. I have become a yoga person. Or at least a “yoga with a side of cheeseburger” person. A version of this article originally appeared at www.curetoday.com
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photographerPROFILE
Min Wonki has been a professional photojournalist in Korea for 20 years who now works as a freelance photographer specializing in shooting daily life in Seoul, Busan and other cities around across the peninsula. “My project 'The city we live in' is still underway,” says Wonki. “I'm looking forward to seeing you anywhere out there in Busan, a city I love.” You can follow him on Instagram: @minwonkee
photographerPROFILE
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featuredSTORY WRITTEN BY MICHAEL GRADYWHEELER
American-born Michael Uchrin is an active member of the Busan English Theatre Association. During his seven years in Korea, he has directed local productions of 12 Angry Jurors, The Actor’s Nightmare, and The Zoo Story. He is currently directing the company’s upcoming September show, a double one-act feature of The Actor’s Nightmare (1981) and Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You (1979), by Christopher Durang, a Tony-award winning playwright known for outrageously absurd comedies.
H: What attracted you to Christopher Durang?
H: How does this production compare to The Actor’s Nightmare of last year?
Durang has a voice that I appreciate, I guess is the easiest way to say it. A very complex voice filled with the type of self-questioning that I think is an important part of art, and I think you can see the fruits of that self-inspection in both of these plays. Both plays present the sense of someone raised within a religion with very strict ideas of right and wrong—ideas that I would say defy reason—and the sort of necessary unpacking of what one truly believes to be true when you come out of it. Each of the characters in Sister Mary, for example, have a different relationship to belief, dogma, and power, and are on different levels on that hierarchy of “goodness” that the Church has set up, and we get to see how these don't necessarily line up with our observations of their behavior. I don't want to say anything more on this, as I don't want to spoil anything for the audience. Suffice it to say that Durang has a great eye for the absurd in human behavior and interaction.
Well, I'm glad you decided to lead with easy questions. Last summer we had an aborted attempt to do the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). It became a bit of a mess when the director stepped down, and there were wildly varied levels of commitment to the show once she was no longer involved. Some of us decided to shift gears and put on something smaller and less ambitious, since we already had the venue secured. In any event, we did Actor's Nightmare and it was hastily arranged, performed outdoors, and (let's be honest) not done terribly well. This time, we've had more time to spend rehearsing and we'll have the benefit of stage lighting, sound, and a more appropriate companion piece. Really, I just wanted to justify having purchased the two large blue garbage cans.
featuredSTORY
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H: What makes a good cast?
H: How do you direct your actors?
Well, I think that starts with good individuals. When you have people that are serious about putting on a good show and want to challenge themselves to make the show as good as they can possibly make it, you're going to end up with a good cast. It can't be done with too much ego, though. The show doesn't exist to make one individual look good; rather each individual gets in there, and does their part to make the entire show look good. That's when everyone looks good, and the audience has a good time.
Directing is hard. It's just not easy for me. I'm not always the most patient communicator, and I find that directing requires different tools at different times. The best way to express something to one actor might not even be heard clearly by another, so it's almost like you have to find out how each person best understands what it is that you're trying to convey. I guess initially, I allow the actors to go with their instincts, and see how well these match what I see in my mind, and with what others are putting on the stage. Actors generally have good ideas about what they want to bring to a character. The tough part comes, often, when what two or more actors want to bring to their roles just don't mesh well on the stage. They don't necessarily see it, as they don't have the vantage point to see it, and sometimes (and I know this from my own painful experience) we as actors really get wedded to how we view our character. As a director, it's sometimes hard to say, “yes, I understand what you want to bring, it's just not working within the context of what else is happening on the stage.� It really can be a balancing act at times.
H: What is challenging about acting in something you are also directing? Vision. I have no real idea what the scene looks like if I'm in it, only impressions that I get from our stage manager, Kerissa Graden. I do, occasionally, have someone stand in for me, to get a sense of space, but I really have to trust her to tell me whether a scene looks right, and to give me feedback on how to make the scene look better. Fortunately, she's very perceptive and willing to let me know when I'm in the wrong place or when I've missed something.
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tharpON
tharpON
When Jen Sotham moved to Busan in 2006, she intended to only stick around for a year, where she’d teach English and use the rest of her time developing writing projects. Like many of us, however, she soon discovered that this city’s expat art scene was fertile ground, and that first year turned into many. Over time she found herself assuming the role of regularly-performing musician, theater and film director, radio host, as well as Food & Drink Editor here at Haps, all the while supporting herself with a rewarding teaching job at a local university. In her off time she went diving in Southeast Asia and recharged with friends and family back home. Life was firing on all cylinders and she was living it passionately; she describes it all as, “a dream come true.” In 2010 fate served her notice in the form of a suspect mole. She had it removed, but the biopsy confirmed her biggest fear: malignancy. The “Big C” had entered the picture, but she had thankfully caught it early and one year later was confirmed cancer-free. In 2013 the cancer returned, this time to a lymph node in her groin, but surgery and a round of radiation treatment once again cleared things up. Up to this point she had told almost no one of her travails. She just kept firing away among us as the Jen we all know and loved: artistic geyser and friend to so many. This came to a screeching halt on December 1st, 2014, when scans revealed that the cancer had again returned, this time in a big way: stage 4 metastatic melanoma. This is a nasty, aggressive form of the disease which at the time carried a prognosis that could only be described as “grim.” At this point she could no longer keep it a secret, so on December 8th she announced it to the world via Facebook. In the span of ten days she graded 150 final exams, gave away most all of her possessions, and along with her dog Oscar, boarded a plane back to New York, where family support and advanced treatment options awaited her. When faced with such crushing news, many people would choose to hide away, or at least erect a firewall of privacy. Jen, instead, chose to make her battle public, documenting it all in her blog, Jen vs. Cance jenvscancer.wordpress. com. Once she had gone public with her diagnosis, she was inundated with messages, and had neither the time nor energy to answer them all. So she started the blog to keep people informed through a kind of collective bulletin board. She says that she “felt it unfair to shut people out who were generally concerned (scared shitless).” However, she soon realized that the blog served a much greater purpose than just keeping those worried about her in the loop. As an established and published writer,
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she knew how to craft words and tell a story, but this time it was different. “I found that I needed to write about my cancer on many levels,” she says. “Not only was it therapeutic for me personally, but it was also the most ‘real’ and rewarding writing I have ever done.” When Jen got back to New York, she was fortunate to be one of less than 300 patients nationwide to be enrolled in an expanded access program for two new immunotherapy drugs. Unlike traditional treatments that attack the cancer itself, immunotherapy tricks your immune system into going after the cancer instead. It has been remarkably effective in the treatment of melanoma, resulting in outright cures in some cases. This is nothing short of revolutionary, since stage 4 melanoma was considered an accelerated death sentence before the advent of these drugs. Jen says that “helping others in my position navigate these new treatments” has been the most important aspect of her writing so far. And these treatments worked for her in spades. By the summer of 2015 her tumors had disappeared. She was now looking at the prospect of a full and healthy life. Through all of this, she’s regularly posted articles on her blog that are bracing, heart-wrenching, and hilarious. She has also joined forces with two documentary filmmakers to capture this whole journey as it unfolds, highlighting both the advances in immunotherapy along with her very personal journey. They received development funding from a major cable network and are still shooting away. In addition to her own blog, Jen is also now writing professionally. She was recently hired to pen pieces for Cure Magazine’s website, where she uses her own experience as a springboard to talk about more universal cancer-related topics. Despite the initial success of the immunotherapy, Jen’s cancer returned earlier this year. She has responded well to the treatments and her oncology team is “optimistic,” but she’s still not out of the woods. Despite this, her spirit soars higher than ever, infusing the words she types with an undeniable vitality as she continues bloom into the writer she was always meant to be. “I was forced to dig deep and my diagnosis freed from from my inhibitions,” she says. “Having cancer affords you the ability to say ‘fuck it-- it’s now or never.’” Want to read Jen in her own words? Head on over to Cure Magazine: www.curetoday.com/community/jensotham
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INTERVIEW
WRITTEN BY STEPH AROMDEE PHOTOS BY JESSICA PETTYJOHN
The LA-based 15-year old TV and movie actor is known for playing Runyen in the show Growing Up Fisher and Zack in the 2016 Nickelodeon series School of Rock. He's appeared in episodes of Anger Management, Fresh Off the Boat and also appeared in Independence Day: Resurgence.
H: What’s your typical working day like? A typical work day starts off with hopping in the shower, getting dressed, and drinking a smoothie. Then I hop in the car with my mom and drive to the set. Once I arrive on set, I get my hair and makeup done and then we start shooting for the day!
H: Can you talk about your connection to Korea? Being a Korean American and living in Los Angeles could easily help you lose track of your Korean heritage. But I have always been curious of my culture and never really lost touch with it. I was on a singing competition show called “Star Auditions” when I was 10-years-old and that was the first time learning about my Korean culture while being there.
H: You’ve done some work in the Korean entertainment industry, what are some differences compared to working in the American industry? Well the main difference is I’m older now which allows me to see things more in depth about the industry in many ways compared to when I was a kid. I think back then it was much more of a hobby to me then as to me now there isn’t anything else I can imagine myself doing as a career. They’re both hard and complex in their own ways. When I was younger and working in the Korean entertainment industry I just saw it as a hobby, but now that I’m older I can’t imagine doing anything else as a career.
H: What actors do you look up to and try to model yourself after? I look up to Margot Robbie and Brie Larson because they’re both fantastic and beautiful actresses!
H: While there are similarities, your life has been quite different than the average kid. What’s it like trying to relate to other non-industry kids your age? Most of my friends that are not in the industry have been buddies of mine that have known me before I started acting, so relating them isn’t too difficult.
H: What professional tips would you give to an aspiring actor looking to make it in the biz? A tip I would give to an aspiring actor looking to make it into the entertainment industry is to really love and appreciate the art for what it is, not just for the fame.
H: How about the future? Do you see acting as a career you’d like to pursue? What are some of your other career interests? I definitely know that I will pursue both acting and singing as a career. I love swimming so much that I would also love to be a swimming coach.
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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 GOOD MOONHWA HOSPITAL open: 24 hours tel: 051-630-0123 web: www.moonwha.or.kr BONGSENG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 401, JUNGANG-DAERO tel: 051-664-4000 web: www.bongseng.co.kr
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
MUSEUMS 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 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 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
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
SEOMYEON
CENTUM HOTEL tel: 82-51-720-9000 web: www.centumhotel.co.kr Near Shinsegae and BEXCO. Good subway access.
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.
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.
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.
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
TOYOKO INN tel: 82-51-442-1045 web: www.toyoko-inn.com Across from D City, comfortable, clean and affordable.
GUKJE HOTEL tel: 82-51-642-1330 web: www.hotelkukje.com About 3 km away from the train station, close to Citizen’s Hall.
GWANGALLI
OTHER AREAS
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.
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.
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.
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.
HAPS DIRECTORY
Haps Directory
Find more great food, drink and business services online at www.busanhaps.com/dir
On Air 90.5 www.befm.or.kr
Korean Music & Dance Performance
The Queen's Banquet
13 MAY - 25 DEC 2016 HAEUNDAE GRAND HOTEL THEATER
051-811-0114
HAPS DIRECTORY