[EN] Gwangju News July 2020 #221

Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine

Gwangju and South Jeolla International Magazine I July 2020 #221 Caring for the Environment

July 2020 #221

Caring for the Environment

Gwangju & South Jeolla International Magazine

July 2020, Issue No. 221 Published: July 1, 2020 Cover Photo

Caring for the Environment (Photo by Mink Mingle, Unsplash)

THE EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Production Editor Layout Editor Photographers Communications Proofreaders

Online Editor Researcher

Dr. Shin Gyonggu Dr. David E. Shaffer William Urbanski Isaiah Winters Melline Galani Kim Yunkyoung, Jeong Jiyeon Timothy Berg, Gilda Wilson, Jonathan Moffett, Ynell LumantaoMondragon, Joseph Nunez, Elisabeth Loeck, Di Foster, David Foster, Rhiannon Howell-Matwichuk Melline Galani Lee Younny

The Gwangju News is the first English monthly magazine for the general public in Korea, first published in 2001. Each monthly issue covers local and regional issues, with a focus on the roles and activities of the international residents and local English-speaking communities.

Copyright © 2020 by the Gwangju International Center. All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the written consent of the publisher.

Registration No. 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Registration Date: February 22, 2010 Printed by Join Adcom 조인애드컴 (+82)-62-367-7702

Special thanks to Gwangju City and all of our sponsors.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 1

Welcome to July. The world may not be in the most welcoming of situations at present, but taking decisive, practical, and humane steps to deal with current adversity reaps benefits. While the scourge of COVID-19 is still raging in major sectors of the world, Korea should be commended on having tamed the virus at home through vigilant testing, tracing, distancing, and mask-wearing. While protests against police violence have spread in North America and Europe, police force has not been an issue in Korea. And while some political leaders seem intent on stoking the coals of divisiveness, cooler heads prevail in the Republic.

The July issue of the Gwangju News focuses much on making our world a better place to live in. Our cover feature deals with environmental concerns (“Doing What We Can to Care for the Environment”). A second feature focuses on the perils of noise pollution (“Time to Buy Some Earplugs”). An Expat Living piece deals with moving from a disposable to a reusable lifestyle. Our Photo Essay depicts the promotion of “Black Lives Matter” here and abroad. And read how the new “Korea’s Women’s Party” is striving to make life more equitable for half of the nation’s population.

Travel with us in this issue to Gwangju’s disappearing old section of Hak-dong for a final glimpse of the dwellings of two area artists (Lost in Gwangju). Then it’s off across town to Songsan Riding School, an entertainment park for the whole family. Venture out of town to a cool respite in “Damyang’s Bamboo Forest” (Around Korea). Find out how Gwangju is like Lausanne, Switzerland (Gwangju Abroad), and visit the castle of Queen Maria in Bulgaria (From Abroad).

Gwangju’s annual Community Builder Award for 2020 goes to Dr. Shin Gyonggu; read our feature on him and the award.

Our other feature spotlights Gwangju’s little-known tattoo scene. Learn about Korea’s traditional rain rituals (Blast from the Past). Find out the difference between an academy and a public school (Expat Living). Find out where to have delicious country-style cuisine in the city (Restaurant Review). And learn how to make your own cool cucumber soup (Recipe).

Language Teaching focuses on emergency remote teaching.

Everyday Korean talks about driver’s licenses. And we have a piece on Spanish learning opportunities. Kristy Dolson blesses us with another outstanding book review, and William Urbanski treats us to another of his much-awaited opinions. We include our first play review, our monthly crossword puzzle, and our regular photo of the month.

We hope you enjoy July with the July issue of the Gwangju News.

David E. Shaffer Editor-in-Chief Gwangju News

July 2020

For volunteering and article submission inquiries, please contact the editor at gwangjunews@gic.or.kr.

From the Editor

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

The Gwangju News is published by Gwangju International Center: Jungang-ro 196-beon-gil 5 (Geumnam-ro 3-ga), Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea Tel: (+82)-62-226-2733~34 Fax: (+82)-62-226-2731 Website: www.gwangjunewsgic.com Email: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr GwangjuNews gwangjunews

1

6/25/2020 12:42:47 PM

22

“There will be light!”

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

ARTS & CULTURE

Sacheonjin Beach in Gangneung

2020�7��(July)_.indd 2

Photo of the Month The Photographer

Yunkyoung (Hillel) Kim is a priest in the Anglican Church and also a portrait photographer. More of his pictures can be found on Instagram: @hillelkim

6/25/2020 12:42:49 PM

3

CONTENTS July 2020

Issue # 221

MONTHLY NEWS 04. Gwangju City News 56. Community Board

COMMUNITY 30. Expat Living: Reusable over Disposable 31. Expat Living: Hagwon vs. Public School

FEATURES 06. Doing What We Can to Care for the Environment 09. Time to Buy Some Earplugs! – Noise Pollution in Korea 10. The 2020 Michael Simning Community Builder Award 12. Korea’s Women’s Party 14. Tattoos: “Why Not?”

FOOD & DRINKS 40. Restaurant Review: Jeolla’s Countryside Cuisine in the Heart of Gwangju 49. Recipe: Oi Naengguk – Cucumber Soup

BLAST FROM THE PAST 17. Come Rain or Shine

SPORTS 44. Songsan Riding School – Gwangju’s Best Hidden Treasure

2020�7��(July)_.indd 3

ARTS & CULTURE 02. Photo of the Month 23. Crossword Puzzle 36. Photo Essay: “Black Lives Matter” – Global Connection 42. Play Review: The Man Who Paints Time 54. Book Review: The Hate U Give

Photo by Vince Fleming (Unsplash)

July 2020

GWANGJU ABROAD 34. How I Found Gwangju in a Swiss City

OPINION 52. It Pays to Be Behind the Times

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

TRAVEL 20. Lost in Gwangju: Remembering Hak-dong’s Humanity 24. From Abroad: Visiting the Castle of Queen Maria in Bulgaria 28. Around Korea: A Date with Destiny – The Damyang Bamboo Forest

EDUCATION 33. Everyday Korean: Episode 31 – 운전면허증 (Driver’s License) 46. Language Teaching: Emergency Remote Teaching 50. Spanish in South Korea – A Language of New Opportunities

6/25/2020 12:42:53 PM

4

Gwangju City News Reprinted with permission from Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall Photographs courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall

wangju Metropolitan City is making a bold move to become an artificial intelligence hub.

Last month, Mayor Lee Yong Sup visited Lee Kyoung-jun, professor at Kyung Hee University, and discussed ways to advance the Gwangju-tailored artificial intelligence business model. Professor Lee is the nation’s top artificial intelligence and big-data authority and has served as director of the International Center for Electronic Commerce (ICEC) and suggested how to build an artificial intelligence-based platform model for Gwangju.

Mayor Lee also met with Yoon Jong-ki, chairman of the Korea Road Traffic Authority (KoROAD), and decided to work for the construction of a high-tech convergence vehicle license test site based on artificial intelligence in Gwangju. Currently, of the 17 metropolitan governments nationwide, only Gwangju does not have this type of test center. Mayor Lee also discussed ways to build a demo complex for future mobility, including automobiles and drones. Through the meeting, City Hall and KoROAD decided to cooperate to maximize the synergy between

the future mobility multi-test complex and the artificial intelligence infrastructure being built by Gwangju City.

Gwangju City’s active move is intended to focus on fostering artificial intelligence-oriented future industries in the recently designated Gwangju Free Economic Zone in an attempt to secure growth engines through related experts.

Meanwhile, since the declaration of its vision for an “AI Hub City” in January, Gwangju City has been stepping up efforts to create an artificial intelligence ecosystem by signing investment agreements with 13 companies so far this year through active corporate attraction and drawing actual investment from seven of them.

Mayor Lee said, “Despite the crisis caused by COVID-19, we are not slowing down the pace in fostering new future industries in preparation for the post-corona period,” and adding, “We are meeting AI experts in various fields to enhance the completion of the Gwangju-tailored AI business model so that Gwangju can become an artificial intelligence hub.”

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

MONTHLY NEWS

G

Mayor Lee Focuses on AI-Centered Future Industry

2020�7��(July)_.indd 4

6/25/2020 12:42:54 PM

5

Gwangju City News Reprinted with permission from Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall Photographs courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall

G

Mayor Lee Requests Reduction of Corporate Tax in Free Economic Zone

wangju Mayor Lee Yong Sup asked the government to consider corporate tax cuts for high-tech companies from home and abroad in the Free Economic Zone. On June 10, the Mayor attended the second expanded trade strategy coordination meeting held by Prime Minister Jung Saegyun in a video conference to discuss export and economic issues.

During the meeting, measures were discussed to enhance export vitality based on region and site. These included seven key measures, including strengthening emergency support for companies in liquidity crisis and strengthening export marketing for promising coronavirus-related items. In addition, there were discussions on ways to resolve problems and suggestions on economic issues by region.

MONTHLY NEWS

More than 70 people attended the meeting, including Mayor Lee and Chung Chang-sun, chairman of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, heads of 17 cities and provinces, heads of 16 regional chambers of commerce, heads of five economic organizations, heads of export support agencies, and as many as 18 ministers and vice-ministers of central government ministries.

impact of the COVID-19 has become visible and external economic instability has been aggravated by U.S.–China tensions. The central government, local governments, and export support agencies gathered to find ways to resolve regional exports and economic issues.

At the meeting, Mayor Lee asked the following: — Income tax reduction for domestic and foreign hightech industries moving into free economic zones so that these zones can become new industrial hubs of the future to lead innovative growth.

— In order to revitalize the Gwangju Cultural Industry Investment Promotion District, the tax benefits for companies operating in the cultural industry should not be limited to facility investment but include labor costs for cultural content-creation activities considering the characteristics of the cultural industry.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 5

July 2020

The second round of the expanded trade strategy coordination meetings was held to find ways to recover the economy and to grow at a time when the negative

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

The Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy replied that “there will be a proactive review in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance.”

In addition, Chung Chang-sun, chairman of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, suggested that the preliminary feasibility evaluation be approved for the Environmentally Friendly Air Industry Promotion Project, which is being pursued by the Gwangju Metropolitan Government to enhance the vitality of the manufacturing industry in Gwangju, as the industry has been stagnant due to the consumer electronics industry crisis, and to develop the clean-air industry, emerging as a new export industry.

6/25/2020 12:42:55 PM

6

Doing What We Can to Care for the Environment Written by Michael Goonan

FEATURE

C

limate change. A hole in the ozone layer. Mountains of plastic in our oceans. Acid rain. Microplastics.

If you take an interest in environmental issues, you’ve probably heard of at least a few of these. The more one reads, the more overwhelming it all can seem, and the more one might be tempted to throw up one’s hands and say “Why even bother? As an individual person, there’s no way I could make a difference.”

I have certainly been in that mental space myself. Without a doubt, it is possible to find all kinds of justifications for eco-despair. But what if, instead of spending all of that time and energy finding reasons to lose hope, we each spent it on taking just a little bit of action? In the words of Desmond Tutu, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

I know, I know. As much as I love that quote on my more optimistic days, if I read it in an article like this, I’d be as tempted as anyone to say “It must be nice to be so blissfully naive,” too. But hear me out.

I write this article not as an expert but as an ordinary person. I am not a scientist, an activist, a philanthropist, or a public figure. In today’s world, many of us are fed the message that if we are not a “very important person” of this sort, our efforts to better the world are a waste of time. We do, however, retain an inner knowing of the truth that change happens, little by little, when we all make the personal decision to live it in some small way in our own lives. From there, we can get friends, family, and those in our community involved. And there is an unknowable ripple effect that goes far beyond that. It may not be immediately visible to us, but that does not diminish its importance.

This line of reasoning can help us to uncover some hope within the usual frame of reference of our culture – a world of “winners” and “losers” – in which it is theoretically possible for an underdog to win out over the proverbial “forces of darkness.” But this still leaves many of us feeling a sluggish, half-baked kind of hope. We are “behind” in the game, as it were, and it’s not easy to make a big comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 6

6/25/2020 12:42:55 PM

7 In his thought-provoking book The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible, Charles Eisenstein challenges us to question this entire paradigm in order to rediscover the true power ordinary people have to make a positive difference in the world: “I spoke recently with Kalle Lasn, the founder of the radical magazine Adbusters and a man who has devoted his entire life to promoting and practicing hands-on activism. He told me that for some time now he hasn’t been spending much time on politics or the magazine because he is taking care of his ninety-five-year-old mother-in-law.... My dear reader, can you countenance a reality in which to save the planet, we have to neglect our ninety-five-year-old mother-in-law?

There must be a place in our understanding of how the universe works for the intimate, uncalculated acts of service that are such a beautiful part of our humanity.”

2020�7��(July)_.indd 7

July 2020

The crux of my article is this question: What is it that makes service to the planet worthwhile? Again, I find Eisenstein’s point about the satisfaction in caring for one’s sick, elderly relative instructive. Do most of us care for our elderly friends and family because we hope to get an inheritance? Because we think that our care will result in many more years of productive life for the person?

Because if we don’t care for them, others will judge us and say we are neglecting someone who needs us? While these instrumentalist reasons may motivate a person to some degree, most readers would agree that they are inadequate on their own, even dehumanizing. What really motivates us to care for that special elderly person is love. The same is true when it comes to our planet. As Eisenstein writes so

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Originally, for this article, I simply intended to promote a nascent beach litter cleanup program I’ve started in Yeonggwang, where I live. I intended to give you a laundry list of problems, statistics, and possible solutions combined with a “call to action” for others in Jeollanam-do to get involved and organize similar actions in communities in which you find yourself. Don’t get me wrong, I would still love you to do that, and if you want to collaborate on such things, I encourage you to contact me. Beyond just promoting my little litter cleanup program though, I wanted to share a greater message that I hope will inspire more than just that.

FEATURE

I love this passage because it jolts the reader right out of her usual way of thinking. Instead of giving undue weight to thoughts about numbers and instrumentality, she is challenged to ask herself a different question: “What is the most beautiful way I can live? At the root of it, what makes me feel the most alive?” For most people, engaging in acts of service – and, where possible, building community while doing so – is just what the doctor ordered. And what’s more, instead of going around sounding like an “alarmist” or “prophet of doom,” one can’t help but convey a joy that is infectious to others.

6/25/2020 12:42:56 PM

8 beautifully in Climate: A New Story, “Caring about other beings, about life, about our planet is aboriginal to our humanness.”

And so, dear reader, beyond anything else, I urge you to nourish this love. Don’t let others disparage you as a “tree hugger,” “naive,” a “do-gooder,” or anything else.

Caring for the planet is a natural and noble thing, and I salute you for whatever you may already be doing to act on it, however large or small. We can do so much more together, and in the process, we can make friends, have a good time, and spend quality time in the great outdoors. If you are interested in sharing ideas for how we can do this in Jeollanam-do, please do get in touch with me. My email address is below. At the moment, my vision is to organize litter cleanups throughout Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. I look forward to making that vision a reality, and perhaps expanding upon it with your help.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Photographs courtesy of Micheal Goonan.

The Author

Michael Goonan is a writer, teacher, and wanderer from Pennsylvania. He currently works as a middle school teacher in Yeonggwang and previously taught in the Czech Republic and Australia. As a philosophy major during his undergraduate years, he is passionate about living a life with “love of wisdom” at its foundation. He writes about his travels, human nature, and other topics of interest at goonan.us. Email: goonanm2@ icloudcom

2020�7��(July)_.indd 8

6/25/2020 12:42:57 PM

9

Time to Buy Some Earplugs!

Noise Pollution in Korea Written by Cami Ismanova

H

ave you ever paid attention to the sounds that occur around you? Your neighbor playing alternative rock with open windows, bikes hastening through the maze of gray streets, or maybe cats having an unbearably good time in spring. All right, those were unpleasant ones.

How about a crackling fire in the cold autumn evening, the silence when children are having a nap, or cash flying out of an ATM? Satisfying, are they not? The world around us is filled with a plethora of sounds. Some of them are calming and pleasant; others are ear-splitting.

The author

Cami Ismanova is a student at Chonnam National University majoring at economics. She loves to travel, listen to jazz, and read books. She is into drawing still lifes, growing plants, and writing these days. Instagram: @camidisman

July 2020

2020�7��(July)_.indd 9

How can we fight against noise pollution to prevent the deterioration of our health? The process consists of a set of simple daily tasks as well as complex environmental policies. The first solution is to plant more trees, which will also be beneficial for our air quality. Secondly, legislative laws imposing restrictions in urban areas on excessively loud noises should be enacted and enforced. Thirdly, sources of loud noise, like construction projects, can be limited by using sound-absorbing materials. Last but not the least, we can buy a set of earplugs to give our ears (and minds) a respite from disturbing decibels such as neighboring students partying at 3 a.m. and listening to Cardi B.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Sometimes, we stop noticing the noise around us because we simply get used to it. Kettles invite us to a cup of pomegranate tea by whistling loudly in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, refrigerators hum quietly, keys rattle, doors groan, papers rustle, and printers whir totally unnoticed.

We do not always pay attention to these because sounds tend to merge into one soundwave that vibrates around without being noticed, which is especially true in urban areas where life is bustling with activity. Here in Korea, it is almost as if we live in beehives of sound – some are calm, while others are full of life and noise that often buzz too loudly. Consequently, we can add noise pollution to the long list of environmental concerns related to modern life.There has been a lot of research going on related to the topic of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Korea.

In tests done by a group of medical researchers at Seoul National University, around 2,870 middle and high school

If noise affects our health in such a detrimental way, can you imagine how it impacts wildlife? Animals use sound to hunt, to attract mates, to warn about a threat nearby, to share their location, and more. Birds, mice, and whales can sort of sing, while dolphins even chit-chat using their peculiar “whistles.” As our world gets rapidly industrialized, noise and light pollution disturb natural ways of life for the vast majority of animals.

FEATURE

To determine a sound level, acousticians and audiologists measure sounds by using a logarithmic unit called a decibel (dB). Decibels are usually used to measure the loudness of a sound, while hertz (Hz) is applied as an estimating unit to a frequency. Taking the measurement of sound levels helps acousticians draw a line between innocuous sound and injurious noise, thereby verifying what sound levels are potentially harmful to humans and animals. The threshold for audible sound is 0 dB in humans. Our normal speech, not including yelling, is around 60 dB. Above this, 86 dB is comparable to city traffic, including cars honking, brakes screeching, and engines roaring both day and night. Other sources of noise like motorbikes produce 95 dB, sirens produce 120 dB, and firecrackers can be higher than 140 dB. Sounds that exceed 120 dB might cause discomfort, and any source of noise that surpasses 130 dB will cause pain. The sound of a sonic boom equals more than 200 dB and if standing in its proximity, there’s a good chance it would kill you. That is how loud it is!

students went through audiometric testing and surveying in 2016. The results demonstrated that 17 percent of the tested students showed slight hearing loss. The research states that the surge in usage of personal listening devices and local gaming centers negatively contributes to the development of NIHL, which also happens to cause a deterioration in academic performance. NIHL often develops via professional exposure in the industrial and military fields but also in recreational and social areas. In addition to hearing loss and lower academic performance, noise pollution causes insomnia, anxiety, stress, headache, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, and disturbances in the nervous system. In short, this cannot be good. However, NIHL is 100 percent preventable if precautions are taken.

6/25/2020 12:42:58 PM

FEATURE

10

The 2020 Michael Simning Community Builder Award

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Recognizing Contributions to the Gwangju Community:

2020�7��(July)_.indd 10

6/25/2020 12:42:59 PM

11

E

very year, the Michael Simning Community Builder Award (MSCBA) is given to recognize members of society who contribute their time and effort to make Gwangju better. The award is named after the late Michael Simning who was not just a Gwangju expat but also a dedicated community leader, caring friend, husband, and father. Each year for the past six years, to honor Michael’s memory and legacy, Gwangju nominates new community builders, activists, and networkers for the award. This year’s nominees were Dr. Shin Gyonggu, Sandy V. Loreno (this year’s runner-up), Darrell Slater, and Andrew Vlasblom.

“Michael once said, ‘I came to Gwangju with only a backpack, but I formed a great family here with a beautiful wife and a pretty daughter.’ In this regard, I’m similar to Michael. I also came to Gwangju in the same way. I had nothing but a military backpack. I didn’t know anybody in Gwangju. But I also met a lady and formed a family with one son.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 11

Coretta King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Gwangju is a big, diverse family with a flamboyantly vibrant soul that never tires. So, let us be like our nominees and our winner – restless, creative, and compassionate. Let us make our community even better by lifting up and helping one another just as Michael Simning did.

A Gwangju News article on Michael’s life can be found at https:// gwangjunewsgic.com/features/16657/

The author

Cami Ismanova is a student at Chonnam National University majoring at economics. She loves to travel, listen to jazz, and read books. She is into drawing still lifes, growing plants, and writing these days. Instagram: @camidisman

July 2020

“In contrast, I was born as an introverted person. I feel comfortable when staying at home all alone. I cannot drink, so I don’t ‘speak easy.’ I also don’t mingle with other people comfortably. But I was obliged to be the director of the Gwangju International Center. I found it was a house built on sand. But I continued to work with it, and although I was and still am an extreme introvert, I’m also not one to quit easily. I feel humbled when I’m recognized like this. I want to thank the committee for choosing me for this prize, which I think I do not deserve to receive.”

The Michael Simning Community Builder Award Committee has been selecting award winners since 2015. Previous award winners were Al Barnum (2015), Jeff Hamilton and Kelly Palmer Kim (2016), Sarah Elizabeth Hale (2017), Dana Han (2018), and Daniel Wallace (2019). The committee currently consists of five members: Tim Whitman (The First Alleyway, Chosun University), Chris Bleeker (SIS international school), Bill Mulligan (Kwangju Women’s University), David Shaffer (Gwangju News, GIC), and Arlo Matisz (GFN, Chosun University). Each spring, the committee puts out a call for nominees for the MSCBA on their Facebook page, Gwangju Community Builders. The award winner is announced in the beginning of June to coincide with Michael’s birthday.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

“However, I’m also quite different from Michael. He was outgoing and creative. He created many projects including Speakeasy, The First Alleyway, the Underground Grocers, and the Gwangju Blog, among many other things. Michael was a born networker.

Michael Simning (1974–2014) came to Korea in 1995 from Canada. In addition to teaching, Michael created Speakeasy, a place where expats could socialize; was cofounder of the Underground Grocers, where the foreign community went for hard-to-find foods and cooking ingredients; co-founded The First Alleyway, which still offers the best Canadian-style meals in Gwangju; and was an announcer at GFN, Gwangju’s only foreign language radio station. Michael somehow also found time to serve the community in a myriad of additional ways, often collaborating with the GIC and its director, Dr. Shin.

Michael left us much too soon – in early 2014, after a long bout with leukemia.

FEATURE

On Saturday, June 6, it was announced at The First Alleyway that Dr. Shin Gyonggu was the recipient of the 2020 MSCBA. Dr. Shin is the director of the Gwangju International Center (GIC) and a former professor at Chonnam National University. He has been working to help build the GIC from its inception 21 years ago as a service to the community. Dr. Shin is a role model when it comes to community engagement, social responsibility, and charity work. The GIC he has helped sustain is a hub that merges Gwangju’s international and local communities into one. It offers a wide variety of services that include legal consulting, translations, language exchanges, the GIC Talk, cultural classes, and so much more. Here are some of Dr. Shin’s thoughts about Michael Simning that he shared in accepting the community builder award:

Although Dr. Shin thinks he does not deserve this award, everyone connected to the Gwangju International Center is immensely proud of him! In addition to a crystal plaque, Dr. Shin was awarded a check for 300,000 won to be donated to a charity or program of his choice.

6/25/2020 12:43:00 PM

12

Korea’s Women’s Party Towards a Model for Female Empowerment and Leadership Written by Cristina Murano

FEATURE

Tipping Point

On International Women’s Day (March 8), members of South Korea’s Women’s Party gathered at Seoul Arts College to celebrate the party’s inauguration. This formation embodies a tipping point in South Korean socio-politics, with tipping point being defined as “the critical point in a situation, process, or system beyond which a significant and often unstoppable effect or change takes place.” This tipping point is a culmination of decades of sexism and violence against women that needs to be addressed with greater public urgency.

In 2015, Statistics Korea and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family determined that South Korean men “spent an average of 45 minutes a day on household chores [while] women spent 227 minutes on household chores – five times longer than men.”[1]

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Spycam cases “jumped to nearly 6,500 in 2017 from about 2,400 in 2012.”[2] In fact, more than 6,000 cases “are reported to the police each year and 80 percent of the victims are women.”[3] Note that this number accounts for only the cases that are reported.

A survey carried out by the Seoul Foundation of Women and Family on discrimination among youth found that “female youth experience greater discrimination by over 10 percentage points than their male counterparts in three categories: gender, age, and academic achievement.”[4] Earlier this year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development published data about the gender wage gap in its member countries. South Korea had the largest wage gap at 34.1 percent, meaning men on average make 34.1 percent more than women. This is the 17th consecutive year that South Korea has topped this list.[5]

Interview

In an interview with the Women’s Party co-president, Kim Jina, I asked her to describe the party’s goals and challenges.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 12

Gwangju News (GN): What are your short-term goals?

Kim Jina: Our short-term goal is to have parliamentary members in every city and province after the 2022 local elections. To achieve this, we will form twelve city and provincial consistency branches in addition to the present five nationwide city and provincial branches and create local organizations. Through the Digital Sexual Crimes Agenda Organization, we are currently proposing and passing legislative measures related to the 21st general elections. In addition, to change a maledominated political climate, we need to develop a model for female empowerment and leadership. The Women’s Party is currently designing “political schools” and “parliamentary schools” to meet these ends.

GN: What are your long-term goals for the party?

Kim Jina: Economically speaking, South Korea is a developed nation, but its parties and the National Assembly are still quite male-controlled. The Women’s Party was formed to make policies and laws that advance the agenda of women’s rights, which have been repeatedly neglected by the major political parties amid their power struggle. In addition, cultivating young women as political leaders is not only a long-term goal but an urgent task at present. How else can we have a presidential candidate for the next term?

GN: What are some of the major challenges you face as a party?

Kim Jina: The Women’s Party held a promotional meeting last February 15, an inauguration ceremony on March 8, and ran during the general elections on April 15. Is this not a record worth entering into the Guinness Book as “fastest party formed”? Since the general elections, the party’s efforts have been focused on drafting the party constitution and the party regulations in order to strengthen its foundations. After collecting the opinions of all the party members and holding a series of intense debates, we are close to the final stage.

Seventy-seven percent of the Women’s Party are in their teens and twenties. The level of passion is as intense as in any other party, but the pressing challenges that party

6/25/2020 12:43:00 PM

13

Public Governance

Proportional representation in South Korea’s electoral system is intended to create an easier pathway for candidates from emerging parties to get elected.

However, this hinges on a number of factors, such as regional politics, competition, campaign funding, and public attitudes.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 13

Resources

— For further reading, see Min Gyeong Lee’s works: Reclaim the Language (2016), Reclaim the Wage (2017), and Escape the Corset: The Arrival of an Imagination (2019).

— For more information or to get involved, visit the Women’s Party website at www.womensparty.kr and follow on Twitter @ womensparty2020 or Instagram @womensparty2020.

The author

Cristina Murano’s work is in the areas of education, equity, public governance, and sport, with a focus on youth, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. She is originally from Toronto, Canada.

Instagram: @profondoluce

July 2020

Having women elected to the legislature who represent the needs of women and advocate for gender equity is necessary for a strong and thriving South Korean democracy. It increases accountability, social inclusion, diverse funding initiatives, and balance between groups, ultimately benefiting a broad range of people rather than a select few. The Women’s Party embodies a growing feminist movement in South Korea that aims to elevate women’s leadership and strengthen women’s rights in public governance. This tipping point has been long overdue.

Ock, H. (2015, December 7). Korean men do least housework in OECD. The Korea Herald. http://www.koreaherald.com/view. php?ud=20151207000891 [2] Reuters. (2018, October 22). “Spycam” epidemic seizes South Korea’s women. Al-Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/ epidemic-seizes-south-korea-women-181022042455511.html [3] Bicker, L. (2018, August 3). South Korea’s spy cam porn epidemic.

BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45040968 [4] Kim, B. (2020, May 4). Female and male youth report stark difference in appearance-related stress. The Korea Herald. http:// www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200504000556 [5] Kim Yon-se. (2020, May 12). Korea unrivaled in gender wage gap among OECD members: Korean women make nearly 35 percent less than men. The Korea Herald. http://www.koreaherald.com/view. php?ud=20200512000189 [6] Ock Hyun-ju. (2020, April 16). Regionalism, two-party dominance back to politics in S. Korea: A record number of women took constituency seats. The Korea Herald. http://www.koreaherald.com/ view.php?ud=20200416000918 [1]

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

While the Women’s Party did not have any representatives win seats in South Korea’s 2020 national elections, a record number of “209 female candidates ran in constituencies. With proportional representation seats included, there are 57 women elected, representing about 19 percent.”[6] Change is happening in South Korea, but the formation of the Women’s Party signals that this change is happening far too slowly.

References FEATURE

members face as they strive for education, employment, and survival in a sexist system are urgent. The financial difficulties are that much more pronounced. The party can only sustain itself with the interest and support of the older generation that believe in the party’s value and potential. We are considering how to build a sustainable structure to see positive outcomes and run for elections.

6/25/2020 12:43:01 PM

14

Tattoos: “WHY NOT”?

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

FEATURE

Written and photographed by Yunkyoung Hillel Kim

2020�7��(July)_.indd 14

6/25/2020 12:43:02 PM

15

W

hat is your first thought when seeing someone covered with tattoos? Cool, or not? As I look back on my previous photography, there are many people with tattoos. I could definitely say that the “tattoo” is one of my key themes. However, I typically have not taken pictures of the transition of one particular person as he or she collects more tattoos as time goes by. This article will show you the journey of one person named Hun not only as he adds more tattoos but also the photographic transition that took place in the process.

I hope this article gives you a chance to expand your thoughts on tattoos and photography.

Aug. 30, 2019: The first day we met.

FEATURE

It was a year ago, with my camera, when I was wandering around Chungjang-ro to find someone dope to shoot. I stopped by a shop and a staff member came to me and ask about my camera. She was the first person who ever came up to me, asked questions, and showed interest in my camera. I told her that I could answer her questions if she would allow me to take some pictures of her, and she gladly posed for me. Then she pointed out her senior staff member who soon would also be interested in standing in front of my camera. That was how I first met Hun. Since then, every 2–3 months I have visited him and taken his picture. Since he and I are both photographers and fashion bloggers, we are a good match. ▲ Sept. 24, 2019: Starting work on a new neck tattoo.

▲

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

2020�7��(July)_.indd 15

6/25/2020 12:43:08 PM

16

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

FEATURE

▲ Oct. 10, 2019: The fourth time in his shop.

After I took his picture on the 14th of May, I thought he was complete as an artist. He is now confident and fully focused compared to 10 months ago when we first met. I asked him if I could meet his tattoo artist and, one week later, Hun and I visited “1lusion_Ink.” I had about an hour-long interview with “Illusion,” and I learned the real behind-the-scenes story of the tattoo industry in Gwangju.

According to tattoo artist “Illusion,” it has been about 15 years since the tattoo industry started in Gwangju, which began with “Red Ocean,” continued with “Illusion,” and is now on its “third generation” of artists. Today, there are more than 100 tattoo shops in Gwangju.

Most of the time, Illusion was critical about the reality of the tattoo industry in Gwangju. People are saying that Gwangju is a city of art, but he somewhat disagrees with that claim due to a lack of understanding among the public. For example, as he and Hun walk through suburban areas of the city, without exception, they are criticized by elders. This is why young people who want to pursue further and deeper artistic tracks leave for Seoul, where about a thousand tattoo shops are located in the Hongik University area alone. As an outcast not only in society but also in the tattoo scene in Gwangju, it must be tough, but Illusion strongly expressed his will to stay in Gwangju to spread his artwork.

▲ May.14, 2020: More face tattoos.

Hun is Illusion’s best friend and walking shop advertisement. He has been working on Hun for five years for free and plans to keep on doing so. At one point in our conversation, I asked Illusion what it means to get a face tattoo, since he himself and Hun each have several on their faces. Both of them gave the same answer: “Why not?”

In their answer, I found the core message for this article.

Even I, who loves taking pictures of people with tattoos, have limits and prejudices regarding face tattoos.

However, despite my views, I know there is no limit to art.

The Author

May 21, 2020: Tattoo artist “Illusion” on the left.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 16

Yunkyoung (Hillel) Kim is a priest in the Anglican Church and also a portrait photographer. More of his pictures can be found on Instagram: @hillelkim

6/25/2020 12:43:13 PM

LBlast from the Past 17

Come Rain or Shine Rituals of Traditional Korea For the agrarian economy of traditional Korea, rainfall during the growing season was critical: too much or too little could spell ruin for the harvest and severe hardship for the population. Rituals for rain as well as for not too much rain were conducted to appease the gods and placate the people. In our Blast from the Past article for this issue, we resurrect an article that originally appeared in our September 2006 issue of the Gwangju News, an article penned by Prof. Shin Sang-soon (1922–2011) as “A Ritual for Rain/Shine” and now supplemented here with additional material. — Ed.

Rain Rituals

is, it was considered as the medium of communication between the Heavenly King and the earthly governor of a locale. Therefore, it was customary for anyone passing the pillar to first bow to it; a magistrate made a bow to the pillar daily before commencing with his work.

As a somewhat similar rain ritual, when a region was suffering from a dry spell, the magistrate would take off his usual headpiece, kneel humbly before the pillar, and knock his head against the pillar until it bled.

The bloodletting head-knocking signified finding a compassionate echo in the Heavenly King’s heart while the magistrate waited for his punishment for his lack of virtue or misgovernment.

When a drought was severe, causing immeasurable agony to the people, it was considered to be the Heavenly King’s punishment for an unjustifiable death or a mortifying

Traditional rain ritual conducted by the village womenfolk. (gnedu.net)

July 2020

2020�7��(July)_.indd 17

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

When a nationwide spell of drought threatened his people, the Korean king himself presided over a ritual for rain. In cases of drought over local areas, the concerned local magistrate performed the task. An altar was set up on the top of a mountain and the magistrate ascended to the altar wearing rolled up trousers that exposed his calves. He raised his clasped hands in prayer to the Heavenly King, chanting an incantation for rain. Then, a hooded chastiser would appear with a cane and strike him on the calves until blood flowed from the wounds, symbolizing the removal of any ungodly character in addition to punishment for a weakness in virtue.

Alternatively, a regional magistrate would lash his own calves with a leather whip until blood was drawn.

The ritual could also be performed in the magistrate’s complex, in the Dong-heon (동헌, literally, “east building”), located in the direction of the sunrise. In the center of this office was the main pillar supporting the beam of the building. The pillar was called the “Heavenly Pillar” (cheonju, 천주), bearing a sacred function. That

blast from the past

L

egend has it that in ancient China, Yu was made the son of the Heavenly King because he distinguished himself in governing the waters (chisu, 치수/治水).

So, governing the mountains and rivers well was the most important job for the heavenly son, Cheonja (천자/天子) – that is, the ruler of the country. This age-old tale, indeed belief, permeated into early Korea, when agriculture was the sole means of production for the vast majority of the people, and fair weather was without a doubt the deciding factor for a good harvest. But natural phenomena are not always as fair as people wish them to be and are apt to be whimsical with prolonged rains or spells of drought.

Faced with the people’s angst and anguish caused by the resulting natural disasters, rulers at every administrative level, from national or local, took responsibility for the severe weather conditions, blaming themselves for their own shortage of virtue.

6/25/2020 12:43:13 PM

18

blast from the past

death within the jurisdiction of the magistrate. A thorough investigation would be launched by the magistrate to uncover any grudge or complaint that may have been held against anyone recently deceased. For example, if there was a case of suicide by a chaste widow, the cause was thoroughly investigated: Had she possibly been raped, or had she killed herself to preserve family honor? Depending on the result of the investigation, the magistrate would hold a memorial service for the departed one to remedy the injustice incurred and set up a red memorial gate in her honor. Of course the culprits involved in the case would be apprehended and appropriately punished.

During the Joseon Dynasty period (1392–1910) stateorganized rain rituals were categorized into a dozen hierarchically ranked types, including those mentioned above. On the upper end of the ranking were Confucian rituals held at the royal ancestral shrine of Jongmyo (종묘) in central Seoul, and at the lotus pond by Chundangdae pavilion (춘당대) in Changgyeong Palace and at the pond surrounding Gyeonghoe-ru (경회루) in Gyeongbok Palace, both also located in central Seoul. This second type of rain ritual was held in natural settings where a Heavenly Dragon was believed to dwell, such as in forested areas and at bodies of water.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

An interesting rain ritual participated in by children within the palace grounds was Seokcheok-dongja (석척동자, “lizard boy”). Wearing blue outer garments, the palace children would catch a lizard, symbolizing a dragon, and “torment” it by playing with it and exposing it to the scorching sun. The blue-clad children would chant, “Little Lizard, Little Lizard, give rise to white clouds, breathe out moist mist, make the rains pour down, and we will set you free” in the belief that this would induce the Heavenly Dragon to produce rain to save the parching lizard, and by consequence, give much needed relief from the drought.

The performance of rain rituals was not limited to royalty and government administrators. The common folk, the class most seriously affected by severe weather conditions, had their own rain rituals, some conducted by the menfolk, others by the womenfolk. It was often said that the women’s rituals were more effective than those of their male counterparts.

Village men would often hold rain rituals in hilltop areas, where it was common to find unmarked graves of secretly buried bodies, a common practice for the interment of those perishing before marriage. It was generally believed that death before marriage could cause the soul of the deceased to become restless and not properly pass over

2020�7��(July)_.indd 18

▲ Stone stack located in Okcheon-myeon, Chungcheongbuk-do, 1989.

(Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Culture)

to the other world, and that improper burial could also cause misfortune for the living. These rituals would include digging up the corpse, building a large bonfire to produce lots of high-rising smoke, and offering supplications to the heavenly deities.

A common rainmaking ritual performed by village womenfolk was a bit risqué, which probably contributed to its lauded effectiveness. A large group of women would remove their undergarments, urinate on the ground, and then pour water from the village well on the already dampened area, apparently symbolizing rain falling on fertile soil to produce an ample harvest. Other rituals of village women were also steeped in symbolism.

One of these was the pouring of water into a bamboo winnowing basket and sprinkling the water over the ground, obviously representing rainfall from a winnowbasket cloud above. Another was the wearing of bamboo rain hats while simulating the plowing of a field in the rain. A third was the flipping of a treadwheel upside down. While a treadwheel usually carried water up from an irrigation ditch to a rice paddy, a down-turned treadwheel represented rainfall.

Rituals for the Cessation of Rain

Until recent decades, Korean summers regularly consisted of a month-long rainy season (jangma-cheol, 장마철), roughly from mid-June to mid-July, followed by a month-long period of intense heat. This annual rainy

6/25/2020 12:43:13 PM

19

season has been extremely important, particularly when Korea was mainly an agrarian society. Too little rain during the rainy season or too short of a rainy season could lead to drought, while exceedingly heavy rain and an extended rainy season could cause flooding and crop damage, resulting in a poor harvest if not complete decimation of the crops.

When the rainy season continued unabated until Ipchu (입추, the entrance of autumn; August 7 this year), this was an indication that the crops were in danger of ruin.

In a ritual to stop the rains, the local magistrate would erect an altar on the designated mountaintop to proffer many offerings and supplications for the rains to end.

For a ritual appealing for kingdom-wide stoppage of the inundation of rain, a high-ranking official would be sent to perform the rain-halting ritual for three days. If the rains did not stop, the ritual was repeated three times.

The number “3” has long been considered an auspicious number in Korea.

The rituals described herein are those of a bygone era.

However, that is not to say that they have vanished into antiquity. Though Korea’s system of dams and reservoirs has contributed greatly to flood prevention, drought still periodically presents a problem. While today some may offer prayers in their churches, one can still find newspaper articles of rain rituals being performed. Just two examples are the 2015 rain ritual in the Chuncheon area following a months-long drought, which was conducted by none other than Korea Water Resources Corporation officials, and also the 2017 rain ritual during an extended drought in Anseong, participated in by city officials and residents.

In modern Korea, ancient rain rituals live on: “Little Lizard, Little Lizard …”

Original article by Shin Sang-soon.

Supplemented by David Shaffer.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Flood Prevention

2020�7��(July)_.indd 19

A flood prevention stone stele with a facial depiction engraved near its top, located in the Cheongju area, 1989. (Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Culture)

July 2020

Along with heavy and prolonged rains come not only crop damage but also flooding. As traditional Korea lacked dams and reservoirs, rivers overflowing their banks was a common occurrence, particularly in coastal regions and other low-lying areas. To protect against flooding, villages would erect flood-prevention steles of stone called sugumaegi (수구맥이; literally “water source blocker”) in an auspicious location facing in the direction from which flood waters might approach. These steles, and their associated deity by the same name, were believed to keep forceful water energy in check and to supplement geomantic energy when needed. Rituals such as susalmagi (수살막이) were also conducted at the village

blast from the past

▲ Korea Water Resources Corp. officials perform this rain ritual during a 2015 months-long drought in the Chuncheon area of Gangwon-do. (The Korea Times/Yonhap)

stele by the villagers as well as by farmers’ music troupes for the protection of the village against flooding caused by heavy rains and against related disease. Though much like wooden village guardian posts (jangseung, 장승) and prayer poles (sotdae, 솟대), which guarded against maladies and misfortune of all types, sugumaegi steles had the more specific function of preventing flooding.

Similar to sugumaegi steles in both form and function were stone stacks (doltap, 돌탑). These communally built structures of stacked stones could be conical, cylindrical, or hemispherical in shape, and an object was placed in the stone stack’s center, symbolizing the main purpose the stone stack was to serve: A rake or pitchfork would be placed inside for “raking” in good fortune, five types of grain for a good harvest, talismans to ward off evil spirits and misfortune, and a jar of salt to prevent flood damage. Much like talismans, salt was believed to possess the power to stave off evil and adversity.

6/25/2020 12:43:14 PM

20

Lost in Gwangju

Remembering Hak-dong’s Humanity Written and photographed by Isaiah Winters

TRAVEL

I

n 1946, on his second and last visit to Gwangju, Korean independence activist Kim Gu paid a special visit to Hak-dong that would leave a lasting impression on both him and the neighborhood. Moved by the grinding poverty he saw there along the Gwangju Stream, Kim donated funds to then Gwangju Mayor Seo Min-ho specifically to relieve the locals’ suffering.

With those funds, Hak-dong’s Baekhwa Village with its iconic eight-way intersection was created.[1][2][3] Today, the former impecunity of Baekhwa Village has been utterly transformed through an upscale redevelopment project that’s rendered the neighborhood completely unrecognizable. To commemorate the neighborhood’s lost historical footprint, the Baekbeom Kim Gu Memorial Hall was fortunately created in 2015; however, now with ever more redevelopment afoot, I’ve personally taken a keen interest in the remnants of Hak-dong in the aim that, at the very least, pieces of it may survive online.

Written in the interim between eviction and demolition, this article seeks to pay homage to the neighborhood’s enduring humanity by sharing the stories of two of its brilliant residents.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Calligraphy Teacher Kim Yun-hwan

On the second floor of an uninspiring building along Hak-dong Street is an old calligraphy studio that apparently belonged to prolific calligrapher Kim Yunhwan. To be honest, upon seeing the studio entrance smashed in, I wasn’t expecting to find much inside. From the street, it was clear that Kim had used his windows as advertising space for his studio by papering them over with works of calligraphy, and I figured that alone would be worth checking out. Intrigued, I made my way up the stairs and was stunned to find that everything had been left in place, like it’d just closed up shop a few days before. The centerpiece of Kim’s three-room studio was a tiny classroom arranged in traditional fashion: Students would sit cross-legged facing each other on floor mats and receive instruction from a small table at the head of the class – Kim’s table. With ink sets and brushes still in

2020�7��(July)_.indd 20

▲ A student’s-eye-view of calligrapher Kim Yun-hwan’s studio.

place, it was as if I’d just walked in on a class at recess.

As my imagination raced, I got an eerie feeling that class would resume at any minute and Kim would berate me for not removing my shoes. That eeriness turned to sheer paranoia when I heard the echo of heavy footsteps coming up the stairs behind me.

In these moments of panic, options are limited. One option is to hide and hope not to be seen or slip out somewhere like an alley cat. As I was planted in the middle of Kim’s claustrophobic studio, neither of these options seemed feasible. Another option is to greet the

The prolific calligrapher himself, Kim Yun-hwan.

6/25/2020 12:43:15 PM

21 person head-on and politely explain why I’m there – to take pictures and admire the past. Sometimes I even show pictures I’ve taken to disarm the other and deescalate the situation. For whatever reason, this time I decided to instead do something I normally don’t do: Make a bit of noise in the hopes of scaring the other off. Thankfully, on this occasion it worked. Shaken by the near encounter, I hurriedly looked around the studio snapping photos and admiring Kim’s prolific output. A single cabinet had scores of rolled-up hwaseonji (traditional Korean calligraphy paper) brushed by his expert hand – each the height of a man. In addition, every windowpane and wall was covered with his works and photos of him proudly exhibiting them in art studios. In researching this article, I failed to find a single trace of Kim online, which only endeared me more to his purely material collection and inspired me to share his talents digitally before they’re gone forever.

Photojournalist Jo Do-hyeong

TRAVEL

Beyond the dark brick walls of an impressive two-story residence is a bedroom storing a local photographer’s prodigious works: thousands of film negatives, half meticulously organized into over forty labeled cubbies and half still scattered about in storage bags. Among the negatives was the photo ID card of Jo Do-hyeong, which identified him as a “photo artist” for CNS Korea’s ▼ Photojournalist Jo Do-hyeong with everything he loved most.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

2020�7��(July)_.indd 21

6/25/2020 12:43:17 PM

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

TRAVEL

22

▲ A look north from Jo Do-hyeong’s rooftop at how Hak-dong has changed.

photo news team. Beneath this, stacks of priceless family heirlooms emerged, including Jo’s wedding photos, his son’s military dog tags, and even photos of Jo himself holding his favorite camera. Most apropos were a few pictures Jo had taken of the surrounding neighborhood from the roof of his home back in 1988. With these in hand, I made a beeline up to the rooftop to compare them to the Hak-dong of 2020. Facing south, only the hills could still be made out in the distance, as Hak-dong and its surroundings have changed so much. Looking north, the expansion of Namgwang Church and a new string of high-rise apartments have obscured Chosun University Hospital, which once towered over the area from a nearby hilltop. It’s serendipitous finds like this that more than make up for all the time lost rummaging through others’ discarded minutiae.

As with the aforementioned calligrapher, I failed to discover anything definitive about Jo online. He’s just one more example of Hak-dong’s many brilliant residents whose purely material remnants are soon to vanish. In a way, there’s something enviable about their lot; they’re part of an ever-shrinking cohort with apparently no digital footprint – the last of the “analog humans,” as it were. While researching for this article, I luckily stumbled upon a recent article from Women’s Comprehensive News about how the director of Gwangju’s East District, Im Taek, has just signed a business agreement with the housing cooperative in charge of Hak-dong’s current redevelopment. His aim is to preserve the fading memory of Hak-dong’s fourth zone (the one featured here) by collecting photos and stories of local residents

2020�7��(July)_.indd 22

and significant places in the neighborhood. Roughly translated, Im stated, “It’s a pity that so much human capital retaining the history and identity of the area is in danger of disappearing due to the redevelopment and maintenance project in the old town … I’ll try to make its remembrance possible.”[4] Sharing his sentiment, I hope this humble article and the images I’ve collected carry the works of Kim and Jo over into the digital world where they can be appreciated forever.

Sources [1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

Jeong, D. (2014, October 01). 광주 학동에 ‘백범 김구 기념관’ 세운다.

Hankyoreh. http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/area/area_general/657873. html Jang S. M. (2020, April 27). 백범의 숨결 스민 광주 ‘ 백화마을.’ Gwangju Ilbo. http://www.kwangju.co.kr/article. php?aid=1587913200694422131 Ernesto (2018, December 10). 역사 교사인 나도 몰랐다, 광주백범기념관. OhmyNews. http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_ Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0002494645 Lee, G. (2020, May 24). 광주광역시 동구, 주택재개발조합과 마을인문자산 보존 ‘맞손.’ 여성종합뉴스. http://womannews.net/ detail.php?number=226701

The Author

Originally from Southern California, Isaiah Winters is a Gwangju-based urban explorer who enjoys writing about the City of Light’s lesser-known quarters.

When he’s not roaming the streets and writing about his experiences, he’s usually working or fulfilling his duties as the Gwangju News’ heavily caffeinated chief proofreader.

6/25/2020 12:43:18 PM

23

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Created by Jon Dunbar

Look for the answers to this crossword puzzle to appear in August in Gwangju News Online (www.gwangjunewsgic.com)

DOWN 1 ___ Storybook Center 2 Integrated circuit semiconductor 3 Taekwondo levels 4 Small streams 6 Juggalo band 7 Pale green gemstone 8 Rotten person (2 WORDS) 9 Put in jail 10 Goes with mug or liver

ARTS & CULTURE

5 Seoul Garosu-gil neighborhood

11 Query 19 What to do at Yongpyeong 21 Convent member 23 Jenner or Minogue

ACROSS 1 The soon-to-be-called Disease Control and Prevention Administration 5 Drink slowly 8 Japanese lute 12 Ilhan or Bradley

32 “___ to Joy” 33 Korean storytelling music style 36 Pavarotti’s voice 38 Bluish-purple flower

14 Musician Tori

41 2020 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights awardee Bedjo

15 Not even one 16 US public radio 17 ROK’s neighbor 18 Evaluate 20 Incapable of producing a chemical reaction 22 Diced radish kimchi

25 Historical age 26 Female author 28 Island near Jeju-do 29 Goes with capita or diem 31 Greek hunting goddess 34 Peaceful protests (HYPHEN)

45 Park Chung-hee’s hometown

35 Movie music

46 Claude Debussy’s “La ___”

36 “Cat on a Hot ___ Roof ”

48 Persian country

37 Dining

49 Strategy

39 Ministry of Agriculture, Food and ___ Affairs

50 Bebe Rexha’s “____ Mess” (2 WORDS)

40 Goes with Little or lemon 42 Mountains in western Russia

27 Gwangju Mayor Lee

52 Stars

43 Type of iPod or cryptocurrency

30 Vein of metal

53 Our star

44 Chew

31 Found next to the space bar

54 Women’s wrestling TV show

47 Help Me ___

2020�7��(July)_.indd 23

July 2020

51 Prominent Korean graffiti artist

24 Coke alternative

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

13 Frozen water

40 Goes with Mart, Giants

24 Soda, to some

6/25/2020 12:43:18 PM

24 From Abroad

Visiting the Castle of Queen Maria in Bulgaria Written by Melline Galani

Queen Maria Alexandra Victoria of Edinburgh is considered one of the most successful sovereigns of Europe in the last century. She was born in 1875 in Kent, England,

and was the niece of the legendary Queen Victoria. Her father, Prince Alfred, was the second son of Queen Victoria. Her mother, Duchess Maria of Edinburgh (born Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia), was the only living daughter of Tsar Alexander II of Russia.

At the age of 18, she became Queen of Romania through her marriage to Prince Ferdinand Viktor Albert Hohenzollern Meynred. They had five children: two sons and three daughters – the eldest, Carol (the future king of Romania, Carol

II); Nicolae; Elizabeth (Helena), the future queen of Greece; Maria (Marioara), the queen of Serbia; and Iliana the youngest, who married Antony, the Duke of Habsburg.

From 1913 to 1940, Balchik belonged to the Kingdom of Romania, together with the rest of South Dobrogea. In 1940, ownership passed to the Bulgarians. This small Bulgarian town (as the name suggests – Balikchik) is located about 64 kilometers from Vama Veche (Romania), sharing the same shores of the Black Sea.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

TRAVEL

T

he Balchik Palace is a former summer residence of Queen Maria of Romania, built in 1924–1927 by Italian architects Amerigo and Augustino, and also known as the “Quiet Nest,” as the Queen often called her summer getaway. She had discovered the place in 1924 and instantly fell in love with it.

Balchik Palace (Stoyan Kolev, Unsplash)

2020�7��(July)_.indd 24

Queen Maria of Romania wearing the steel crown.

6/25/2020 12:43:20 PM

25

▲ Interior of Balchik Palace.

made me search for the real history of my country. I still remember the first emotions and chills I had, seeing the palace, but mostly, seeing the amazing gardens.

The Balchik Palace still holds a special place in my heart, even if it has been a while since I last saw it. I was there during one of my summer vacations that I spent at Albena Resort in Bulgaria, a little over 15 kilometers away from Balchik, some years ago. ▼ Cacti garden.

Since I like exploring surroundings so much, I took one day for a special trip to the Queen’s Castle. I didn’t know much about it at the time, and to tell the truth, neither did I know much about the Queen (education during the time of Communism was very subjective). It was this trip that

2020�7��(July)_.indd 25

July 2020

Queen Maria was passionate about flowers and managed to create a real botanical garden at the castle, with 3,000 species of plants, some of them quite rare, but also with over 250 species of cactuses, which turned the place into a unique one in Central and East Europe. The 12 gardens were created not only

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

In addition to the main building, Balchik has several smaller villas and several terraced gardens. There is also a chapel, which was built as a place of prayer for Queen Maria. It is the smallest church in Bulgaria and the place where the Queen wanted her heart to rest. It now houses the box containing the heart of Queen Maria, who is buried in a monastery in Romania.

TRAVEL

▲ Rose gardens. (Ash Ashley, Unsplash)

The building was erected by order of Queen Maria and was her summer residence, and at the same time, it was also her favorite place. It has a rather austere air and a small number of rooms, but from the terrace, you can admire the sea. The Queen built the castle, combining the Italian and Turkish styles, with minarets. The walls of the structure are whitewashed. Besides the castle, inside there is a restaurant where the Queen dined. This restaurant is open to visitors today.

6/25/2020 12:43:23 PM

26

TRAVEL

for their beauty; each arrangement and each plant is symbolic. The Cretan Labyrinth stands out, with its construction materials brought in from the island of Crete, as does the Divine Garden, with its alleys of Moroccan cobblestones.

The botanical garden is also decorated with statues, waterfalls, and artworks from all over the world. An interesting place to see in the garden is the Nymphaeum, located in the eastern part of the complex, overlooking the sea and beach. The Nymphaeum is also called “The Water Temple” and is an open-air construction with pillars and a pool. According to some sources, the Queen liked to come to this temple on special occasions and contemplate the stars’ reflection in the clear water.

The romantic and artistic sides of Queen Maria found their expression in these gardens. That was the feeling I got when I entered those alleys full of colored flowers and scents. I guess that since I’m also an incurable romantic, I’m always in love with mysteries, unshared love, adventures, and romance. These were the feelings I embraced during my walk through the gardens of Queen Maria’s Quiet Nest in Bulgaria.

Exterior of Balchik Palace

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

▲

▲ The Balchik Palace gardens and baths.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 26

The author

Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, who is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic.

Instagram: @melligalanis

6/25/2020 12:43:26 PM

2727

Support the GIC! Be a Member!

Annual Membership Fee: General: 40,000 won; Student: 20,000 won; Group: 20,000 won (min. 10 persons).

Inquiry: member@gic.or.kr / 062-226-2733

▲ Marie of Edinburgh, Queen of Romania

Send the Gwangju News to your loved ones back home!

The Gwangju News has been serving the community since 2001 by delivering news and information to the international communities of Gwangju. Send the Gwangju News to your family and friends back home, and let them know about Gwangju!

Payment can be made through bank transfer, cash, or Paypal.

July 2020

Bank Transfer: Kwangju Bank (사)광주국제교류센터: 134-107-000999 Paypal: gic@gic.or.kr Inquiry: gwangjunews@gic.or.kr or 062-226-2733

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Annual Subcription Rates: • Asia and Australia: 40,000 won (US $40) • Europe: 50,000 won (US $50) • America, Africa: 60,000 won (US $60)

2020�7��(July)_.indd 27

FOODTRAVEL & DRINKS

The Gwangju International Center (GIC) is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to promote cultural understanding and to build a better community among Koreans and international residents. By being a member, you can help support our mission and make things happen! Join us today and receive exciting benefits!

• One-year free subscription and delivery of the Gwangju News magazine.

• Free use of the GIC library.

• Free interpretation and counseling services from the GIC. • Discounts on programs and events held by the GIC. • Up-to-date information on GIC events through our email newsletter.

6/25/2020 12:43:27 PM

TRAVEL

28

Around Korea

Traditional retreat in the Damyang forest.

▲ Damyang Bamboo Forest

A Date with Destiny The Damyang Bamboo Forest Written and photographed by Fatemeh Khalili

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

W

hen I look at the pictures I’ve taken in Korea, I find that instead of keeping and recording these precious moments in my diary, I’ve just kept them as photographs. I know it’s a pity not being able to write down my memories, but I’ll now be able to tell my adventurous stories in Korea. I have been dreaming about studying in Korea since 2008.

I’m so fond of the world’s traditional cultures, so I fell for Korea’s traditional “pansori” music. I taught English from morning till night while studying Korean to save up money to travel to Korea. Finally, this dream came true in the summer of 2017. Back then, I thought I should see Korea with my own eyes to see if it matched up with what I knew and heard about it. As expected, Korea never disappointed me and made my dream even bigger than before.

With much regret, I couldn’t visit Gwangju in 2017.

Therefore, you can’t believe how happy I was when I

2020�7��(July)_.indd 28

found out that as a Global Korea Scholarship (GSK) student, I was supposed to do my Korean study program in Gwangju. At that moment, I thought it was nothing but destiny.

Brought to Gwangju by destiny, I decided to visit the beautiful bamboo forest of Damyang, also known as Juknokwon (죽녹원), which is a panda’s favorite playground on a sunny day. I had heard a lot about it.

It takes approximately one hour to Damyang (담양) from Gwangju by bus. But the scenery around us was so fascinating that we didn’t realize how fast the time passed.

Seeing Bonghwangru pavilion (봉황루) surrounded by bamboo trees was a sign that we had reached our destination. As we entered the bamboo forest, the bamboo trees rising up to the sky caught our eye. As soon as you enter the forest, depending who you are with and what mood you are in, you can select which path to take.

There are eight courses to choose from in the bamboo forest: Good Luck Road (운수대통길), Meditation Road,

6/25/2020 12:43:28 PM

29

TRAVEL TRAVEL

▲ Bonghwangru pavilion

Lovers’ Lane, Old Friends’ Trail, Old Memories Byway Seonginsan Trail (성인산 오름길), Philosopher’s Road, and Scholar’s Road. Any one trail can lead to other trails.

As I went there with my four great friends, we started with Old Friends’ Trail. Getting closer to the hanok (한옥) resting area, the traditional Korean houses in the forest made us feel like characters in a historical drama.

We really wanted to stay at the traditional hanok houses in the forest for the night, and when I asked if that was possible, they told us it served as a guest house and that one needed to make a reservation in advance. So, if you decide to visit the Damyang Bamboo Forest one day, keep this in mind!

The most interesting hanok that caught my attention in the middle of the forest was the one with a traditional Korean fireplace (agungi, 아궁이) and jangdokdae (장독대), which is a place for storing the earthenware crocks and jars of sauces and kimchis in the yard. Seeing the person living peacefully in that house made me envy him.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 29

They filmed the popular TV show “Two Days, One Night” here starring Lee Seung Gi some years ago. Therefore, I recommend that you watch Episode 78 of the first season on YouTube to see how beautiful this place is.

We walked from morning until well into the afternoon.

We felt exhausted, so we had some cool and sweet bamboo ice-cream that made us feel refreshed. Before going back to campus, we enjoyed our ice-creams and admired the Damyang houses, bringing an end to this fun day!

The Author

Fatemeh Khalili is an Iranian GKS student studying Korean at Chonnam University. She will start her master’s program in Korean literature in Seoul this autumn. She loves literature because she believes each country’s emotion and culture is included in its literature. Therefore, she wants to act as a bridge between Korea and Iran by translating each country’s literary works. Instagram: @koreanicles

July 2020

This forest was so vast – full of uphills and downhills that make you so thirsty after all the walking. Then at that thirsty moment, a beautiful lady came out of the teahouse next to the pond and offered us bamboo tea for

I had another wish of mine come true when I found that there is a room in the forest where you can play the gayageum (가야금) as a cultural experience.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

I heard that in Joseon Dynasty times, the king used to send people into exile to Damyang or other places in Jeollanam-do for punishment. It is so beautiful here that I wish I could be sent into exile as well. (Just kidding!)

free. Viewing the enchanting scenery while drinking tea made us feel so peaceful.

6/25/2020 12:43:29 PM

30

Expat Living

Reusable over Disposable Written by Cami Ismanova

I

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

COMMUNITY

often was told that a person can change the world only by changing him/herself first. The change comes when we let awareness, responsibility, commitment, and consistency into our lives. The change is often uncomfortable, annoying, and comes at a cost. It criticizes the way we live, our habits, preferences, and lifestyle. But it also is beneficial, healthy, and satisfying in the long run.

Plastic pollution is a topic that has been stressed about a million times by now. And yet here we are still struggling with it. Let me update you with some new figures to give you an idea. The Break Free From Plastic movement organized 484 major cleaning-up sessions in over 50 countries on six continents in September 2019. As a result, the movement shared its top-10 polluters. On the throne of global plastic waste sit Coca-Cola, Nestle, and PepsiCo. Following them are Mondelez International, Colgate-Palmolive, Mars, Unilever, and Phillip Morris.

Corporations are being their usual selves. The main concern and the most frequent plastic item that pollutes beaches and oceans is packaging. It is known that the biggest consumers of plastic are the high-income countries. But they do have a fairly effective system of waste management. On the other hand, middle- and lowincome countries do not consume as much as the highincome countries, yet they pollute the most because of the lack of well-organized waste management. For instance, recycling is a basic step to prevent plastic pollution. But not all people follow this basic process. And not following it in 2020 is just plain ignorant…

If each and every one of us could lead a little healthier plastic-free lifestyle, it would work wonders!

So, what little steps can we all take to make a big impact on the situation in the long run? First, think “reusable” rather than “disposable.” We can use eco-packaging instead of plastic packaging. Eco Pack products come in whatever design you like. You can even make your own design. They are washable and affordable. They will serve you long. And not just Eco Packs; in summer we all try to get out somewhere where heat can’t reach us. This is the season of picnics, camping, and water-related activities.

So, as usual, some food will be delivered, disposable plastic cups will be used, and straws will be strewn all over the beaches. Why can’t we use tumblers? Just like

2020�7��(July)_.indd 30

the Eco Packs, they come in a variety of shapes and colors. They are affordable and long lasting. They are also multifunctional. You can carry coffee and tea to work, and water and a smoothie to the gym. And it’s trendy!

Third, take outs. Polite Korean service workers are overly eager to meet your customer needs by providing plastic forks and spoons when you order take-out. The easiest thing you can do is not accept the plastic utensils since you will be eating at home or at the office anyway.

In general, metal cutlery is a good idea for a household.

Fourth, if you like fresh veggies and fruits, why wouldn’t you do your grocery shopping at the nearest market instead of at a more distant supermarket, where one little avocado is wrapped in five layers of plastic? Smart and conscious shopping! Fifth, people have tight schedules and little time, which forces us to prepare meals in advance. We can use steel containers instead of plastic ones. But if you already use them, use them as long as they are functional, and instead of throwing them away, just plant flowers in them. That’s what I do these days.

This way, you will prolong the life of that plastic piece.

And this leads me to the last step: planting greens and flowers in your old plastic kitchenware. I use a plastic egg carton to plant seeds in. It doesn’t take much time, but it certainly requires patience and consistency. Seeds and soil are extremely affordable in Korea. So, gardening is fun, fruitful, and won’t hit your pocket.

In conclusion, I would like to encourage you to adapt at least one of the steps mentioned above. Plastic waste harms even the smallest of wildlife. Take baby turtles, for example. They are born with plastic particles inside of them. Our own health is doubtlessly also harmed.

The Earth is choking because of air, water, plastic, noise, and light pollution. Consistent and committed collective action is what is needed now for positive results in the future. So, shall we begin?

The author

Cami Ismanova is a student at Chonnam National University majoring at economics. She loves to travel, listen to jazz, and read books. She is into drawing still lifes, growing plants, and writing these days. Instagram: @camidisman

6/25/2020 12:43:29 PM

31

Hagwon vs.

Public School

COMMUNITY

Katy’s class - Hagwon classrooms are generally small.

A Couple’s Point of View Written and photographed by Katy Clements

W

2020�7��(July)_.indd 31

My husband’s school has a typical work-day schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., whereas I have worked in hagwons that vary in placement of work hours. Kindergarten hagwons, which also serve elementary, middle, and high school students, open early and close late, whereas adult hagwons are typically open in the evening. Pay is a huge difference between public school and hagwon workers.

A public school worker can see a raise in their yearly pay and can top out at 2.7 million won, but a hagwon worker can usually only receive the maximum of 2.3 million won. A public school worker can also acquire a travel school (a second school to teach at) or work in a rural area, which can lead to a bonus. It can be argued that hagwon employees are paid less because a typical

July 2020

When I applied for my position, I worked with a recruiting agency. Recruiters are scouts that represent a hagwon for a finder’s fee. If I am unimpressed with the schools that a particular recruiter is representing, I can find an available job posting on my own or work with different recruiters. Hagwon positions are abundant, and they hire year-round, so job availability is not an issue.

My husband applied with the Jeollanamdo Language Program (JLP), and while I was able to juggle multiple job inquiries, he was only able to work with the agency

he first applied with. Additionally, the intake for public school is usually open twice a year: April and August.

The requirements for either institute are the same. Both of us had to have apostilled degrees, at least a bachelor’s degree, a background check, and a health check. However, public school workers are typically picked up at the airport, trained during an orientation period, taken to get their health checks, and then dropped off at their new apartment. My experience was that I had to go get health checks myself and find my own transportation from the airport. www.gwangjunewsgic.com

hen we travel back home to visit with family and friends, we are always bombarded with questions regarding our work. Even though we both have the same job title, we work in two different types of institutions. I work in a hagwon (학원, private academy), and my husband works in a public school.

Through our relationship, we have learned to work around the particulars of each job, but it is not until we explain the differences to friends that we really notice. Education in Korea is a chief cornerstone of life and an ever-growing business. Typically, young citizens are required to commit to grueling hours of studying for exams and tests. Because most want to aspire to enter an elite university, the demand to learn English is high, and this leads to the desire for native English-speaking instructors.

6/25/2020 12:43:31 PM

32

COMMUNITY

Teaching style is another key difference. In a public school, you have the benefit of working and, in most schools, brainstorming with a co-teacher. In a hagwon, you are often alone and class discipline is often left to the foreign teacher. Furthermore, in a public school there is often only one foreign teacher, but in a hagwon there can be up to five in some cases. Public schools also have access to more technology than most hagwons. For example, in my hagwon, I only have the use of a whiteboard. Typically, I make my own visual aids, which can be costly to me.

My husband has access to a big-screen monitor where he can display PowerPoints, but he usually has to take work home to prepare his lessons ahead of time. Hagwon teachers are tasked with drilling the students and having them memorize vocabulary lists and passages, but rarely am I required to do work on my own time. Moreover, job security is also a desirable benefit of public school life.

You can be assured that if you do well in public school, then you will be able to renew. In a hagwon, however, there is generally a bigger turnover.

▲ Katy’s Hagwon: Hagwons are typically located in office buildings.

hagwon class size can reach up to ten pupils, whereas a public school class can have 35 pupils or more per class.

Even though public schools have bigger classes, I believe that in most hagwons teachers are required to teach more vigorously because they are a business funded by parents who pay for a service. In addition, vacation time is a huge difference for us as a married couple. I will only receive national holidays and five working days off per term.

My husband has 26 paid working days plus national and public holidays.

Even though there are major differences between the two institutions, they share a common goal: to provide guided and fun lessons for students. Each job comes with its benefits and detriments, but overall we get to interact with children who are excited to see us. Most children view English class as a break in their busy day and are excited to see us. No matter where you teach, try to empathize with the students. They are the one aspect our jobs have in common.

The author

Katy Clements is a hagwon teacher in Mokpo, South Korea.

▲

2020�7��(July)_.indd 32

▲

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Mike’s School: Public schools are larger than hagwons.

Mike’s Classroom: Public school classrooms are large and often have more technology.

6/25/2020 12:43:34 PM

33

Everyday Korean

Episode 30 운전면허증

(Driver’s License)

By Harsh Kumar Mishra

Grammar ~(으)려고(요): This is a short form of the grammar point “(으)려고 해요,” which can be used with verbs to mean “planning to ~.”

Ex: : 저는 제주 여행을 가려고요.

I’m planning to go on a trip to Jeju.

grammar point is for indirect speech and can be used when you want to express “I’ve heard that ~ / I thought ~.”

Ex: 토픽 시험이 너무 어렵다고 들었어요. I’ve heard that the TOPIK exam is very tough. 그건 불법이라(고) 들었어. I think / I’ve heard that’s illegal.

Vocabulary driver’s license 운전면허증 receive a certificate / license (자격증)을 따다 to drive 운전하다 to ride 타다 electric kickboard 전동킥보드 illegal 불법 law 법 bicycle 자전거 road 도로 to be changed 바뀌다

Driving-Related Vocabulary

정민:

선배, 제가 운전면허증을 땄어요!

[Seon-bae, je-ga un-jeon-myeon-heo-jeun-geul tta-sse-oyo!]

(Senior), I got my driver’s license!

우와! 축하해. 차 운전하려고?

[Uwa! Chukahae. Cha un-jeon-ha-ryeo-go?]

Jeongmin: Wow! Congratulations. Are you planning to drive (a car)?

데지:

Daisy:

정민:

아니요, 오토바이와 전동킥보드를 타려고요.

[A-niyo, oto-bai-wa jeon-dong-kik-bodeu-reul ta-ryeo-goyo.]

No, I’m planning to ride a motorcycle and an electric kickboard.

전동킥보드는 오는 12월부터 운전면허증 없이 탈 수 있다고 들었는데.

[Jeon-dong-kik-bodeu-neun o-neun ship-i-wol-bu-teo un-jeon- myeon-heo-jeung eop-shi tal su it-tago deu-reon-neun-de.]

Jeongmin: But I’ve heard that from this coming December you won’t need a

license to ride a kickboard.

데지:

아 그래요? 저는 면허증 없이 전동킥보드를 타는 것이 불법이라 들어서 면허증을 땄어요.

[A, geu-rae-yo? Jeo-neun myeon-heo-jeung eop-shi jeon-dong-kik-

Daisy:

bodeu-reul ta-neun geost-i bul-beo-bira deu-reo-seo myeon-heo-jeun- geul tta-sseo-yo.]

Oh, really? I got my license because I heard it’s illegal to ride an electric kickboard without a license.

정민:

괜찮아. 원래 불법이었는데 이번 12월부터 면허가 없어도 자전거도로에서 전동킥보드를 탈 수 있게 법이 바뀔거야.

[Gwaen-cha-na. Wol-lae bul-beobi-eon-neun-de i-beon ship-i-

Jeongmin:

wol-bu-teo myeon-heo-ga eobs-eodo ja-jeon-geo-doro-eseo jeon- dong-kik-bodeu-reul tal su it-ke beo-bi bak-kkwil-geo-ya.]

It’s okay. Originally, it was illegal, but the law is changing this December, which will allow people to ride an electric kickboard on bicycle paths and without a license.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 33

June July 2020 2020

TOPIK GUIDE (topikguide.com) is the most comprehensive website devoted to the TOPIK exam. It has been helping Korean language learners pass the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) for more than eight years. On our website, you can get all the TOPIK updates, grammar and vocabulary material, and study tips. You can also visit our TOPIK Guide YouTube channel.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

버스전용차로 bus-only lane 고속도로 expressway 신호등 traffic lights 교차로 crossroad 사거리 four-way intersection 육교 pedestrian overpass 지하도 underpass 무단횡단 jaywalking

Daisy:

EDUCATION

(adj) ~다고 들었다 / (noun) 이라고 들었다: This

데지:

6/25/2020 12:43:35 PM

34 Gwangju Abroad

How I Found Gwangju in a Swiss City

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

GWANGJU ABROAD

Written by Cho Namhee

W

hile I was working for the organizing committee of the FINA World Championships in Gwangju last year, the delegates of the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), the counterpart of the host city Gwangju, often shared with me that Gwangju gives them the back-home feeling of Lausanne, Switzerland, where their headquarters is situated. Whenever they spotted similarities between Gwangju and their city of residence, I only thought that it was their effort for the sake of formality. But in less than six months of my stay in Lausanne, even though I spent most of that time staying at home, I admit that their comparisons were rational yet very humble.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 34

After roughly fourteen hours of multiple flights from Incheon and a 40-minute drive along the shores of the grand Lac Leman from the nearest Geneva airport, I could finally see the sign “Bienvenue à Lausanne, Capitale Olympique.” The moment I rotated myself 360 degrees, I was captivated by the panoramic Alps across the lake. It was the first similarity between Gwangju and Lausanne. Though the Alps might be more widely known than Mudeung Mountain, I felt the same strength as when I had the peak of Mudeung behind my back.

It was the feelings of warmth, comfort, and protection that transcend the difference between the East and the West. As we all admire and love Mudeung Mountain, it

6/25/2020 12:43:35 PM

35 seemed that the lakeside and hill dwellers here had the same feelings towards their surroundings. People spend a lot of time either in the mountains or by the lake, or with a view of both.

On top of the geographical similarities, both cities boast of their rich culture and arts scene. From the early 20th century, the city of Lausanne not only was a holiday destination for people from neighboring countries such as France and Italy, but also served as a refuge for artists.

It is worth noting that the city attracted countless creative people, including Ernest Hemingway. As a consequence, the city has more than two dozen museums and art galleries despite the city being less than one-tenth of the size and population of Gwangju. Musée de l’Elysée, a museum entirely devoted to photography; Fondation

▲ IOC Headquarters. (creativecommons.org)

The Author

▲ Lausanne Cathedral, Lake Leman, and the Alps.©REGIS COLOMBO

de l’Hermitage, a showcase of Swiss and international modern artists; and Musée Olympique, the Olympic museum are a few of the well-known museums and galleries in Lausanne. Furthermore, with the abovementioned cultural and artistic heritage, the city hosts numerous contests and festivals, including the Prix de Lausanne, a famous dance competition.

Lausanne street. (Patrick R.Doyle, Unsplash)

July 2020

2020�7��(July)_.indd 35

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Last but not least, the city is known as the Olympic Capital, the home of international sports. Along with the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), there are approximately 50 international sports federations and sports-related organizations that call Lausanne and its canton Vaud (equivalent to a province in Korea) their home. Ever since Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Movement, chose Lausanne as the base for the IOC headquarters, it has spontaneously attracted affiliated federations and organizations to Lausanne. In 1994, the city was officially promoted to Olympic Capital and is slowly being recognized as the capital in all aspects of sports; this includes being the host of the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games. Similarly, Gwangju played host to the 2019 FINA World Championships.

Cho Namhee is an over-zealous sports fan and free spirit who calls Gwangju home. After working for the Gwangju International Center and the 18th FINA World Championships Gwangju 2019, he has taken on the position of sports coordinator at FINA.

GWANGJU ABROAD

My comparison of these two cities may heavily rely on my positive attachment to Gwangju, as I call it my second hometown. However, I am confident that if I tell the FINA delegates, who are now my colleagues, that I now agree with them that Gwangju and Lausanne are quite alike, they will not be surprised. I hope everyone back home in Gwangju is safe and well, and I hope that I can get to discover more of this city and this country very soon.

6/25/2020 12:43:38 PM

36

New York City. (Gwendolyn Conneally)

“Black Lives Matter”

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Global Connection

2020�7��(July)_.indd 36

Written by Farida Mohammed and Sesetu Holomisa On June 6, 2020, in Hwasun County, South Korea, we gathered with a group of friends and fellow expats living in the Jeollanam-do area to document our support and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and protests in the U.S. Despite the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter Korea group organized a demonstration that followed social distancing recommendations to maximize our voices and show up for such an important issue. People are coming together globally to show their support for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Tysha Miller, Eric Garner, Natasha McKenna, and countless other victims killed in police custody in the U.S.

6/25/2020 12:43:39 PM

Photo Essay 37 What if you saw someone crushing a man’s neck with his knee? What if the man crushing the other man’s neck were a police officer? This is the documented abuse we saw in the case of George Floyd, and this mistreatment of black people is a historic aspect of American history. While these tragic events have always gotten a reaction, it has never been on this scale. The world is watching and standing up to this injustice together.

The Black Lives Matter movement, founded in 2013 in the wake of Treyvon Martin’s death, was the start of a new era of civil rights activism, and with the power of social media, we are increasingly bringing these issues into the light and giving more access to people to learn about them and stand up against racism. American institutional racism is layered with cultural, historical, and social nuances, yet on a human level, it is understandable that it is an injustice to be more likely targeted and killed based on the color of your skin. Virtually giving our voice to the larger community of Black Lives Matter activism allows us to stay connected and supportive. It has never been more vital that we post content to strengthen solidarity against the use of lethal force and the systemic racism pervasive still in today’s society.

The Author

Farida Mohammed is a professional English teacher with a passion for better understanding social justice issues. She holds degrees in political science and Spanish and is preparing to return to school to continue studying humanities. She enjoys reading and taking hikes on cooler days in the mountains. Please visit BlackLivesMatter.com to learn more about the movement and get involved. Instagram: @summeritacol

The Author

Sesetu Holomisa’s hobbies lately include sleeping and living in the alternate universe that she’s created in her mind and creating multiple playlists for the events that take place there. It’s much easier than internalizing and trying to comprehend anything that’s happening in reality. Instagram: @szaholomisa

Americans showing support: It is important to solve this violence and injustice over 400 years in the making. (Sesetu Holomisa)

▲

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

2020�7��(July)_.indd 37

6/25/2020 12:43:40 PM

38

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

ARTS & CULTURE

Intersectionality: Highlighting the importance of being inclusive of all black lives, and the fact that it is pride month makes it more crucial to highlight the importance of not glazing over members of the LGBTQ community. (Sesetu Holomisa)

2020�7��(July)_.indd 38

6/25/2020 12:43:41 PM

39

ARTS & CULTURE

United at six feet apart. (Farida Mohammed)

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Say their names, the victims of police brutality. (Farida Mohammed)

2020�7��(July)_.indd 39

6/25/2020 12:43:46 PM

40 Restaurant Review

Jeolla’s Countryside Cuisine

FOOD & DRINKS

In the Heart of Gwangju

Written and photographed by Melline Galani

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

I

have passed by Sigoljib many times, admiring only the building itself and the garden in front of it, but I never entered to try its food until a short while ago.

We wanted something special for lunch, so we went to a restaurant recommended by one of my colleagues.

Since it was really crowded and had a long waiting line outside, we had to change our plans. We headed for Dongmyeong-dong looking for an alternative. When we arrived in front of Sigoljib, we decided unanimously that this was the lunch place. The sunny and warm weather, the bright colors of the flowers and trees in the garden, and the interesting architecture of the house made us think no more.

Living in Gwangju for a while now, I have gotten used to so many dishes from diverse countries and, of course, Korean cuisine that I have become somehow hard to impress anymore. Sigoljib, literally meaning “country house,” is one of the few restaurants that has caught my attention lately. The interior is a combination of old and new, urban and countryside style, offering a special touch. Various old items are on display inside. It has two floors and plenty of space, but it was rather packed during lunchtime. It has big, wide windows, and it’s a pleasure to look outside at the beautiful garden while eating. Even

2020�7��(July)_.indd 40

the menu is made in an authentic traditional style, being written on rice paper glued to the walls. I think the entire building has a distinct charm, making people think of their childhood homes, a feeling of being at granny’s countryside house.

Some tables are Korean style with no chairs, but they are placed on wooden platforms. On the second floor,

Samgyeop-kimchi-jjim (pork belly with kimchi).

6/25/2020 12:43:47 PM

41

The food arrived really fast, despite the fact that the place was full. The side dishes (반찬, banchan) were absolutely amazing and extremely fresh. It had been a while since I had last enjoyed such good banchan. The dishes that we ordered were mild to spicy but delicious, and made for two people (plenty of food, in my opinion). A glass of makgeolli (막걸리) completed the feast. The value for the money is excellent if you ask me. We paid 10,000 won for the kimchi-jeon, 23,000 won for the dak-bokkeum-tang, and 24,000 for the steamed pork belly with kimchi. Some

of the dishes can also be ordered for one person.

I would recommend this “country house” to anyone who wants to try authentic, traditional-style Korean food. I consider Sigoljib as a reference point for local cuisine and a must-try restaurant.

SIGOLJIB (시골집) Address: Gwangju, Dong-gu, Jang-dong 73-2, 1st Floor 광주광역시 동구 장동 73-2번지 1층 Operating Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., closed on national holidays.

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

there is a room with benches and tables, so people don’t have to take their shoes off and sit on the floor. I liked it so much that I visited twice in two weeks. Because I love kimchi and can’t live without it, we ordered kimchijeon (김치전), samgyeop-kimchi-jjim or steamed pork belly with kimchi (삼겹김치찜), and dak-bokkeum-tang (닭볶음탕). Kimchi-jeon is basically a pancake made with sliced kimchi and other vegetables. Dak-bokkeum-tang is a traditional Korean dish made with chunks of chicken plus vegetables and spices and resembles a Western-style stew. Samgyeop-kimchi-jjim also resembles a stew, and as the name suggests, is pork belly steamed with kimchi and spices.

The author

Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, who is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic. Instagram: @melligalanis

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

2020�7��(July)_.indd 41

Sigoljib (main entrance and garden).

July 2020

Dak-bokkeum-tang (pan-broiled chicked).

6/25/2020 12:43:48 PM

42

“The Man Who Paints Time” (시간을 칠하는 사람)

Reviewed by Viktoryia Shylkouskaya

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing one of the performances of “The Man Who Paints Time” at the ACC, timed to the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement. At first glance, the performance space looked more like an industrial warehouse than a theater. You enter a very big, dark room with an impossibly high ceiling. In the dark room, you only can see a five-row seat module facing one of the walls of the room. The wall is decorated to resemble a threestory building, which makes it look like a construction site. Surprised at first, I mistakenly thought I had been led on a sort of backstage tour. But no, I was at the right place. This form of theater space is called a “black-box” or “flexible-seating” theater. Either of these names is actually quite descriptive. This type of theater is generally housed in a large, black, rectilinear room. In such a space, audience seating may be moved around, allowing the performance area to flow through and around the seats, while the use of risers helps facilitate better sightlines.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Play REVIEW

Y

ou probably know what 4D cinema is, where your seat moves in sync with the movie action, allowing you to “feel” the movie’s motion. But have you heard about 4D theater play, in other words, a “black-box” or “flexible-seating” theater? The ACC’s “The Man Who Paints Time” is one of them!

2020�7��(July)_.indd 42

The play starts. It gets incredibly busy in front of the building with construction workers, some locals, and passers-by. It is only three meters from where I am sitting to the actors. We hear the sound of a bulldozer, which is about to demolish the building. Suddenly, the seating platform holding the audience starts rolling towards the building, and I understand – we are the bulldozer that is moving to ram the building’s walls. Someone shouts: “Person in the building!” All the attention follows the light to the third floor. We see a man with a brush in his hands. It is Kim Young-sik, a man who cannot allow the demolition of the building because its walls hold the memories of past years. Every brick in its walls holds memories of his wife and son, who fell victim to a brutal military crackdown in Gwangju in 1980. These walls remember his entire life; these walls remember everything. The man suddenly jumps out of the window and the lights go down. To be honest, it is only five minutes into the play and I have already gotten goosebumps! It is the most unusual start to a play I have even seen.

The lights come on again and we are back in time. The play tells us the story of the building with white walls and people who work there. The building is the former Provincial Office of Jeollanam-do, which later became the center of the May 18 Democratization Movement that unfolded in Gwangju in 1980. Kim Young-sik is one of the workers who is tasked with painting the facade walls of the building. One day, he meets the love of his life, Myung-sim, an office worker from the same building.

Their love story starts from sharing an apple. We see apples so many times throughout the performance because the play employs a large number of metaphors.

“Apple” (사과, sagwa) in Korean is pronounced the same as the Korean word for “apology,” making them homonyms. Throughout the play, the son of Young-sik and Myung-sim will eat apples while talking with his parents; later while busy with work, Myung-sim will give an apple to her son while he waits to play with her. It is

6/25/2020 12:43:49 PM

43

The white walls of the Provincial Office can be interpreted as well as a symbol of authority and power, things that are put in order, and political subordination. On the other side, the colorful paint stands for young activists who are not scared to make a difference, a symbol of the much-needed spark for large-scale change in Korean society. The child with colorful crayons symbolizes the importance of today’s youth building our future. Painting with colors represents the voice of a young generation that is not scared to stand up for what it believes in, especially at a time when adults are butting heads over policies and politics. At the end of the play, the son of Young-sik and Myung-sim gets killed while painting on the white walls of the Provincial Government Office. Two contrasting red lines on the white wall left after a tank rolls through is a symbol of the bloody political history of Gwangju and South Korean democracy.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 43

Photographs courtesy of Asia Culture Center.

Location: ACC Theater, 38 Munhwajeondang-ro, Donggu, Gwangju 61485 Information on previous plays Date: October 16–20, 2019; May 27–31, 2020 Time: Weekdays 19:00; Saturday 15:00, 19:00; Sunday 15:00 Price: 30,000 KRW *The show is expected to run again in October 2020 or May 2021 **Tickets sell out really fast, so hurry up and buy them for the next season!

For more information, visit https://www.acc.go.kr/

The Author

Viktoryia Shylkouskaya is a 25-year-old Belarusian currently residing in Gwangju.

She moved to South Korea in 2016 without any knowledge of the country or language. What she thought would only be one year has since turned into many more. Instagram: @shylk.vick

July 2020

I encourage you to go see a performance of “The Man Who Paints Time” when it returns to the ACC. Hundreds of theaters across Korea are putting on different plays, but I guarantee you will not find one quite like the ACC Theater’s rendition. If you want to get a unique chance to

go through what Gwangju people have gone through and experience what a 4D theater play is like, then come out and support these fine actors!

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

The play is definitely an emotional rollercoaster for the audience. The mobile audience seating platform moves from place to place during the performance, blurring the boundaries of performance art. Scenic elements become less important in the black-box theater, although lighting, props, and sound retain a great deal of influence. The actors have put together an amazing show with smooth scene changes, a clear focus, and a cohesiveness that is both impressive and unmatched.

PLAY REVIEW

a metaphor the Korean people use to say “sorry.” People that have been killed or injured in the May 18 military crackdown as well will receive apples, and finally, almost at the end of the play, old ladies with apples will wait for Myung-sim after her death.

6/25/2020 12:43:50 PM

44 Sports

Songsan Riding School

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Gwangju’s Best-Hidden Treasure

Written and photographed by Melline Galani

B

than just a horseback riding school, more like an animal farm with some experience areas. From the time we arrived, it somehow reminded us of the animal farms we used to go to back home.

Then my coworker suggested the Songsan Riding School (송산승마스쿨), and I thought I should give it a try. It was probably the best decision I’ve made recently. One aspect I should mention is that both my children had previous experiences with horses. My daughter has loved these animals since she was little. Although they didn’t take regular riding lessons, we’d go from time to time to an animal farm or an adventure park back home, where they rode animals from smaller horses like ponies to bigger ones like Lipizzans.

The school offers many activities and horseback riding lessons; they even have a sort of club where people can take out a membership. I think it’s best to make a prior reservation for the lessons (especially during summertime when it’s more packed), but we were lucky enough to find an available time. One lesson is about forty-five minutes, and I paid 70,000 won per child. It’s not cheap, but horseback riding is not an inexpensive sport. During the lesson, my children learned how to guide and command the horse, how to move at the same pace as the animals, and the most interesting aspect, how to gallop. The personnel are excellent, and they also have an English-speaking foreigner working there (she’s an experienced horseback rider and explains everything in detail).

On Children’s Day the weather was fine, a bit windy but still warm. We arrived at the Songsan School at about 11 a.m. I was afraid that the place would be packed, but I guess we were lucky because even though there were a number of people, it was far from being crowded. We left the car in the parking lot near the ticket office and headed inside. We were surprised to find that the place was more

But the Songsan School has more to offer. For those who don’t want to learn how to ride but just experience the feeling of horseback riding, there’s an experience consisting of riding ponies or horses (not big ones though) for three rounds. We paid 10,000 won per child for the three rounds. Depending on the child’s age and preferences, the caretaker chooses a pony or a horse.

efore Children’s Day, I was in desperate need of ideas for what I could do to entertain my kids on that day. After the prolonged virus-induced period indoors, I though the best option was something outside in the middle of nature if possible, but not too far from Gwangju. As I was talking with a colleague about this, she asked me what my children would like to do and my answer was horseback riding, thinking that was not a viable option in Gwangju.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 44

6/25/2020 12:43:50 PM

45

SONGSAN RIDING SCHOOL (송산 승마스쿨) Address: Gwangju, Gwangsan-gu, 68-100 Gasaman-gil 광주 광산구 가삼안길 68-100 송산승마스쿨 Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., closed on Mondays.

Phone: 062-943-7100

The author

2020�7��(July)_.indd 45

July 2020

Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, who is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic. Instagram: @melligalanis

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

The riding school also has a substantial picnic area with wooden tables and benches, including a wooden swing, and a nice meadow in front of it. Balls and badminton rackets are free to use. We had ramyeon there along with some snacks and played for a while. At the end of the day, my children told me they’d had the best day since they moved to Korea. This should be sufficient to get an impression of what Songsan is like.

This is the kind of place where you could spend an entire day outside experiencing diverse activities or just go for a picnic. There’s no doubt that we’re going to spend quite a few more days here during this summer.

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

There’s also a small animal farm where young children can see pigs, cows, guinea pigs, sheep, and of course, horses. We even found some cute puppies to play with.

There’s no fee for visiting this area. Since the place is quite vast, there’s also a pond with a lot of fish in it (you may feed the fish with special food costing 1,000 won).

Walking toward the alley near the pond, there’s a snack shop with ramyeon, coffee, and snacks. Those who want to pay 5,000 won will get a basket full of hay and carrots to feed the animals at another experience zone. They have rabbits, goats, sheep, and horses. I think the rabbits were stuffed already because they didn’t eat, but the rest of the animals were more than keen to receive food and were comically friendly. We had so much fun. The feeling of animals eating from your hand is amazing. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like.

6/25/2020 12:43:51 PM

46 Language Teaching

Emergency Remote Teaching A Whole New Ballgame Compiled by Dr. David E. Shaffer

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

EDUCATION

D

ue to the COVID-19 outbreak, public schools and universities throughout Korea have been forced to move their classes from their traditional face-to-face classroom environment to an online platform. The quickness with which this changeover took place left precious little time for English teachers to prepare – to redesign lesson plans, to get acquainted with an unfamiliar learning management system and new apps. Was teacher–student interaction feasible?

Was student–student interaction possible? How could student assessment be conducted? These and many other questions, adjustments, and uncertainties seemed to present themselves all at once and needed to be promptly resolved. The present situation is so radically different from regular online teaching that it has been christened “emergency remote teaching.” It is a whole new ballgame!

Presented below are the experiences of four area English teachers – teachers at the primary, secondary, and university levels who are members of KOTESOL’s Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter – and their accounts of how they have dealt with emergency remote teaching.

of Hofstadter’s Law? It goes something like this: Tasks always take 20 percent longer than you expect – even if you account for Hofstadter’s Law. I experience this everyday with online teaching.

Everything Takes Longer

There are some positive things arising from this experience, too. For one, being forced to cede to online instruction, I now have a deeper understanding of how to make use of blended learning in the future. I also feel that this experience will give stakeholders a renewed appreciation for the role that schools, universities, and learning institutes provide to our communities. Moreover, this experience has been a good reminder of the need to accept things how they are as opposed to how we wish them to be.

Dr. Ian Moodie is an associate professor in the Department of English Education at Mokpo National University in Muan, just north of Mokpo.

He has been teaching in Korea for 15 years and for the past three years has been teaching English education majors at MNU. Here is his account.

When I first heard that we were going to teach online, I was relieved and not surprised. At that time, COVID-19 had already been deemed a global pandemic, many major universities had already switched to distance learning, and the major sports leagues of the world had suddenly shut down for the season, which made it clear to me that this virus was the real deal. However, that relief soon turned to uncertainty – and then to a mild frustration in realizing that everything I wanted to do was going to take a lot longer than I thought it would. Have you heard

2020�7��(July)_.indd 46

At first, I tried to match my online coursework and activities as closely as I could to my previous lectures.

However, I soon felt that this was not the best approach and have since modified the materials to better suit the medium. My courses (whether they be in pedagogy, English language, or linguistics) tend to involve a great deal of collaborative activities, but this has been harder to pull off online – harder for me to plan and harder for the students to complete. My students expressed a preference to be able to do the coursework at a time of their choosing and to not have to login at specific times for lectures or to do activities. Thus, my classes now involve mostly asynchronous learning, and I have had to accept that while this is not an ideal approach for efficacious language teaching and teacher training, it is a pragmatic approach to get through the semester.

The Missing Feedback Loop

Brennand Kennedy teaches undergraduates at Dongshin University in Naju, just south of Gwangju. He has been teaching in Korea for six years and for two years at Dongshin. Here is his account.

When our university made the decision to transition to online courses this spring, I had very mixed feelings. In

6/25/2020 12:43:52 PM

47 addition to keeping my job while not risking the further spread of the virus, it also allowed me to be much more involved in my daughter’s birth and her first weeks of life. However, with no experience teaching online and a brand-new career preparation course to teach, I knew that I was in for a rough semester.

One major challenge has been student engagement (or lack thereof). Although I considered conducting live lectures through video conferencing software, most teachers in my department have had to settle for uploading pre-recorded lectures along with the university-mandated 35 minutes of coursework per lesson. Initially, in hopes of retaining some semblance of real-time student interaction in what are supposed to be conversation courses, I naively asked students to adhere to the originally scheduled lecture times when participating in the video lectures. However, after two weeks of trying to enforce this rule, it occurred to me that some of my students might be lacking easy access to computers and/or the internet, and may even be venturing out to internet cafes just to participate in my lectures, thus defeating the purpose of the online courses. Although we live in what is often called the most connected country in the world, my hopes for some type of normalcy during such an unprecedented crisis turned out to be unreasonable, and I have since been giving students the entire week to (virtually) attend my lectures.

Focusing on What I Can Do

2020�7��(July)_.indd 47

EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers have developed ways to work with or around language and culture, but now, as we face the added limitation of a twodimensional teaching space, our old solutions may no longer work. Our old activities may not be appropriate. It is time to create and innovate.

As an artist as well as an EFL teacher, creation and innovation are my favorite aspects of this job. But I often suffer from “idea-overwhelm.” Too much possibility can sometimes be worse than not enough. So, when applications like Powtoon, Mentimeter, Kahoot, and Flipgrid kindle my inner illustrator’s heart, I dream of interactive presentations, animated web-comics, and class blogs where elementary students engage each other in English! Possible? Probable? Probably not. I have to remember that reality and aspirations do not always match. What is realistic in this environment? What is realistic for myself and my students? Instead of focusing on what I cannot do, I need to focus on what I can do.

What I can do is search for and organize videos, worksheets, and online games that are relevant to the lesson being taught. I can modify and repurpose, or if need be, create from scratch. This is similar to what I have been doing before, only now I am not thinking about how to develop collaborative, tactile, and kinesthetic activities.

Instead, my focus is on the audio-visual realm: thinking of ways to explain how to do an activity without the immediate benefit of body language, eliciting techniques, or comprehension checking.

I can learn how to make interactive worksheets and explainer videos. I can focus on what I am good at by illustrating Baby Onion video-stories. Baby Onion, my personal mascot, is a character who features in many of my lessons. Half of my students are already familiar with the character and his friends. I can create Baby Onion material – for hours and hours and hours. And, I can remind myself that even though I love to create these materials, I also have to

July 2020

Lisa Casaus teaches fifth- and sixth-grade students at Unli Elementary School in Gwangju.

She has been teaching in Korea for four years and has spent most of that time at her present school. Here is her account.

The nature of my job, as a public elementary school guest teacher, is full of limitations. Officially, I am an assistant to a Korean English teacher. This means that the definition of my role can vary greatly based on my partnering teachers: their needs, wants, and teaching style. Other limits include the barriers of language, age, and culture, not to mention concerns about safety, that are present when teaching young learners.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

This initial oversight points to the more general challenge of interacting with students in an online setting. A large portion of what teachers do in the classroom occurs based on the real-time feedback we get from our students, whether it is the pace of instruction, the activities used, or the way we explain new language items. For me, online teaching has completely removed that feedback loop and the already hard work of understanding each student’s unique obstacles to language learning has become effectively impossible as few students are willing to communicate with me through any of the many available means. Sadly, after eight weeks there are only a handful of students whose names I have come to recognize. Where I used to be a coach for my students, online teaching has made me into a police officer, constantly monitoring to ensure that students are watching every video and completing every survey, quiz, and forum that I poured so many hours of work into creating. While I appreciate all new experiences, my students and I are hoping this experience will soon meet its permanent end.

The more limitations and obstacles humans face, the more we are forced to think creatively and innovate. Or so I remind myself.

6/25/2020 12:43:53 PM

48 take into account time, energy, and utility. Re-clarify. Refocus. Creativity within limits. I can remind myself that I must walk before I can fly.

Luckily, I Heard About BAND

Bryan Hale is a teacher at Yeongam High School in Yeongam, south of Gwangju, and the first vicepresident of KOTESOL. He has been teaching in Korea for eight years, two years at his present school. Here is his account.

When talk first went around about the Korean school year beginning online, I worried that English conversation classes might be cancelled altogether or that authentic communication could be impossible. This fear seemed justified when I started hearing about the learning management systems being considered and how focused they were on one-way delivery of content like video lectures.

Even the more interactive possibilities seemed to have big drawbacks. I teach at a rural high school, and I worried that something like Zoom might not be accessible to students with less technology. And I knew that many more students would feel uncomfortable videoconferencing with family members around.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

Luckily, I heard about Naver’s BAND. Previously, I had thought this was only a phone messaging app, but I was happy to discover that it offers many of the communication features of social networking services in a private space with good accessibility for both phones and desktops. I campaigned to use BAND for my English conversation lessons, and fortunately, my school agreed.

Teaching live, synchronous lessons in a text-based chatroom has involved some challenges! It is tricky not being able to gauge students’ facial expressions and body language, but we have been using a lot of emoji and reactions, and I think we have established some new communication norms.

One of the benefits of text-based chat interaction is that it gives students more opportunity to focus on language, since the language they “listen” to does not disappear into the air, and they can be more thoughtful and deliberate about their output. At the 2018 KOTESOL International Conference, I saw a fantastic session by Jill Hadfield in which she spoke about creating online language activities similar to the kinds of interactions people naturally engage with on the internet, and that really guided my planning about how to teach using BAND. Jill Hadfield and Lindsay Clandfield have a book called Online Interaction, and you can find some great videos of them explaining their ideas on YouTube. As we move back to classroom

2020�7��(July)_.indd 48

teaching, I would like to establish blended learning by maintaining some of these beneficial aspects of online interaction using BAND.

Takeaways

Though teaching online may first give the impression that the instructor would have more free time, Ian conveys how online class preparation takes longer than expected – even longer than expected with extra time already factored in! He also points out the futility in trying to construct online learning to mirror in-person classes.

Brennand highlights the challenge that fostering student engagement presents in an online environment and the lack of interaction, which leads to the absence of feedback on and from students.

Lisa stresses the need to create and innovate for online instruction, that is, the need to not focus on what cannot be done with online instruction but on what new possibilities the new medium presents. Bryan is thrilled to have found BAND, the text-based chatroom that is the closest thing yet to simulating face-to-face discussion, and the use of emoji to convey body language.

Being parachuted into unknown territory can be distressful, but after landing and surveying the new terrain, one can identify the direction in which to proceed to best accomplish their mission – in this case, emergency remote teaching.

Photographs courtesy of Ian Mo o die, Brennand Kenne dy, L isa C asaus, and Bryan Hale.

GWANGJU-JEONNAM KOTESOL UPCOMING EVENTS Check the chapter’s webpages and Facebook group periodically for updates on chapter events and online activities.

For full event details: Website: http://koreatesol.org/gwangju Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL The editor

David Shaffer has been a resident of Gwangju and professor at Chosun University for many years. He has been with KOTESOL since its early days and is a past president of the organization. At present, as vicepresident of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of KOTESOL, he invites you to participate in the teacher development workshops at their regular meetings (presently online). Dr. Shaffer is currently the chairman of the board at the Gwangju International Center as well as editor-in-chief of the Gwangju News.

6/25/2020 12:43:54 PM

Recipe 49

Oi Naengguk Cucumber Soup Written by Joe Wabe

T

he dog days of summer are here! Luckily this beautiful country has many delightful and healthy ways to keep us cool. Koreans have understood for centuries that what you eat will make a difference in beating extreme weather conditions.

The heavier the meal, the greater thermic effect of food on our body, so keeping it “light” in summer means keeping ourselves cooler!

A big percentage of our bodily fluids come from foods that contain good amounts of water, like veggies and fruits. But the list does not stop there. According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are certain foods that contain cooling properties and can balance the energy of the body: Oysters, chicken eggs, yogurt, lotus root, turmeric, and seaweed are some examples.

Combining cucumbers and seaweed in a chilled sweetand-sour dish produces a fresh, crispy, and cool effect on your palate that is regenerative and will keep your body feeling healthy throughout midsummer – best of all, it will take you only a few minutes to put it together.

The Author

2020�7��(July)_.indd 49

PREPARATION Cut the cucumber at an angle into ovals, then julienne the pieces a few at a time. Next, chop the onions into thin slices. Prepare the seaweed by soaking it for about 15 minutes, then rinse and drain well.

Remove all the excess water by squeezing it tightly. In a medium-sized bowl, add the seaweed, cucumbers, and the rest of the ingredients (except the water) and toss it gently. Finally, add the water and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. You can add a couple of ice cubes for a cooler effect.

July 2020

Joe Wabe is a Gwangju expat, who has been contributing to the GIC and the Gwangju News for more than ten years with his work in photography and writing.

1 medium-sized cucumber 1 cup of seaweed (soaked) 1 sweet red pepper (chopped) 1 cup of minced garlic 1/2 medium-sized onion (chopped) 3 tablespoons of vinegar 1 tablespoon of sugar 2 tablespoons of soy sauce 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds 4 cups of water 2 tablespoons of water 1/2 teaspoon of salt

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

Cucumber soup (오이냉국, oi naengguk) is a classic summer side dish in Korea, and a type of naengguk (chilled soup) that is mainly eaten in summer. It contains elements that help keep the thermic effect at low levels and make your body feel comfortable and chilled.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

6/25/2020 12:44:09 PM

50

Spanish in South Korea A Language of New Opportunities

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

EDUCATION

Written by José Avila Peltroche and Elisabet Ramirez

▼World map showing areas where Spanish is official or co-official, and where Spanish is not official but spoken by minorities. (https://commons. wikimedia.org /wiki/File:Spanish_language_World_Map.svg)

S

panish, also called Castilian due to its origin in the Spanish Kingdom of Castile, is a romance language from the Iberian Peninsula. More than 577 million people around the world (7.6 percent of the world’s population) speak Spanish as a first or second language.

By the number of native speakers, it is the second most spoken language worldwide after Mandarin Chinese.

Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations (UN) and also of some other important politicaleconomic organizations (e.g., the European Union and the Antarctic Treaty System). Spanish is also the third most used language on the internet. Like other romance languages, it is a modern continuation of the “colloquial Latin” (also called “vulgar Latin”) that started diversifying in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. It diverged from other variants of Latin after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century CE. To date, Spanish is the romance language that has achieved the highest diffusion across the globe, thanks to its propagation during the Spanish colonization period (15th–19th centuries), especially in the Americas.[1] Spanish has also strongly influenced some creole languages. For instance, Chavacano (or Chabacano) is a Spanish-based creole language spoken in the Philippines, which itself presents variations depending on the area where it is spoken. Another good example is Palenquero, spoken primarily in the village of San Basilio de Palenque in northern Colombia.[2]

2020�7��(July)_.indd 50

One of the oldest Spanish loanwords in the Korean language is tabaco (“tobacco” in English). It entered the Korean Peninsula during the Japanese invasions in the 16th century. This word experienced many phonetic changes during the following centuries, and nowadays, it is pronounced dambae (담배).[3] Despite this old record, Spanish teaching in South Korea just started 72 years ago.

In April 1948, Dongyang Institute for Foreign Languages was founded, and it originally taught six languages: English, French, German, Chinese, Russian, and for the first time, Spanish. However, this project was thwarted due to the Korean War (1950–1953). It was not until 1955 when the first department of Spanish language, at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, was inaugurated.

According to the Korean Ministry of Education, in 2005, the number of people learning Spanish in South Korea was approximately 15,000. There are currently 30 universities where Spanish is taught as a second language, 14 of which have their own Department of Spanish Language and Literature. Also, 41 high school institutes offer it as an optional subject, and four high schools as a mandatory subject.[4] Interestingly, South Korea is the country in Asia having the highest number of students enrolled in the Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE; English: Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) exam. The DELE is a world-recognized certificate of proficiency and fluency in Spanish. In 2010, more than 2,000 Korean students decided to take the DELE exam, 70 percent of them being women.[4]

6/25/2020 12:44:09 PM

51

In Gwangju, Spanish is taught at some institutions.

Chosun University is the only one having its own Department of Spanish Studies in the Jeollanam-do area.[4] The Gwangju International Center also offers Spanish classes to Gwangju citizens and expats. Despite the importance of this formal education while learning Spanish, informal activities, such as talking with nativespeaker friends and acquaintances, are crucial to becoming fluent.[6] In this sense, the Gwangju Spanish Club was created in 2013 by Douglas Baumwoll, a US expat who learned Spanish in the Canary Islands (Spain), to bring native and non-native Spanish speakers together.

Since 2019, twice a month the Gwangju International Center has hosted the Spanish Language Exchange organized by the Gwangju Spanish Club. The exchange has gathered people from countries like Mexico, Peru,

Spain, Bolivia, Ecuador, the USA, Colombia, Haiti, the Philippines, and of course, South Korea. It offers a friendly place for practicing Spanish regardless of a person’s level, and it helps the Gwangju community connect with the different cultural backgrounds that Spanish-speaking countries have.

In summary, Spanish is still a young language in South Korea and is mostly spoken by minorities in this country.

However, its expansion during the past seven decades has been extraordinary. Despite being still far behind other languages such as English and Chinese, the utility of Spanish in business and cultural exchanges attracts and will continue to attract more students of all ages. Spanish has become a door to new opportunities for Koreans to explore.

Sources

Instituto Cervantes. (2018). 577 millones de personas hablan español, el 7,6 % de la población mundial. Cervantes Institute. https://www. cervantes.es/sobre_instituto_cervantes/prensa/2018/noticias/np_ presentacion-anuario.htm [2] Lipski, J. M. (2004). Las lenguas criollas de base hispana. Lexis: Revista de lingüística y literatura, 28 (1/2), 461–508.

[3] Segura, J. J., & Cabrera-Sánchez, J. (2011). El español en Corea del Sur. El español en el mundo. Anuario 2010–2011. Cervantes Institute. https://cvc.cervantes.es/lengua/anuario/anuario_10-11/jimenez_ cabrera/p01.htm [4] Kwon, E. H. (2007). El español en Corea del Sur. Enciclopedia del español en el mundo. Anuario del Instituto Cervantes 2006-2007 (pp.

146–149). Instituto Cervantes.

[5] Rivas, J. (2018). El creciente interés de Corea por aprender español.

K-magazine. https://www.k-magazinemx.com/el-creciente-interesde-corea-por-aprender-espanol/ [6] Mendoza-Puertas, J. D. (2018). La educación informal en el aprendizaje del español entre los universitarios de Corea del Sur. Revista Internacional de Lenguas Extranjeras, 9, 55–75 [1]

Elisabet Ramirez is an environmental engineer from Queretaro, Mexico. She is a Spanish teacher in Gwangju. José and Elisabet are in charge of the Spanish Language Exchanges at the Gwangju International Center. Instagram:@elielir

The author

Spanish Language Exchange group at the Gwangju International Center.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 51

July 2020

Jose Avila Peltroche is a biologist from Lima, Peru. He is currently doing a PhD in seaweed biology at Chosun University in Gwangju.

Instagram: @jocavi89

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

The author

EDUCATION

Nowadays, Spanish is the most required Western language in South Korea after English. The popularity of Spanish in the country can be reflected in several aspects. With the expansion of South Korean companies around the world, such as Samsung and LG, having Spanish-speaking personnel gives them a competitive advantage in expanding their markets to places like Latin America. In fact, every summer, Seoul hosts the Latin American Festival, where music, dances, foods, along with other cultural expressions from countries in this region, are presented. An interesting example of how Spanish can connect places geographically distant from South Korea can be found in K-pop music. During the last few years, Korean bands have made collaborations with Latin artists and have included Spanish phrases in their songs. This is an effort to connect better with their fans in Spanish-speaking countries, which represent an important percentage of their sales.[5] Spanish words have also been used for naming products from different industries: LG called its new kimchi refrigerator dios (“God” in English), and Hyundai used tiburón (“shark” in English) for naming one of its sport car models.[3]

6/25/2020 12:44:10 PM

52

Opinion

It Pays to Be Behind the Times Is the compulsion to buy the best, fastest, and newest items a symptom of consumerism gone wild or is there something more subtle at play?

Written by William Urbanski

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

OPINION

O

ne of the most interesting discoveries that has come from the field of anthropology is that even the earliest humans attached special importance to rare or otherwise special objects that had little or no practical value. Since these objects – be they seashells, feathers, or polished stones – didn’t really serve much of a purpose in survival, it has been deduced that they held ceremonial significance or acted as status symbols.

So, it would seem that our need to show off our shiny new phones, jewelry or cars is actually somehow coded into our DNA. Now, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a new watch or being happy about purchasing a vehicle, but when the need to show off our purchases becomes a priority, and an obsession that plunges the consumer into debt or an ongoing cycle of unhappiness, that’s the point where Cro-Magnon would be throwing his obsidian spear to the ground in disgust.

Trying to always have the best, brightest, and newest gadget, clothing item, or car is a vicious cycle that seems to have its origins in demanding the newest, brand name products: a trait that seems to be held up as a virtue by some. There are a number of traps associated with conspicuous consumption: One is that you are paying for the privilege of being one of the first; the second is what prominent financial blogger Mr. Money Moustache calls “minor details exaggeration syndrome.” What this all stems from is the practice of attaching an inflated value to the newest versions of products and even feeling that iterations from previous years are inferior and that to use them is demeaning. People are generally aware that overpaying for a purchase is not a good thing, so could there be more than meets the eye when people are “flexing” their new consumer products? The impulse to participate in consumer culture is strong, and so is the compulsion to buy the newest gizmos. Whatever the motivation for wanting the latest and fanciest things, there are some compelling instances where it actually pays to be behind the times.

Car Crazy

You’ve probably heard that buying a brand new car is financially one of the stupidest things you can do. This is mainly because of the rapid depreciation in value that

2020�7��(July)_.indd 52

occurs within the first three to four years of a car’s usage.

Another rule of thumb is that when driving a brand new car off the lot, it loses ten percent of its value right away. Ten percent! So what explains the fact that people not only in Korea but around the world buy new cars?

Financial illiteracy certainly plays a part, but there is the firm and obstinate belief that brand new cars are so much better than used ones that the ridiculously inflated price is justified. Sure, sure, the newest model may have some features that ostensibly improve the overall driving experience (extra camera, heated steering wheel, internet connectivity, etc.), but keep something in mind: Cars haven’t really changed that much over the past 50 or so years. They still have four wheels, a few seats, and do pretty much the same thing as they did in the 1970s (or before). The difference between a 2020 model and a 2016 model of a car may be noticeable, but the sum of the factors that really set them apart is actually negligible. As well, even if you get a car with all the fancy little features in the exact shade of gray you wanted, your car is still one of millions on the road, so the minor differences that you spent time and effort worrying about to distinguish your car from all the others actually amount to jack diddly squat.

Another often overlooked aspect of new tech in cars is how they actually create worse drivers. Two examples stick out: GPS systems and so-called “back up cameras.”

I am of the unwavering belief that a major reason for the terrible drivers on the road nowadays (in Korea and back home in Canada) stems from virtually all vehicles having and pretty much all drivers completely relying on GPS. A while ago, when driving to another city with a Korean friend of mind, he was very surprised that I didn’t have a GPS and wasn’t constantly checking where I was going. Roads and highways, people seem to forget, contain an inherent logic in their numbering schemes that actually makes it easy to know where you’re going.

A classic example is the interstate system in the USA in which odd-numbered highways always run north to south and even numbers run east and west. Believe it or not, people actually used to be able to get around without having a glowing rectangle on their dashboard beeping

6/25/2020 12:44:10 PM

53 at them every ten seconds. They did this by being able to read and give good directions. The prevalence of GPS in vehicles has robbed drivers of their sense of navigation, and I actually pity those who never learned to get around without one.

Back-up cameras are just useless pieces of caca, and anyone who can’t back up by using only the mirrors and, you know, turning their head to look where the darn car is going, has no business being behind the wheel. Both GPS and back-up cameras make people pay less attention to what’s going on around them.

Phone Follies and 5G

As alluded to above, I am willing to wager that most people are aware that certain expensive luxury items are mere status symbols. I would further postulate that people would also not hesitate to criticize the “shallow” and “materialistic” one percent of people who revel in their Mercedes full of Gucci bags and Rolex watches.

So, why then does anyone continue to buy products that fulfill more than the absolute minimum criteria at the lowest possible price? The answer goes deeper than the ingrained impulse to participate in conspicuous consumption.

Somewhere along the line, people stopped buying things because they needed them or wanted them, and started buying things because their purchases became a way to express their identity. As explained in Sheena Ayengar’s book “The Art of Choosing,” as production methods in the last hundred years or so improved, manufacturers were faced with the problem of what to do with the surplus products they were able to make. So, by adopting innovations in advertising and fashion, they pushed up demand by transforming the act of purchasing from practical to a self-expressive one. Think about it: Are you an Apple person or an Android person? These products do the same things, but choosing one over the other is perceived as an expression of identity and values.

Expressing yourself through purchases is just plain silly.

Express yourself through art, through fitness, through education, and through skill development. The next time you go shopping, fight the powerful impulse to express yourself through your purchases by being just a little bit behind the times.

Graphics by William Urbanski.

The Author

July 2020

2020�7��(July)_.indd 53

William Urbanski, managing editor of the Gwangju News, has an MA in international relations and cultural diplomacy. He is married to a wonderful Korean woman, always pays cash, and keeps all his receipts.

Instagram: @will_il_gatto

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

In this day and age, a phone is a necessity, but it’s also really just a portable communication device, and any phone that can make calls and send text messages is good enough. For a number of years in Korea I had a phone that couldn’t even use Kakao Talk and you know what?

I didn’t die.

Expressing Yourself Through Buying Stuff

OPINION

Anyone who’s talked to a sales rep about getting the latest model of a phone knows how expensive and restrictive the contracts are. All questions about the nature and fairness of contracts aside, the question you should be asking is: Is there really any way to justify purchasing the latest model of any phone? Take, for example, the newest Galaxy phone, the S20. Now, there’s no question at all that this is a magnificent machine, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want one. But, at the same time, there is absolutely no way I could justify dropping a grand to do so, especially when the tech that’s packed into it is far above what I or most other people could possibly need.

I’m not going to get into the specifics of what makes the S20 more technologically advanced than its predecessor (the S10), but let’s just say it’s a little faster, has a few more pixels per square centimeter and has a camera that’s easily good enough for taking pictures of your coffee and then uploading onto Instagram. There’s also a lot of buzz about the 5G network (whatever that is) and how the S20 would be able to connect to it or something. But c’mon, all anyone is going to use 5G for is to play virtual reality video games. As well, the infrastructure for 5G isn’t even fully in place yet.

Like new cars mentioned above, phones (especially in Korea) suffer from rapid depreciation, which, for the savvy customer, means you can get a really good, mintcondition phone from two years ago for a great price.

Furthermore, if you can hold onto your current phone for a little longer, when you finally do upgrade, you’ll be all the more appreciative of the benefits it brings, instead of complaining that you can’t upload your silly dance videos to TikTok (whatever that is) fast enough.

6/25/2020 12:44:10 PM

54 Book Review

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas Reviewed by Kristy Dolson

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

ARTS & CULTURE

T

here is a virus on this planet. It has been with us for as long as Homo sapiens have existed. COVID-19 has nothing on the widespread influence and consequences of racism. This is especially true for the systemic racism we see most prominently in the United States. According to The Washington Post (Sullivan et. al.

2018), the Black Lives Matter movement and subsequent White House commission calling for reforms were kicked off in 2014 by the unarmed shooting of 18-yearold Michael Brown. In 2015, The Washington Post began tracking fatal police shootings when 36 unarmed black males were shot and killed by police. In 2017, 987 people were fatally shot by the police. Black males make up 6 percent of the U.S. population, but 22 percent of the total males shot and killed. And while the number of fatal shootings has held steady or fallen, black males are still being shot at in disproportionately high rates. People have been protesting peacefully for decades. But the shootings continue.

It is into this political and cultural climate that Angie Thomas published her inspiring debut novel The Hate U Give. While it is heartening to see some police departments make efforts to reduce their number of fatal shootings, the sad fact is that they are still happening.

What is more, in cases of fatal shooting, convictions of the officer(s) responsible are rare, and black males are still being unfairly and fatally stereotyped. Even in the most recent case, the death of George Floyd, the first consequence was the firing of all four officers involved.

The arrest of Chauvin, the officer directly responsible for Floyd’s death, came only after protests began. The other three officers, Lane, Kueng, and Thoa, were only charged after days of nationwide protests. Without the protests, these men would certainly not face charges, let alone convictions.

Thomas’s novel has been critically acclaimed for giving voice to the sensitive issues of race relations and police brutality in the United States. The protagonist, Starr, is a sixteen-year-old high school student who loves her family, basketball, and her white boyfriend Chris. But she has to keep her identities – home and school – separate.

She lives in the poor black part of town but attends school in the rich white neighborhood, where she is one of two

2020�7��(July)_.indd 54

black students in her grade. In order to fit in, she has to alter her behavior and speech patterns. It is not easy, and it becomes impossible to maintain when she witnesses the unprovoked shooting of her childhood friend Khalil one night when the pair are pulled over by a white cop.

Appalled by the racist reactions of her school friends, Starr must find the courage to speak up and speak out against police brutality when her community demands justice for Khalil.

The whole book is phenomenal, but the part that stood out most to me was the media spin used to make Khalil’s death seem justified. The police and the media worked hard to make the public see Khalil as a gang member and write off his death as inevitable. Starr saw first-hand how this media spin easily soothed the consciences of closedminded privileged people like her ex-friend Hailey. Hailey, a rich white girl, loudly proclaims she is “not racist” but refuses to listen to Starr and makes harmful remarks about her non-white friends. When confronted about these behaviors, she becomes offended and goes so far as to demand apologies from her friends. We are currently seeing this play out on a national – even worldwide – scale as those without power, trying to make themselves heard, confront the privilege of those with power who condemn the destruction of property and social norms.

The adults in Starr’s life steered her on the right path of

6/25/2020 12:44:11 PM

55 avoiding confrontation while still letting go of her toxic friend. Unfortunately the real world cannot simply let go of thousands of toxic, rigid, racist individuals – especially when the most powerful man in the world is among them and doing everything he can to stoke the fires. But it is always good to be aware of media manipulation and to keep an open mind when it comes to any issue. When we start to justify the death of any human, especially unarmed children, then we have lost our humanity. No one deserves to die the way Kahlil did. No one deserves to die the way George Floyd did. And no one should have to live through the trauma of not just seeing her friend die, but to have to defend his right to justice the way Starr did.

We have all seen the video. That death lives in us now, and we will not stop until justice has been served.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 55

Reference

Sullivan, J., Anthony, Z., Tate, J., & Jenkins, J. (2018, January 6). Nationwide, police shot and killed nearly 1,000 people in 2017. The Washington Post. https://tinyurl. com/ycl8gbzh

The Reviewer

Kristy Dolson lived in South Korea for five years before taking a year off to travel, read, and spend time with her family in Canada and Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Education and has now returned to Gwangju, where she splits her time b etween teaching at the new Jeollanamdo International Education Institute and reading as much as she can.

July 2020

Researchers and doctors are working hard to find a vaccine for COVID-19. But it will take everyone working

hard together to put a stop to police brutality and the systemic racism that allows it. Change is scary, but in it there is infinite potential. We can actualize that potential together. Read. Listen. Act.

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

And change is coming, ready or not. As BLM protests and solidarity marches take place all over the world in response to the injustice happening in the U.S., we stand at a pivotal moment in history. If you have not already joined or contributed to this global cause, I highly recommend you pick up The Hate U Give and get a firsthand account of the trauma that led to this moment. Facts and figures and news reports can speak to the history and scope of police brutality, but this novel can speak to the emotional experience of the young people growing up in a climate of hate. And that is invaluable, especially if you are a person who grew up with privilege. Starr’s story is visceral and vital. But it is by no means the final stop on my own personal journey to awareness and change. In the wake of Floyd’s death, my Facebook timeline was flooded with articles listing books addressing the issues of racism and police brutality, both fiction and non-fiction. I will be doing a lot of reading and reflecting, and I urge you to do the same as we all do our best to navigate these turbulent times.

ARTS & CULTURE

This is a difficult novel to digest, though an engaging one to read. Written for young adults, Thomas used the first person omniscient from Starr’s perspective to create a solid and stimulating narrative. This is Starr’s story, and we think what she thinks and feel what she feels. It is perfect. The dialogue is authentic, with dialects and vocabulary changing depending on the people with whom Starr interacts and the situations in which she finds herself. Thomas uses a lot of slang when Starr is at ease with her family but loses most of it when she has to be “Williamson Starr” at school or on camera once she starts speaking out. Starr reflects on this survival strategy early in the book, another aspect that makes me uncomfortable knowing that I am a complicit agent in this kind of language gatekeeping. There are many such moments where readers can pause and reflect on their privilege. Awareness is the first step to change.

6/25/2020 12:44:12 PM

56

Community Board Have something you want to share with the community?

The Community Board provides a space for the community to announce activities and special events. Please contact gwangjunews@gic.or.kr for more information.

Gwangju Toastmasters Club

Gwangju Toastmasters Club (TM) is a relaxed, alternativestyle Toastmasters club that focuses on building communication and leadership skills. We provide people with opportunities to improve and practice their communication skills with prepared and impromptu speaking roles. Guests are welcome! We meet every Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the GIC, 2nd floor, Room 5. For more information, please visit our Facebook page: Gwangju Toastmasters.

KONA Storybook Center

www.gwangjunewsgic.com

July 2020

KONA Storybook Center (KSC) is a registered research center for English reading education and culture exchange.

It supports UNESCO KONA Volunteers (UKV). UKV is a registered organization that helps disadvantaged children to learn English independently through storybooks and story-maps. We guide the family and children to develop a love of reading and to explore foreign cultures. We also give guidance to volunteers in using storybooks. We are looking for long-term volunteers who desire to enrich their lives. We are asking volunteers to commit to helping at least once a month.

The days for KONA volunteering and the facilities are as follows: 1. KONA Storybook Center: Saturdays, 10 a.m.– 12 p.m.

2. Children’s English Library: Saturdays, 2 p.m.– 4 p.m.

3. Gwangju Children’s Home: Every 4th Saturday 2 p.m– 4 p.m.

For more information, please visit http://cafe.daum. net/konavolunteers or our Facebook pages for KONA Storybook Center and UNESCO KONA Volunteers. Also, you can contact Kim Young-im at 062-434-9887 or email konacenter@gmail.com.

Baseball in Gwangju

Are you interested in playing baseball? Do you enjoy the sport but haven’t had the opportunity to participate here in Gwangju? Well, you are in luck! For the past seven years, the foreign baseball team, the Gwangju Bombers, has been playing competitively in a baseball league in the city. The team is always looking for players to add to the roster. The team consists of both foreign and Korean players, and plays every Saturday from March to October.

Come, play, and have fun! For more information, please visit our Facebook page: Gwangju Bombers International Baseball Club.

Gwangju Spanish Club

Every Saturday, 3:30–5:30 p.m., GIC Global Lounge (1st floor) Spanish – English – Korean language exchange No importa tu nivel de español. ¡Únetenos!

Facebook: Gwangju Spanish Club – Int/Adv

Gwangju Hikers

This is the club for the Gwangju community and expats who love hiking and hanging out!! We have events every month so please visit our Facebook page for more information and upcoming events: Gwangju Hikers.

GIC Citizens’ Choir

Are you interested in joining a choir? The GIC Citizens’ Choir is inviting sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. Send your application to gic@gic.or.kr with the following information: name, phone number, email, voice part, and brief self-introduction on your singing experiences.

You can also visit and observe the GIC Citizens’ Choir rehearsing on the first floor of the GIC at 10:00 a.m. every Saturday.

GIC Language Exchange

GIC Language Exchange is held every Wednesday from 18:30 to 20:30 at GIC’s Lounge. Local and international residents who want to practice and improve Korean and English skills are welcome to join for free. For more information, please visit our Facebook page: GIC Language Exchange.

2020�7��(July)_.indd 56

6/25/2020 12:44:14 PM

KONA English Center

KONA Storybook Center The KONA English Center (KEC) is an educational center for English reading and culture exchanges. The KEC will guide any family and their children to develop a love for reading and to explore foreign cultures.

KONA English Center 코나영어센터 KONA Storybook Center 영어독서교육연구소 UNESCO KONA Volunteers 유네스코 코나 자원봉사단

Programs: 1. 영어독서멘토링 (Mentoring in English Reading) 2. 영어로 배우는 과학 (Science in English) 3. 영어로 배우는 위인전 (Biography in English) 4. 코나비전특강 (KONA Vision Talk) 5. 외국인과 함께하는 문화교실 (UNESCO CCAP)

Tel: 062-434-9887 광주광역시 서구 상일로 37 37 Sangil-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju

The KONA Storybook Center (KSC) is a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children to learn English independently through storybooks and storymaps with UNESCO KONA Volunteers (UKV).

May 18 Asia’s largest cultural complex is waiting for you