(EN) Gwangju News October 2011 #116

October 2011 Issue No. 116

Gwangju’s Mayor Visions for the Future

UEA Summit Time for Nations to Step Up in Gwangju

Kimchi Festival Get Your Cabbage Ready

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Gwangju News October 2011

What’s On

Gwangju News

Cover Photo Photographer: Courtesy of Gwangju City Hall (article on page 14) Cover Photo: Gwangju Mayor Kang Un-tae

12 Busan Int’l Film Festival

Publisher: Gyonggu Shin Editor-in-Chief: Julian Warmington Editors: Julian Raethel, Minsu Kim Assistant Editors: Seth Pevey, Stephen Redeker Copy Editor: Kathleen Villadiego Coordinators: Karina Prananto, Jihyun Kim Layout and Design: Karina Prananto Proofreaders: Julian Raethel, Emma Dooley, Kyle Johnson,

3dot5.com

Samantha Richter, Pete Schandall, Kathleen Villadiego, Andrea Galvez, Gabriel Ward, Kwangju Foreign School

Researchers: Seoyoung Park, Kyuri Park, Boreum Shin Address: Jeon-il Building 5F, Geumnam-no 1-1, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, S. Korea

Phone: +82-62-226-2733~4 Fax: +82-62-226-2731 E-mail: gwangjunews@gmail.com Registration No.: 광주광역시 라. 00145 (ISSN 2093-5315) Printed by Logos (Phone +82-62-444-8800)

20 Korea’s Sewage Problem

Gwangju News Magazine is written and edited by volunteers.

Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.

Copyright 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 publishers.

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Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor (gwangjunews@gmail.com) regarding articles and issues. All correspondence may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.

Jirisan National Park Gwangju News October 2011

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Contents

Featured Articles 10

Feature

Green City, Better City – 2011 Gwangju Summit of the Urban Environmental Accords

By Frances Herrington

14

Regular Columns 6

Upcoming Events

9

Local News

This Month in Gwangju

By Jon Ozelton

Cover Story

Meet the Mayor

By Maria Lisak

16

By David Holt

By Jacob Lotinga

20

By Brooke Petersen

30

32

Finance

26

28

Photo Contest

38

Fashion

US Debt is Critical to Korean Economy

Fash-On with xxl jjdp

By Michael Bielawski

By jjdp

Art

40

Letters to KOTESOL

By Doug Stuber

By Dr. Dave Schaffer

Travel

41

By Soo-a Jung

44

By Wil Rawlins

45

46

Restaurant Review

Cheongwon Momil Literature

Three Poems by Shin Byong-eun

By Julian Warmington

Translated by Chae-pyong Song and Anne Rashid

National

Gaecheonjeol

By Laura Won

42

Tofu Kimchi

By Gabriel Ward

Community

The Pacific Curls and the Gwangju World Music Festival

Food and Drink

By Seoyoung Park

World

The Ties that Bind

Language Study

'-ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다: One knows (doesn't know) how to do something

Travel

By Brooke Petersen

37

Language Study

2011 Gwangju Design Biennale

Out of This World: Jeju Lava Tubes

36

Photo Essay

By Martyn Thompson

By David Holt

35

Dear Korea

Pigment Prints

Jirisan National Park 34

Comic

By Jen Lee

Environment

Down the Drain 22

25

Feature

Introducing Kimchi

News

Home Pages

Feature

Busan International Film Festival 18

24

48

Movie Review

Failan

Food and Drink

By Seth Pevey

Chinese Cuisine in Gwangju

By Jacob Lotinga

49

Community

Meet the Neighbors

By Julian Warmington

50

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Gwangju News October 2011

Community Board

Upcoming Events GIC Events

This month’s Upcoming Events contributors: Seoyoung Park, Kyuri Park, Boreum Shin

Festival GIC Gwangju Cycling Tour with Warren

Date: October 22, 2011 (Saturday) Cost: 30,000 won (20,000 won for GIC member ) Time: 10:30 a.m. ~ 5 p.m.

Itinerary: Nam Gwangju Market - Lunch (gukbab) - Yanglim-dong - Sajik Park Gwangju Confucian School (Hyanggyo) - Gwangju Park - Gwangju River Yangdong Market (snack: fried chicken) Schedule may subject to change. Anyone interested can join the tour.

To register and for more information, please visit the GIC Website: www.gic.or.kr or gictour@gic.or.kr Please register before October 18.

Gwangju News Publication Dinner Party Date: October 8, 2011 Time: 5:30 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m.

Theme: Potluck Party Location: GIC Office (main meeting room), Jeonil Building 5Fl, Dong-gu, Gwangju Anyone and everyone associated with writing, proof-reading, or any aspect of the publishing of Gwangju News is very welcome.

Please bring 'a plate' of your favorite food to share. White rice will be available.

Gwangju International Community Day 2011 (GIC Day 2011) Date: October 29, 2011 Time: 11 a.m. ~ 5 p.m.

Location: Kimdaejung Convention Center, Seo-gu, Gwangju We are looking for participants for this event.

Field: Food Booth (world food festival and culture exhibition), Community Booth (international residents community, international organizations promotion) Flea Market: to apply, please download the application form from GIC website (www.gic.or.kr) then send it to gic@gic.or.kr If you’re interested in participating, please apply by October 20. There is no participation fee. Participants will be selected based on first come, first serve basis and the contents of their application form.

For more information: 062-226-2732~34

2011 Gwangju Design Biennale Theme: Design is design is not design / 도가도비상도 Date: September 2 – October 23, 2011 Venue: Gwangju Biennale Hall and all around the city of Gwangju Phone: 062-608-4114 For more info: www.gb.or.kr About this year’s Gwangju Design Biennale Inspired by the first lines of the Do Duk Kyeong (Tao Te Ching 道德經), “the way that is the way, is not always the way,” the 4th Gwangju Design Biennale seeks to (re)place and (re)name the fundamental issues of contemporary design. The title of the Biennale, “Design is design is not design,” adopts but replaces 道 (do) with 圖 (do) in No Ja’s first sentence. The Chinese character 圖 (do), which means to draw, was once used to denote design as a formal practice, similar to the notion of disegno and dessin. We are reminded that the more fundamental meaning of 圖 was to design a city on a piece of paper: that is, to create complex human environments within the framework of a specific medium. (Source: www.gb.or.kr)

Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival 2011 For more info, please see page 19

Gwangju International Food Fair 2011 Date: October 27 - 30, 2011 Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center Phone: 062-611-2213, 2215,2233 For more info: www.foodshow.kr The Gwangju International Food Fair has been widely referred to as the largest international food expo in South Korea. This year, it will attract about 260 exhibitors from more than 20 countries with a variety of products and technologies. Enjoy the great food there over four days!

11th Gwangju International Film Festival Date: October 27 – 31, 2011 Venue: Megabox Gwangju Program: Human Vision, World Vision, Family Vision, Classic Films Special Phone: 062-228-9968 For more info: www.giff.org

Suncheon Bay Reeds Festival 2011 Date: October 20 – 24, 2011 Location: Suncheon Bay Cost: By bus from Gwangju to Suncheon 6,400 won.

Exhibition Joseph Beuys / After Impressionism art Date: ~ November 6, 2011 Location: Gwangju Museum of Art Admission Fee: Adults 8,000won / Teenagers 6,000won / Children 4,000won Joseph Beuys (1921 – 1986) was a German performance artist, sculptor, installation artist, graphic artist, art theorist and pedagogue of art.

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Gwangju News October 2011

Suncheon Bay is known for its outstanding display of dense reeds, its habitats to a variety of bird species (local as well as migratory) and its tidal setting. The natural "S" shape of the bay is one of Korea's best settings for sunset photography. During this festival visitors can indulge in activities such as feeding the migratory birds; taking ferry boats and motor boat rides on the "S" shape water canal of the bay; making reed-based artwork; making and flying traditional kites; and participating in a sketching competition.

Sports Gwangju FC Soccer Team October Match Schedule Date

Match Team

Time

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Suwon Samsung

15:00

Venue: Gwangju World Cup Stadium (광주월드컵경기장) Direction: Take buses 6, 16, 20, 26, 47, 74 and get off at Worldcup Stadium bus stop Ticket Price: Adult 10,000 won, Family (4 people) 30,000 won Website: www.gwangjufc.com

KIA Tigers Baseball Team October Match Schedule

This Month at Holiday Inn Gwangju This month at Holiday Inn Gwangju – all revved up for the Korean Formula One Week We are delighted to introduce our “a la carte dining” at Holiday Inn Gwangju.

Date

Match Team

Time

HOURGLASS – features an extensive choice of Western and Asian delights priced from 24,000 won to 32,000 won.

4 5 6

SK SK SK

18:30 18:30 18:30

10th FLOOR WINE BAR & LOUNGE – features a limited “a la carte” menu offering superb steaks at 35,000 won.

Venue: Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium (무등경기장) Directions: Take buses 16, 38, 51, 53, 58, 89, 95, 98, 151 and get off at Mudeung Stadium bus stop Ticket Price: Adults 7,000 - 12,000 won; Students (13 - 18): 4,000 - 9,000 won; Children (under 13, 2,000 - 6,000 won) Website: www.tigers.co.kr (Korean)

Movies @ Gwangju Theater Chungjangro 5-ga (two blocks behind Migliore) Phone: 062-224-5858 Films change weekly to bi-weekly Check online for calendar and prices. (http://cafe.naver.com/cinemagwangju) OZU Yasujiro Retrospective Release date: October 7-9, 2011 Director: OZU Yasujiro Country: Japan Language: Japanese (with English and Korean subtitles)

For autumn we remind you of our getaway package called “Stay Sentimental”. This is a great short break for two with packages available in Deluxe, Junior and Executive Suites. The package includes breakfast in the Hourglass Restaurant, coffee and cake in our beautiful Lobby Lounge and free happy hour for two at our 10th floor Executive Lounge Bar. Prices start from 185,000 won.

And our “Stay Energized” package which includes accommodation in either Deluxe, Junior or Executive Suites, breakfast and free access into our beautiful deluxe sauna, plus free internet. We also provide you with free access to our indoor lap pool and extensive gymnasium. Prices start from 170,000 won.

Free screening of these films: I was born, but, The Munekata sisters, Tokyo Story, Early Spring, Floating Weeds, Autumn For The Kohayagawa Family

Performance Michael Wilson The 2011 Gwangju Citizens Sharing Love Concert with North Korea Defectors Date: October 29, 2011 Time: 5 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m Location: U-square (Gwangju Bus Terminal) Defectors from North Korea singers and volunteer singers in Gwangju are waiting to show you their best performances. Also, Daebul University students will perform Samulnori which will height the excitement of the event.

General Manager Holiday Inn Gwangju Michael.Wilson@ihg.com

Watch our website for further details www.holidayinngwangju.com

Gwangju News October 2011

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Editorial/ GIC Talk

[ Editorial ]

A Word from Our Editor-In-Chief

Over the last couple of months we have said a few farewells. It seems fitting to now take this opportunity to welcome many new readers to town and the surrounding countryside. Many newbie expat English language teachers have arrived with the new semester, including a large number with the local EPIK program.

Wherever you work, I know the GIC can be a greatly useful center for building community, studying the language, and starting to gain a sense of homeliness. I hope Gwangju News is also a helpful source of information for learning about the wealth of opportunities available for enjoying life in and around Gwangju.

A big “Thanks!” to all who have responded so far to the challenge to help out. And Korean readers, please keep in mind we need you too! Please let us know what interesting things are going to be happening in the next few months, and who the interesting people are in greater Gwangju and Jeollanam-do society. We particularly want to contact interesting achievers in and around town, especially the uncelebrated female success stories. If you have any ideas for interviews or articles please email: gwangjunews@gmail.com.

Finally, I am excited to invite you to help spread the word, and forward the invitation: We are celebrating the new level and look of Gwangju News at our first shared dinner party at the GIC, on Saturday, October 8, from 5.30 p.m. White rice, kimchi, potatoes, and juice will be provided. The only requirement is that you bring a smile, a little conversation, and a good “plate” of your favorite food to share. All are welcome. We hope to see you there.

By Julian Warmington

[ GIC Talk ]

Time & Place: Every Saturday, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., GIC office (5th floor of Jeon-il Bldg) For more information: visit www.gic.or.kr or contact gic@gic.or.kr Check out pictures from previous GIC Talks http://picasaweb.google.com/gictalk Click for the highlight clips of GIC Talk at www.youtube.com/GICTALK

October 1

October 15

Speaker: Mark Eaton Topic: Meaning and Metaphor - A solo exhibition by Mark Eaton

Speaker: Rachelle Braun Topic: Growing up in the Great Plains: A North Dakotan’s perspective

“This three-week solo exhibition will feature my photographic art, of which most of the collaborative compositions have not been shown publicly in a gallery prior to this event. Meaning and Metaphor isn't about cute crafts and dust collect knickknacks. Meaning and Metaphor is about substance, vulnerability, strength, character. Art, and its careful interpretation, is a reflection of all who can view. Those who look might not see, and those who hear might not listen.

I am interested in the irony and conflict and beauty of life.

What is perceived reality is not always so upon closer inspection and introspection. The routine and commonplace, while too often overlooked, is often the source of beauty and that is meaningful. There is pain, yet there is joy also.”

For more information, please see page 50

When traveling the world, or even North America, this native North Dakotan is asked about her home state. Who lives there? Why? Learn about this lesser known area of the U.S.A. and experience one of the coldest, flattest places in the U.S.A.

October 8 Speaker: Riann Arkinstall (Principal WINGS Language Academy, Cheomdan) Topic: First Nations Culture of North America - Past to present This GIC presentation will provide an overview of the Native culture of North America regarding traditional beliefs, the interaction with European immigrants and present day issues. It is a story which has historical connections to Korea. It describes the hardships Native Americans have faced as well as a movement to regain their rights and culture in the present day.

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Gwangju News October 2011

October 22 Speaker: Hughie Samson (Elementary School Teacher, GIC Volunteer) Topic: What You Miss Out on Each Time You Eat Meat Vegetarians are people who eat diets largely made up of plants. Some vegetarians eat eggs and dairy, while some even eat fish! Vegetarianism originated in ancient times, and today vegetarians can be found all over the world. During this GIC Talk Hughie Samson – a vegetarian himself for nearly eight years – will talk about the history of vegetarianism; the health benefits and challenges associated with vegetarianism; and the ethics of eating meat. These are all things you should be thinking about too, each and every time you eat meat.

October 29 GIC Day For more information, please see page 5

News

This Month in Gwangju A brief roundup of news stories from in and around Gwangju

Gwangju Urban Folly Project – From left: Juan Herreros, Florian Beigel and Francisco Sanin.

Gwangju Urban Folly Project Anyone who’s walked around Gwangju’s downtown area in the last few weeks will probably have noticed a number of distinctive-looking constructions which have recently appeared. These are the “Gwangju Follies” (Wikipedia: Folly –“a building constructed primarily for decoration”) The Gwangju Urban Folly Project aims to improve the city aesthetics and attract visitors. Construction of the first follies began six months ago, and completion of this first stage of the project has been scheduled to tie in with the ongoing Gwangju Design Biennale. There are currently ten follies in place, each designed by a different world-renowned architect, including Alejandro Zaera-Polo (Spain), and Dominique Perrault (France).

The structures are located around the perimeter of the central Gwangju downtown area at various key locations, such as the Chung-jang Police Box, Geunnam-no Park, the Asian Culture Complex and the Old City Hall intersection. The completed circuit forms a 2.2 kilometer walking trail covering all ten.

Gwangju city has launched the “Gwangju Folly Stamp Tour” to promote the scheme and attract visitors. Upon arriving at each one, visitors can receive a special stamp, and aim to collect all ten.

The first 200 people to complete the full set of stamps and submit them can receive 10,000 won gift certificates. Additionally, diners presenting the Stamp Tour Information Leaflet to any of the restaurants featured in it can receive a 5% discount.

Stamp books and information leaflets are available at the Gwangju Design Biennale Information Desk, and at each of the follies themselves.

“We hope the stamp tour will encourage more people to take part and come and see the follies,” said a city official. “Completing the tour and collecting a full set of stamps can give visitors a sense of fulfillment and give them something tangible to remember their trips by.”

The city also plans to extend the Folly Project to other parts of the city, and hopes to have installed up to 100 by 2020.

Children’s Parks in Gwangju On September 15th, the city announced plans to develop parks and areas specifically designed for children.

The project envisages a 340 million won investment to create four children’s parks. The areas will contain play areas and equipment only for children, to provide youngsters with a safe place to play and enjoy themselves, and offer parents a purpose-built public space where they can go out with their family.

A design competition will elicit ideas for the parks, open to architects, landscape designers and others with relevant qualifications. Four winning ideas will be selected and used to form the master plan, due to be unveiled by late November this year.

By Jon Ozelton Photo references from Gwangju Design Biennale

Gwangju News October 2011

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Feature

Green City, Better City 2011 Gwangju Summit of the Urban Environmental Accords

J

amie Lerner, Urban planner and former mayor of Curitiba, Brazil believes that, “Cities are not the problem, they are the solution.”

The big players are Gwangju Metropolitan City, the United Nations Environment Programme and the County of San Francisco. They will be addressing the most pressing environmental issues of our generation including waste disposal, energy sustainability and pollution.

Motivation In 2008, the number of people living in urban environments exceeded those in rural areas. People are flocking to cities for conveniences, life-styles and employment. It’s estimated that by 2030, five billion people will live in urban areas. That’s half of the world’s population. Cities are already emitting 71% of the planets Greenhouse Gasses (GHG) although they occupy only 2% of the landmass. But it is a misconception that the environment must suffer for these opportunities to exist.

Local governments play an important role in curbing greenhouse gasses. They are in a unique position of understanding their constituency’s lifestyles, choices and culture, allowing them to implement suitable environmental schemes that will work. Which is why the Gwangju Summit of the Urban Environmental Accords (UEA) is bringing local governments together to exchange ideas and implement schemes to better their urban environment.

Cities first acknowledged the need to promote sustainable urban areas at the 2005 World Environment Day. Since then, 109 cities have signed the accords, thereby strengthening inter-city cooperation. It was Gwangju’s mayor Kang Un-Tae, a passionate environmentalist, who took up the challenge of hosting the event, with Professor Kim Kwi-Gon at the helm.

Kimdaejung Convention Center October 11-13, 2011 10

Gwangju News October 2011

The essence of the summit takes place on the 12th and 13th of October at the Kimdaejung Convention [KDJ] center. The facility boasts world-class exhibition halls, conference rooms, cutting edge amenities and ample parking spaces with public transport at its doorstep. How fitting that the KDJ center will also be the site of the Solar Wind Earth Energy Trade Show in February 2012.

The Objectives The UEA will include four conferences: an exhibition, cultural events, and the all-important plenary sessions.

In the sessions, attendees will listen to environmental experts as well as two Mayors from both a developed and developing country. The sessions end with an open floor discussion. The focus of the UEA is on two major objectives, The Urban Environmental Evaluation Index and an Urban Carbon Development Mechanism; split into three plenary sessions over two days.

Urban Environmental Evaluation Index The first objective will create an index to measure the environmental friendliness of a city and will stand as the ideal for developed and developing cities. Features may include management of toxicants, water conservation and healthy food systems. Titled the Urban Environmental Evaluation Index, it will continue to serve as a guideline for urban environmental policies and as a measurement of future cities’ progress.

The UNEP·Gwangju Low-Carbon Green City award will be given to the city that measures highest in the developed evaluation index. The award will continue to be presented to the best city once every four years.

The UEA conference itself will be held biannually.

Urban Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) The second is arguably the most innovative aim: the creation of the world’s first city-to-city carbon trading scheme. The UN will issue cities with a limited number of carbon credits. These credits can be sold to other cities or traded on the open market alongside other carbon credit schemes. The intention is that

Feature

more than 1000 green public areas, 16 national parks and 14 forests. This amounts to 52 square meters of playroom per person. In the 1970s the city’s growth began threatening the subtropical forest surrounding the city. Action was needed to ensure the city’s health did not infringe on the health of the local vegetation.

Curitiba is regarded by many as a world leader in green urban planning. Jamie Lerner, Urban Planner and former Mayor of Curitiba once said that, “Cities are not the problem, they are the solution.”

Gwangju Mayor Kang Un-tae with UNEP Director, Arab Hoballah

developed countries either reduce their emissions to the levels set by the Kyoto Protocol or purchase carbon credits to make up for their shortfall. As the Kyoto Protocol does not bind developing countries, they can profit from the sale of their carbon credits.

The hope is that overall levels of GHG will fall whilst innovation in this industry continues to flourish.

These developments can then be exchanged between developed and developing countries.

Attendees The list of attendees reads like a “Who’s Who” of environmental conservation. International organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme, Union of Environmental Societies and countless Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) will have representatives at the conference. Of the 70 cities intending to take part some to note are San Francisco, Brussels, Curitiba (Brazil) and Sakai (Japan). Cities from countries as diverse as New Zealand, India, Kenya, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, Mexico and America will come together under one roof to express their concern for their urban environment, and share examples of successful projects already in practice.

Curitiba is one of twelve cities and four international organizations to display their city’s best practices at the subject hall’s exhibition.

The city has succeeded in introducing a Green Exchange employment programme, an enormous seed bank of flowers and cuttings and a combination of other initiatives. Curitiba recycles 70% of its waste, and the result is astonishing. One thousand two hundred trees are saved every day through recycling.

Inhabitants of Curitiba have green spaces galore;

Co-host city and county of San Francisco will also exhibit their best practices, like the San Francisco green taxi scheme. By 2012, taxis must reduce their GHG emissions by 20% in relation to 1990 levels.

Therefore, taxis are either hybrid or run on CNG (compressed natural gas). The lifespan of hybrid technology is much more tenable than had been expected and so too are the maintenance costs.

San Francisco is also renowned for its pioneering farmers’ markets. Small-scale farmers and municipal governments work in partnership to establish approximately 200 farmers’ markets that distribute food in an efficient, less wasteful and fairer way.

Keynote Speakers

Left: Amina Mohamed; Right: Lester Brown

As if the plethora of attendees wasn’t enough, three of the foremost leaders in this field will share their expertise as keynote speakers. They are Lester Brown, Amina Mohamed and Joan Clos. The attributes and skill set of each speaker will make for perceptive discussions.

Lester Brown has been involved in the agricultural environmental movement since its conception. Brown has co-authored 50 books challenging agricultural ideas of food security. He has a Masters degree in agricultural economics and ample governmental experience, advising the Secretary of Agriculture on foreign policy. In 1974 he established the Worldwatch Institute, then in 2001 he founded the Earth Policy Institute to “provide a vision and a road map for Gwangju News October 2011

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Feature

Green City event with Gwangju’s Mayor Kang Un-tae

achieving an environmentally sustainable economy.”

Throughout Amina Mohamed’s career she has served her country, Kenya, as a diplomat, international lawyer and policy maker. She is also believed to be instrumental in advancing the environmental and sustainable development agenda at a national and international level. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon acknowledged Mohamed’s expertise by appointing her Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Mohamed’s extensive experience in multilateral negotiations as Ambassador of Kenya to the United Nations and her expertise in policy and legal matters make her an excellent fit for the summit.

Joan Clos was a respected Mayor of Barcelona before he became Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). As Mayor, he improved the tram and subway network, and he implemented far-reaching investment projects such as the Social Low-cost Housing Plan and Barcelona 22@ project. These skills in government policy combined with his medical degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona and his studies in Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh put Brown and Mohamed in good company.

Events and Exhibitions From October 10-14, a variety of events and exhibitions will showcase the current conditions of urban environments worldwide.

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Gwangju News October 2011

Four international conferences will feature at the Kimdaejung Convention Center: - the UEA United Nations Environment Programme’s Youth Forum, with the aim of addressing the next generation’s role in solving environmental issues.

- the Non-governmental Organization’s Global Forum, where NGOs can share their city’s best practices for combating climate change.

- the International Conference of Union of Environmental Societies, which will discuss the Urban CDM between domestic and international experts.

- the United Nations University with the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, will come together to present new environmental technology.

Exhibitions will showcase how cities have created green urban solutions at the UEA Cities and Business Exhibition. In the same venue the 2011 International Climate and Environmental Fair may provide an interesting source of inspiration.

Gwangju will be a flurry with tourists keen to see the other attractions that Gwangju has to offer. Gwangju Metropolitan City has arranged cultural performances and tours to display the cities’ green initiatives and show the beauty of Korea. The famous Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival will be worth a look from October 15-19 and in Autumn Mudeung Mountain is spectacular when covered with auburn leaves of Gyubongam and Eoksae grasses.

By Frances Herrington Photos courtesy of 2011 UEA For more information, please visit www.2011uea.com

Cover Story

Meet the Mayor Kang Un-tae takes some time to talk to Gwangju News Gwangju News met Mr. Kang Un-tae, Gwangju City Mayor, mainly to congratulate him for the inclusion of The May 18th Democratic Uprising documents to UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” Register and to hear his plan on the Gwangju Summit of Urban Environmental Accords (UEA) among others. Before his election as a city mayor in 2010, he served as mayor of Suncheon (‘89-‘90), mayor of Gwangju (‘94-‘95), minister of Internal Affairs (‘97), and as a member of the National Assembly (‘00 and ‘08). He will be in this office till 2014.

Gwangju News (GN): Congratulations! The May 18 Democratic Uprising has been added to UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” Register. Over the years this event continued to be a controversial issue reminding citizens not to forget about the past and the cost of democracy. What is planned to promote awareness around the world about 5.18?

Mayor Kang: After 31 years, Gwangju citizens’ sadness seems to have melted away through this recognition. A wise man has to remember the past and wait for the future open-mindedly whether it’s about the history of Gwangju, the history of the Republic of Korea, or the world's democratic history. Informing the world about the May 18 Democratic Uprising promotes values of democracy, human rights, and world freedom.

There are many things we have to do. Gwangju city has purchased Geumnamro Catholic Center, a building associated with the 5.18 Pro-democracy Movement, to be the archives and home of documentary materials. We are urgently working to provide easy access to the public to 5.18 documentaries, including over 850,000 pages which will be digitalized and placed on a website linked to UNESCO. In early September, the UNESCO Chair visited Gwangju to award the 5.18 UNESCO recognition certificate. Being recognized by UNESCO helps transform 5.18 from a Korean historical event into a world recognized event that promotes peace and human rights. At this meeting I set up a UNESCO-Gwangju May Peace Prize. We will also continue to hold human rights forums inviting cities of the world to give more recognition to the May Uprising.

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Gwangju News October 2011

GN: For the past year and a half, I have been been able to teach Gwangju citizens for the 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade. What preparations are being made for 2015?

Mayor Kang: The Universiade will have five basic concepts. The first concept is ecology; the “Eco Versiade” is to promote an ecologically friendly approach to the implementation of the games. The Athlete Village built just outside of the city has been renovated and rebuilt from previously existing apartment complexes. After the games these buildings will again be made available as apartments. We now need 77 stadiums and arenas. Preexisting facilities will be re-used and re-purposed with only three new stadiums needing to be built. Water, LED and solar power will create these new eco-friendly facilities which include a multi-purpose gymnasium, archery range, and a swimming pool.

The second concept is peace: “Peace Versiade”. We will create a united team from both South and North Korea.

While this plan hasn't been announced to North Korea, I have mentioned it a few times through the media. The third concept is “IT Versiade”. This is to build on and celebrate Korea’s success as a powerhouse of IT. This is especially important to recognize Gwangju’s optical industry success.

Fourth, the “Culture Versiade” adds a connection to Gwangju’s cultural conventions. In August a troop of performers enacted Jasmine Gwangju which is about May 18th Democratic Uprising in Edinburgh, UK. When I visited Edinburgh last year, we talked about co-operating to host a youth festival when the Gwangju Summer Universiade starts. The final concept is “Service Versiade”. Owned by our citizens and citizen volunteers, approximately twenty

Cover Story

thousand people are being trained to help visiting athletes and tourists. The current training plan focuses on foreign language training. By 2015 twenty thousand people will be interpreters and volunteers fostering a sense of pride, involvement and cultural sensitivity for these games which promote good sportsmanship.

GN: The Gwangju Summit of Urban Environmental Accords (UEA) is held this fall.

What is this Summit about?

Mayor Kang: For the UEA, we are planning to have the forum from October 11th to 14th. It began in San Francisco in 2005, and then worked collaboratively with UNEP, UN Environment Programme. Sixty-seven cities have been invited to the forum, at which we will introduce an urban environmental index. This index measures seven areas including air, water and trash management. This index will be used to assess cities of the world in three tiers, advanced countries, developing countries and low developing countries. We would like to propose clean development management with the help of UNEP, developing skills in reducing CO2 gas, for example. Additionally the summit will have a display of environmental protection skills and a general exhibition.

Mayor Kang (left) with Maria Lisak during the interview

GN: In April 2011 Gwangju city released statistics about foreign visitors to Gwangju. In 2009 there were 130,000 visitors; in 2010 230,000 – nearly doubling within a year. This is the highest increase in the nation. What will you do to continue to support this foreign exchange?

Mayor Kang: Gwangju is now stepping into international society. While foreign tourists have increased, foreign residents have also increased from 16,000 to 18,000 people. Gwangju is an unknown city outside of South Korea. However, results like these show Gwangju is rectifying this lack of recognition and becoming a popular Korean city destination. Gwangju is the capital of culture and art; we are a city of democracy

and host cultural conventions. Gwangju is also the base for the government and has designated special zones for R&D (research and development) as well as for the hightech science industry. Tourists and international residents are a more common sight these days in Gwangju, and Gwangju citizens see this as part of the growth of the city.

I want to provide better housing services to visitors and international residents. I also want to expand tourist centers around the city, with a larger one located at Gwangju Train Station, which is expanding soon. At the same time I will develop more tourist sites along coastal areas, and many on islands near Jeonnam province. I will increase the number of multi-cultural family centers from four to five. They will provide Korean language training for easier settlement and acculturation as well as other services. These centers will provide services for better job searching for international residents.

There is one more thing I should mention. Every Friday afternoon, I talk with the citizens of Gwangju. A variety of citizens discuss their complaints and I try to solve them. In the near future, I would be very happy to meet international residents.

GN: Gwangju News Magazine is made entirely by volunteers; a diversity of people give their time and effort to make it. Do you have any suggestions about what you would like to see in the magazine?

Mayor Kang: I am impressed by your voluntarism.

One of the reasons that 5.18 was easily accepted by the assessment committee of UNESCO was because of a diary written by an 18-year-old woman. She claimed that even though 5.18 was termed a “riot” by the government, there wasn’t the mob mentality of a riot. She wrote that Gwangju people voluntarily protected banks and jewelry shops. “There were no robberies, no thieves, no violence among us in the absence of security,” she stated, “The citizens were in charge of security of the city.” The assessment committee members were deeply moved by her journal. So too, am I deeply impressed by Gwangju News volunteers. I have no feedback to give you, but if you have anything to ask for, come to us. I will always be ready for your visit.

In closing from the writer: We don’t win awards for our magazine, but this opportunity to interview the Mayor of Gwangju was a great reward giving recognition to the Gwangju international community who volunteer, contribute and read Gwangju News. Thanks to the Mayor and his office for his time and attention.

Interview conducted and written by Maria Lisak Special thanks to Dr Gyonggu Shin, the Mayor’s office, Seoyoung Park (dictation) and Gyuri Park (translation).

Photos courtesy of Gwangju City Hall Gwangju News October 2011

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Feature

Busan International Film Festival he 16th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF, formally PIFF) is to commence from October 6th, and will run until the 14th. With over 300 films to be showcased, this makes it the largest film festival on the continent. There is hope that this year’s event will surpass last year’s recordbreaking jamboree. Film producers and directors from 70 countries will present their work to a throng of international guests, critics and spectators.

Visitors will be able to watch an assortment of movies from all four corners of the globe and to rub shoulders with first-time directors who will be exhibiting their world to a public that has seen its movie industry grow from strength to strength since the first festival back in 1996. The festival has now become one of the premier movie occasions on the Asian calendar. The success of last year’s event, in which a total of over 182,000 people attended and featuring a festival-best 153 premiers, has seen tickets snapped up quickly as movie-goers look to get their hands on the best seats in the house.

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For many decades there wasn’t much to write about in regards to an Asian movie scene. The Hollywood movies that flooded the silver screens were what were popular and the Asian films were always considered somewhat baffling and frequently lacklustre. Additionally they would provide little revenue for their directors, their actors and their crew; it was difficult ever seeing this situation would improve. At least that was the way most saw this scene. But audiences began to grow tired of the run16

Gwangju News October 2011

of-the-mill repetitive “box-office bonanzas” and began to look for something that had a little more depth in its characters and a storyline that had more absorption than a wet sponge. Soon Hollywood directors and producers began getting inspiration and ideas from a plethora of distinctive and creative sources in the east. Eventually world cinema began to take-off.

With so many movies being shown at BIFF this October, it can be difficult to pick the crass from the classic, the banal from the brilliant and the trite from the terrific. But a few recommended by those “in the know” include any of the screenings by Hong Kong writer, producer and director Yonfan. The special program dedicated to his work will include A Certain Romance (1984), Double Fixation (1987), Promising Miss Bowie (1990), In Between (1994), Bishonen (1998), Peony Pavilion (2001), and Colour Blossoms (2004).

The opening movie Always (2011) by Korean director Song Il-gon tells of a love story between an ex-boxer and his partner. This slow unraveling story, with sweeping long shots, has made this an interesting choice for the opening slot, with mixed reviews from across the board.

From Japan come a number of movies, but one in particular has been chosen to be the closing film.

Chronicle of My Mother by Masata Harada is a piece about a successful writer, Kosaku Igami who takes in

Feature

Top: from left: A shot from Return to Burma; a still shot from Chronicles of My Mother, the closing movie for BIFF Right: A scene fromChoked, directed by Kim Joong-hyun

his ailing mother when his father dies. After years of anger towards her for sending him away during his childhood, he is suddenly forced into taking care of her and discovering the truth behind those earlier times.

The festival is renowned for exhibiting new work by directors from around Asia, and one of its few awards handed out every year is the New Current award. Often the winner of this award will go on to further success. Last year’s The Journals of Musan

by Park Jung-bum, went on to feature in movie theatres across parts of Western Europe and North America. It told the story of a North Korean defector that struggled to find work in the South after fleeing.

Nominees this year include: the Korean film, Choked, by Kim Joong-hyun; Damn Life by Japanese director Kitagawa Hitashi; Lost in Mountain by Chinese director Gao Zipeng; and Return to Burma

by Midi Z. Return to Burma tells the story of a man who returns to his home country, which has been closed off from the outside world, and how he seeks to find a new life for himself while grappling with a society that hasn’t progressed. The government of Rangoon gave the director unparalleled access to shoot in the country.

Being the biggest film festival in Asia has meant that the venues for the event have had to be updated and this festival will see the inaugural opening of the new Busan Cinema Centre in Centum City, near Haeundae. A nine-story building housing three screens (seating 413 in the largest and 213 each in the smaller two), plus another 4000-seater screen outside, will put the audience right into the action.

This venue will be hosting the opening and closing celebrations of the event. The majority of the

screenings will take place within the area, with the Shinsegae Department store’s (the biggest store in the world) CGV hosting a bountiful selection as well.

Tickets are moderately priced, starting at 6000 won for a general seat, 8000 won for a 3D movie (a film festival wouldn’t be the same now would it?), 20,000 won for the opening and closing pictures, and the special “Midnight Passion”, where you can watch three movies back-to-back for 10,000 won. To prebook your ticket using a credit card, you need to go to www.daum.net and for cash, visit the nearest Busan Bank. This is probably the simplest option when you’re in Busan.

There is further information on the Official BIFF website at www.biff.kr.

Other links include: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/ and www.asianfilmmarket.org.

By David Holt Photos courtesy of Busan International Film Festival For more articles by the writer visit: davidholt.wordpress.com Follow on twitter at @DavidAndrewHolt

Gwangju News October 2011

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Feature

Introducing

Kimchi

As the fan-shaped leaves of ornamental gingkoes turn yellow, brightening Gwangju’s boulevards, and maples on Mount Mudeung blush maroon, residents of this South Korean metropolis prepare to become connoisseurs of kimchi at the annual dedicated festival. Kimchi – a fermented vegetable side dish steeped in fifteen centuries’ history – is a national symbol and an essential component in any Korean meal. Prepared by adept chefs, kimchi sports an appetizing blend of seasonings. Korea’s national sidedish, though it may seem simple, is a history-rich enigma. oreans don’t say “cheese” when the camera clicks – they say “kimchi,” thus paying homage to a salted vegetable side dish that completes every meal. What’s more, kimchi has been a fixture of the Korean banquet for centuries, tracing back 1500 years to the Three Kingdoms Period – though in those days it wasn’t yet endowed with its modern characteristics or complexity.

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appetizer. It steals the show as the star of kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and other dishes, reminding film buffs of those endless shrimp dishes listed in Forrest Gump.

Kimchi seems simple enough: cabbage and spice, right? Far from it. Like neighboring Japan’s miso soup, Korea’s kimchi comes in seemingly infinite varieties; every restaurant has distinctively flavored kimchi. If at first it is unappealing, this may simply mean that it is being sampled from the wrong establishment.

Live in the “Land of Morning Calm” long enough, talk to enough people, and you may just meet a Korean who doesn’t The secret ingredients care for kimchi; such people are rare. Before this happens, it is far more likely that you will see earthenware kimchi pots (technically storage pots for fermented foods that include soy bean paste and soy sauce) immortalised for posterity in an oil painting, or kimchi in all its varied splendour celebrated at a festival.

Those who define kimchi as a spicy cabbage dish, or the Korean answer to German sauerkraut, simplify.

Over 200 varieties of kimchi have been counted, ranging from diced radish and sliced radish to entire-cabbage kimchi. Those obsessed with or intrigued by kimchi can discover 48 of its manifestations in Kimchi: A Korean Health, or see 100 varieties on display at Gwangju’s annual kimchi festival.

Nor is kimchi always limited to the cameo role of a side dish or 18

Gwangju News October 2011

Kimchi affects Korea’s landscape. Some 26 million South Koreans inhabit high-rise apartment blocks built by such jaebol conglomerates as Hyundai and

Unveil the Makings of Kimchi Some fifteen unexpected ingredients endow kimchi with its singular flavour: sun-dried red pepper powder, ginger, squeezed pear juice, sesame seeds, tiny prawns, anchovies, a little fish called “sand lance” (which I had not previously heard of), seaweed, turmeric (as used in curry), garlic, spring onion, Korean-Japanese radish, red leaf mustard, glutinous rice flour, and dropwort.

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Samsung. But others still live in traditional houses.

Take the time to stroll through a quaint old neighborhood, and you’ll easily spot large storage containers – kimchi pots – perching on rooftops or above gateways.

Kimchi, in short, is the quintessential Korean dish, as Korean as taekwondo martial arts, hiking in the mountains and picking up instant coffee from a Samsung vending machine. No wonder so many Koreans have been worried about the skyrocketing price of cabbage during the past year!

Wander among mountains and again you’ll spot containers at a Buddhist temple such as Tongdosa, the country’s largest, or Songgwangsa, just an hour or so from Gwangju.

One of the marvels of a traditional Korean meal is the array of side dishes clustered about your main dish, an appetizing array of delicacies sprawling out across the table. One or two varieties of kimchi will grace the table, you can be certain, and sweetened, luminousyellow Korean-Japanese radish slices are also curiously popular – but there may be ten or more other side dishes, ranging from succulent bean sprouts to persimmon slices, pancakes, fish, and unexpected goodies that your host has provided. As though this weren’t a sufficient exhibition of hospitality, attentive hosts often top up these side dishes. Head along to this year’s kimchi festival to find out more.

Story and photos by Jacob Lotinga

Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival 2011 Date: October 15 - 19, 2011 Place: Jungoe Park (adjacent to the Biennale Exhibition Hall and the Folk Museum) Getting there: From Gwangju Bus Terminal, catch bus no. 64 to the Biennale Exhibition Hall.

From Gwangju Station, catch bus no. 83 to the Biennale Exhibition Hall.

From the downtown stop nearest to the GIC (in front of Paris Baguette), catch either bus no. 51 or 95.

Get off at the Culture and Arts Centre (front gate for bus 51, back gate for 95) and then walk for approx. 5 mins.

Website: http://kimchi.gwangju.go.kr

Lotus root kimchi

Kimchi Carnival Time (The following is based on a visit to Gwangju’s 2010 World Kimchi Cultural Festival.)

Kimchi should be celebrated in style at least once a year – or so believe organizers of Gwangju’s kimchi festival, now ambitiously dubbed the World Kimchi Culture Festival. Held in each of the last 17 years in late October, the event is located between the anthropologist-friendly Folk Museum and the Biennale (contemporary art) Exhibition Hall. The festival offers a whiff of spices and an assortment of ways to relish Korea’s favorite food.

As you approach the festival grounds along a road flanked with bright yellow autumnal ginkgoes, you’ll notice people heaving large bags of cabbage on their shoulders or even balancing them on their heads. Next comes a jazz band’s melody floating on the breeze, or thudding hip-hop as young dancers show off the contemporary side of “conservative” South Korea.

Activities include the chance to make scrumptious kimchi of your own (which you can then take home) under the direction of an expert, or simply sampling kimchi at tents. Serious kimchi chefs can compete at the Eight Provinces Kimchi Academy, while photographers snap away.

After waiting in the long line, visitors can enter the festival’s exhibition hall to admire exquisitely arranged specimens of “palace-style” and “temple-style” kimchi in glass cabinets under subdued lighting, read about Gwangju’s Kimchi Masters (and admire their dishes), marvel at humanity’s penchant for salting vegetables in the Pickles of the World section, or make musical instruments from vegetables that would usually be utilized for kimchi.

Gwangju News October 2011

19

Environment

Down the Drain A look at Korea’s sewage and garbage systems he state of Korea’s sewage and waste disposal system has been a raging topic of debate for the last 20 years and many opinions have been raised regarding its functionality and sanitization levels for its 49 million residents.

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There is no doubt the Korean government has come far since the Korean War in building a satisfactory sanitization system, though walking through the streets of anywhere in downtown cities such as Gwangju, Seoul or Busan and smelling the rancid stench of sewage, the question remains: Have they really done enough?

For a country at the forefront of robotic and broadband technology, most of the basic needs of the people seem to have been overlooked. Every year the Korean government pumps more than 30 billion won (US$26.7 million) into the ever-growing robotics market, and less into improving sewage treatment, 98% of which is pumped into the Pacific Ocean every year from Korea and surrounding countries.

Even with budget increases in 2011 to ensure recovery to the economy, The Ministry of Strategy and Finance plans to cut its spending on desperately needed infrastructure like roads and sewage treatment by 3.2% to 24.3 trillion won. According to the Bank of South Korea’s Infrastructure Report for 2011, most of this money will be spent on upgrading the country’s bullet train network from Seoul to other cities to cut travel time and reduce carbon emissions, and expanding the country’s smart grid system.

Although this is good for public transport, baser needs like tackling the problem of water pollution because of sewage overflow and littering are still in

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Gwangju News October 2011

Future generations could suffer adikmaisarah.blogspot.com

desperate need of attention, especially when the current garbage system appears to be failing.

Since January 1, 1995, when the Ministry of Environment introduced a “volume based waste collection fee system,” city dwellers are now required to buy special expensive color-coded trash bags to dispose of their solid household waste, but at about 9,000 won for three 50 liter bags, it approaches outrageous. However, the price of the bags includes the trash removal service and works on the assumption that if you consume less, then you pay less. Attempts to use anything other than these bags can result in fines of up to one million won and your trash left decaying on the street.

Although this is a great idea aimed at reducing the quantity of solid waste, it is completely undermined by individual product packaging, and the absence of street bins. One has only to walk the streets of any

Environment

Landfills are a big cause for concern

guardian.co.tt

city in Korea to notice the heaped trash lying scattered on the ground.

Last month, the issue was further highlighted by Pyeongtaek City personnel who accused American GIs living off-base of breaking the trash disposal laws. South Korean authorities said they were failing to use the trash bags required by Korean law and were not sorting recyclable items as required.

Massive amounts of pollution are dumped into the ocean everyday beta.twistedsifter.com

amount of waste, and what they can’t maintain is pumped into other bodies of water, usually the ocean.

Once in the ocean the waste can then flow into rivers and streams, which continue to hurt Korea’s fishing industry.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been on the case of Asian governments since the early 90s to start cleaning up their acts.

Pollution and marine contamination remains at the forefront of Asian environmental offences, something Pyeongtaek City’s waste management division of which has continued to take centre stage in global manager, Lee Min-hyon, identified other areas politics since that time. In 1999 South Korea, Japan where off-base U.S. military personnel were and China took steps by allegedly violating trash forming a joint laws, including Uijeongbu, Dongducheon, Seoul, “Korea regularly comes under commission, to address problems, Pyeongtaek, Waegwan and fire from the United Nations environmental and in 2008 Korea boosted Daegu, though he said it was investment into renewable especially frequent in for its water standards.” energy.

Pyeongtaek and Waegwan.

Although most off-base residents comply with the laws, he said others were continuing to abuse the system. He said that the violations have an even broader impact on the system since it increases local trash collection costs, increases municipal workload, poses damage to the environment, deprives the government of recyclable resources, and gives U.S. military personnel a bad name.

However it isn’t just the foreign influence making South Korea a dirty place. The country regularly comes under fire from the United Nations for its water standards, which are a direct result of its growing population and sewage problems. Sewage companies are usually unable to process the sheer

But for Korea, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Continuing irresponsible disposal of garbage and sewage into the Pacific Ocean is removing labels like “paradise” from tourist-friendly islands like Jeju.

UNEP executive director Klaus Toepfer told the Associated Press: “Small islands across the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and the Pacific are some of the most vulnerable nations on Earth. Handling solid wastes from industry, households and tourism are emerging as another issue with which they need advice and help.” If not simply for the benefit of eradicating rancid sewage smells downtown, many have high hopes for more action.

By Brooke Petersen

Gwangju News October 2011

21

Finance

US Debt is Critical to Korean Economy ost people don’t need to have it explained to them that we live in a global economy, and that what happens in one economy effects the rest of the world and so on. Still, many might not understand just how dependent Korea (and the rest of the world) is on the US dollar specifically. With the recent “Black Monday”, when the South Korean stock market plunged, people may finally be taking notice. That is because every major currency in the world is largely backed by US dollardenominated assets, including roughly 60% of South Korea’s reserves.

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The recent raising of the US debt limit, the unannounced QE3 (quantitative easing - or simply the printing of more dollars) and the downgrade of the dollar’s credit rating are all having real implications on the Korean economy. Also it should be understood that there is a primary cause for the recent financial troubles that is not being discussed in the mainstream media. Those who remember “Minerva”, penname for Park Dae-sung, the famous Korean blogger briefly jailed for his impressively accurate economic forecasts, know that he discussed this little-known destructive force that has been largely bringing down the world economy.

But first let’s establish that the media’s coverage of these recent events versus their real significance should be distinguished. For example the raising of the US debt limit; this was dramatized in US and foreign media to appear like it was a rare close-call with disaster. You would never guess that in reality the US debt limit has been raised 78 times in the last 51 years. Why all the fuss on this occasion? By dramatizing the event, it creates a sense of panic and confusion, in short people become more willing to sacrifice entitlements (social security, health care, etc) or pay higher taxes if they think it will save the economy.

Another overly-dramatized event is the highly

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Gwangju News October 2011

Where is the value of paper money headed? neverendingfootsteps.com

expected announcement of QE3. The truth is the US Federal Reserve, a private bank, is always printing more money, and has been since its creation in 1913.

But by suddenly naming its printing sessions QE1, QE2 etc, it gives people the perception that inflation (the printing and devaluation of money) is somehow a new phenomenon and not something that’s been ongoing for decades.

The third part, the downgrading of the US debt rating, is actually a new event. What people may forget is this is just an opinion. Standard and Poors (the rating agency) doesn’t control the interest rates.

What it does is manipulate people’s perspectives, causing events like South Korea’s recent Black Monday and similar panic worldwide. The New York Times is reporting that some Wall Street insiders may have had prior knowledge about the downgrade and used put options (bets that the dollar will fall in value) to make billions of dollars from it.

The common theme presented to the public with each economic event is that we must sacrifice to save

Finance

the economy. Koreans probably remember in 1997 they were asked to hand in gold to help pay the government’s debts at that time. Greece has been forced to sell off some of its most beautiful islands.

Argentina, once considered among the wealthiest nations in the world, is now reduced to third world status. These events are commonly known as an IMF Crisis, and they can tell us a lot about what is happening today.

And that brings us to the aforementioned destructive force that the media won’t dare speak aloud, or the dreaded “D word” of mainstream media. If people were to become educated on this forbidden topic they might just learn the real reason why economies around the world are seemingly in endless debt crises. The word that I am talking about is derivatives, also once referred to by multibillionaire Warren Buffet as “financial weapons of mass destruction”.

Explaining financial derivates in any sensible way is like wading into a quagmire, but to oversimplify it, they are junk bonds. Here’s how market strategist Graham Summers explains: “A derivative is not an asset. It’s, in reality, nothing, just an imaginary security of no tangible value that banks/financial institutions trade as a kind of ‘gentleman’s bet’ on the value of future risk or securities.”

The New York Times said this regarding credit default swaps, the most destructive derivative, and its role in the Greek economic crisis. “These contracts … effectively let banks and hedge-funds wager on the financial equivalent of a four-alarm fire: a default by a company or, in the case of Greece, an entire country. If Greece reneges on its debts, traders who own these swaps stand to profit.” Also the aforementioned put options are another derivative.

And what is the total amount of all the derivatives straining the world economy today? Economist Webster G Tarpley estimates over 1.5 quadrillion dollars, or to put that into perspective roughly 25 times the world’s total GDP (gross domestic product). Even The Washington Post admits they total at least 600 trillion. Regardless, it can never be paid… it’s like a black hole in the world economy. As journalist Alex Jones on his radio show put it, debating QE3 and debt limits in the face of the derivatives black hole is like rearranging the deck

chairs on the Titanic. It’s all meaningless until the derivatives are dealt with first.

How do you stop derivates? Well for one, they were illegal from 1936 to 1982. If they aren’t going to be illegal again, they can be taxed. Even a one percent tax according to Tarpley would be adequate to discourage out-of-control derivatives. Also call for the return of the Glass Steagall Act, created during the first Great Depression and repealed in 1999. This outlawed banks from acting as hedge funds. A bank can be a commercial bank, investment bank, or an insurance company, but only one. Otherwise they can bet with derivatives on the fate of an asset they also own, an obvious conflict of interest.

But first we have to educate each other. Everyone talks about the economy, not many know about derivatives. Good books to gain a better understanding on derivatives are Tarpley’s book Surviving the Cataclysm and economist John Perkins’ Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. In 2002 BBC journalist Greg Palast obtained secret United Nations documents that indicated derivatives were being used intentionally to take over sovereign economies. After the economies collapse resources can be bought up for cheap, as long as the politicians can be bought off to allow it to happen. However it hasn’t always worked out that way. Iceland also had an IMF crisis, and they refused to sacrifice. They didn’t turn in any gold, sell any land or give up their standard of living. They protested, and finally it was admitted that over 90% of the debts were not owed by the public, but rather by private banks that had been dealing with derivatives. Iceland is the model for success.

And finally take care of yourself and your family.

During inflation, the value of energy, food and commodities will rise. For example gold is up around 600% over the past decade, and silver 700%.

Remember the estimated derivatives market is anywhere from 600 trillion to over 1.5 quadrillion dollars depending on who you ask. Until those are cancelled out (it can never be paid) inflation will just keep rising. Regardless of what governments do or don’t do, you can protect your own interests, and even be quite prosperous during extreme inflation.

Just don’t wait.

By Michael Bielawski

Gwangju News October 2011

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News

Home Pages Want to write about news from your country?

Contact the Editor for more information: gwangjunews@gmail.com.

Ireland

U.S.A

October is rutting (or mating) season for Ireland’s largest mammal, the red deer of Killarney National Park in Kerry, a county in southwest Ireland. Stags weighing up to 200 kilograms with fully branched antlers are gathering their harems of hinds at the moment. The rut has become a popular tourist attraction, with thousands flocking to listen to the bellows of these magnificent animals and hear the crashing of antlers as they fight, sometimes to the death, over a pack of females. Stags become more confident than usual at this time of year and are not afraid of humans, with the result that anyone who strays onto their path is regarded as a rival. The Kerry Deer Society is advising people to watch from a distance. Patrons at the Lake Hotel in Killarney however, did not need any binoculars when they were treated to the sight of two stags chasing each other into the lake outside the hotel! Red deer numbers in Ireland plummeted to just 60 in 1960, due to excessive hunting, deforestation and the Great Famine, but have now risen to over 600 animals as a result of rigorous protection efforts by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

By Emma Dooley

England There has been much outrage from certain sections of the British press as designers at New York Fashion Week have poured scorn and disdain on the “fashion idle” status of Kate Middleton. Among the far-fetched and obviously ludicrous claims, is that people only care about her because she’s in the public eye and that you wouldn’t look at her twice on a New York street. After being unfavorably compared to both Kate Moss and Lady Gaga, I expect to see the Duchess of Cambridge reclaiming her fashion “crown” by snorting cocaine and being carried around in a giant egg by four well-muscled men in the immediate future. After all, what are poor people for?

By Anna Corbett 24

Gwangju News October 2011

Those affected by the Gulf oil spill have recouped some of what they are rightfully owed. Information from the Gulf Coast Claims Facility shows Louisiana's fishing industry has received hundreds of claims for its estimated losses through 2013.

Kenneth Feinberg, the claims administrator, has paid more than $357 million to 12,300 Louisianans who look to the sea for their entire livelihood—harvesting fish, crabs, shrimp or oysters just as they have done for generations. This has created a unique “Cajun” culture which has been threatened by the fallout of the oil industry (for which the state receives next to nothing in royalties). Here is to hoping these claims keep some of the world’s best seafood on our plates, and one of the richest cultures thriving through hard times.

By Seth Pevey

Nepal The Birdman Gautam Sapkota, a 25-year-old man from Nepal is known as "The Birdman" for his ability to mimic sounds of 151 different types of bird. He has demonstrated his skills countless times in Kathmandu. He emits a series of loud screeches and within minutes, the sky above him would be full of hundreds of crows answering his calls. In 2009, he even threatened to paralyse Nepal's international airport as the government repeatedly showed indifference to his plea of gaining official recognition to initiate application process for the Guiness World Records. Currently, he is processing for the recognition on his own.

By Nipun Tamrakar

News/ Dear Korea

China

Colombia

Naked Wedding “‘Naked’ wedding” is a popular catch phrase originally used online since 2008 and is now a hot topic in China. A naked wedding doesn’t mean enjoying the wedding without wearing any clothes. Instead, it refers to a marriage without a house, a car, a diamond ring or a fancy wedding ceremony and honeymoon; just a Yuan marriage certificate, which has been especially popular among those suffering from skyrocketing property prices without solid economic background, particularly in the big cities. What’s more, the Chinese government recently changed the marriage law, which took effect on August 13, 2011, and stipulates that houses bought on mortgage by one party prior to wedlock are to be deemed as the personal property of the registered owner, rather than the joint estate of the couple. This may also contribute to further changes in attitude towards spouse selection and marriage decision in China.

Joe Arroyo Dies "It's a great loss for music and Colombia," wrote President Santos on Twitter after the death of Joe Arroyo on July 26 at the age of 55. Joe Arroyo is a salsa legend in Latin America. “Rebelión,” his greatest hit and one of the greatest salsa songs ever, describes the rebellion of an enslaved, African couple from their Spanish master. Like many of his songs, ‘Rebelión’ has political undertones. Since May, a television show, El Joe, has been airing as a homage to Joe Arroyo, portraying his ups (musical career) and downs (his drug use and near-death experiences). The show also portrays the experiences of Afro-Colombians as a minority within Colombia, centered on Joe Arroyo’s life. The Latin Grammy Awards will honor Joe Arroyo posthumously by presenting him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in November.

By Juan Esteban Zea

By Pengna Chen

COMIC

Gwangju News October 2011

25

Photo Essay

Pigment Prints Photos by Martyn Thompson

Martyn Thompson

Shimhak (2009) 60x65 cm Pigment Print 26

Gwangju News October 2011

Martyn was born in Nottingham, England in March 1982, and quickly developed a love for art. He studied art and design at Oxford College.

Moving to Korea in summer 2007 provided him with a new culture and environment in which he would find himself making his art works. He currently resides in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province.

To view more of his work, visit www.m-art-yn.com

Photo Essay

Lake Park #1 (2011) 150x155 cm Pigment Print

Westerndom #3 (2011) 140x150 cm Pigment Print

Gwangju News October 2011

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PHOTO CONTEST Submit your best shot of Korea!

To enter the Photo Contest, simply send your name, photo and picture description to gwangjunews@gmail.com.

W I N N E R

Monkey at Uchi Park Photo by Pawan Kumar Shahi

Jeju Island 28

Gwangju News October 2011

Photo by Joanne Whitham

This month’s photo contest was judged by Mark Eaton.

Mark Eaton has exhibited his photographic work in art galleries as well as other public and private venues in the United States and South Korea.

The boy with the pink umbrella Photo by Van Hoang

Family in the Gyeong-an cave in Udo

Photo by Kelly Kim Gwangju News October 2011

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Art

Gwangju Design Biennale 2011 T

his year’s Gwangju Design Biennale, the fourth in its

history, is aptly named “design is design is not design.” It has enough art angles to keep art-lovers happy, enough forward thinking civic and cityscape ideas to make an urban planner blush, enough variety of design concepts (from Kia cars to communal tables) to fulfill even the most demanding visitors, and has brought 11 architecture teams to town to construct the “Urban Follies” that have brightened many otherwise overlooked corners of Gwangju.

These architectural installations flow along the lines of the city’s ancient, long-ago vanished defensive wall, with structures that can cause awe. If I had to pick one, Florian Beigel’s Seowonmoon Lantern, across the sidewalk from the Police Academy on Jebongro, is a standout. It used to be where MBC television network didn’t broadcast the events of 518, 1980. Korean-sized large steps invite anyone to stand three meters above the passersby and speak their minds.

Hong Kongese Cage Home by unnamed Design Team

Benches are also a part of the installation, including a gate and bench at the traffic light, a notoriously long wait for pedestrians.

Seung H-Sang and Ai Wei Wei did a superb job as artistic directors this year, amassing a wide variety of design stand-outs, with something for everyone. Especially notable is an interactive table game where players can sit and distribute stars in a forest wonderland, depending on the shadows of their hands and arms. Ai has a piece in 30

Gwangju News October 2011

Biennale Hall in the Named section called “Field,” while Seung contributed the only “folly” away from the city’s original wall. You can get maps to these installations at Kunsthalle Gwangju, which is an excellent starting point.

Sadly, Ai Wei Wei has been detained in China, for reasons which are quite unclear at this point, and was unable to attend the opening of his own Biennale. Let’s pray for his safe return into the world of design in time to see his great show.

The Gwangju Biennale also hosted its third International Curators Course, and this year’s batch, 24 budding or well established curators from 19 countries, spread out to discover Korean culture while also learning an awful lot about their profession: the craft of putting together stimulating art exhibits.

Opening night, and the days surrounding it, included a fashion show, and DJ Spooky’s musical and video shout-out to the vanishing environment. His piece was accompanied by a quartet of Gwangju Symphony Orchestra members, and was very sharp, reminding us that not all rappers/DJs are street hoods. Also included was a walk around the architectural Urban Follies, with designers speaking about their vision at every stop. And the show itself, five large rooms, back at the Biennale Hall (it has also taken place at the Kimdaejung Convention Center in the past) with an equal number of themes running side by side.

This year the KDJ Convention Center hosted the second Gwangju Art Fair, a four-day event that occurs at the beginning of each Biennale now. Given time, this could draw more collectors to Gwangju, and that is one of the main secondary roles of the Biennales, Kunsthalle Gwangju, and the upcoming Asian Cultural Center. If art collectors can be lured into Gwangju, local artists stand to benefit as much as those selected to be in the Biennales. The Biennale does an awful lot to include local artists and art groups now, thus, attracting collectors would be a sweet bonus.

Biennale Hall is in the northwest part of town, and accessible by busses 83 and 64 only. Thus, a taxi ride is inevitable for many, but “Gwangju Biennale” sounds the same in any language, so it’s easy to find. An expansive cultural area, it is in the southeast corner of a space that also includes the

Art

Cutlery Implosion by Caroline Hobkinson The Sixth Order by Hans Meyer

Gwangju Museum of Art (it has concurrent Joseph Beuys and impressionist shows, including 362 pieces by Beuys) the Gwangju Traditional Folk Museum, and around the corner, the Gwangju Cultural Center, that houses a gallery and two performance halls, including once-amonth performances by the excellent Gwangju Symphony Orchestra.

The five sections of the Design Biennale this year include: Thematic, Named, Un-Named, Communities and Urban Follies. A sub-theme was clearly mapped out by DJ Spooky, so each section has a few designs specifically addressing global warming realities and solutions. This should remind viewers of the theme of democratic or people’s uprisings sprinkled throughout last year’s 10,000 Lives Art Biennale.

Is the Biennale worth 10,000 won to go see? The answer is yes. A variety of fact-filled displays will perk your sense of global environmental responsibility, while also stimulating your eyes (and other parts) with Eun-Me Ahn’s Rainbow Fantasy panorama and video installation. The choreographer, who is not shy, gives us an emotional charge that can fuel the rest of the walk, and beyond.

Rainbow Fantasy #1 by Ahn Eun-me

The mix of forward-looking concepts, plus an education in how design evolves, plus visual and intellectual stimulation makes this Biennale my favorite of the three Design Biennales I’ve attended so far. Individuals will walk away with memories of different aspects, but these events should not be missed, as they are part of what is making Gwangju a stopping point for many in the wide world of international art.

By Doug Stuber Photos courtesy of Gwangju Design Biennale Gwangju News October 2011

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Travel

Jirisan National Park ith my T-shirt clinging rather disgustingly to my back and my water container bone dry, we finally made it to the peak. We had been hiking for over six hours, and after getting completely lost once or twice, we finally broke through the overhanging trees and were welcomed by a prominent blue sky that had stretched its way as far as the eye could see.

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Korea is such a compact country that there is always an array of places you can dart off to in a flash. With a little bit of effort you can find yourself lost in awe at some of the rustic scenery this little country has to offer. However, with the population as large as it is, you will often find a number of other people with the same idea, but with a little planning you can find your own bit of solace in one of the 20 national parks. There are roughly 15 national parks

in South Korea, not including the various protected areas on the islands south of the country.

Jirisan National Park is about 90 minutes from Gwangju.

It doesn’t take that much effort to get there; it’s a simple two-journey bus ride from Gwangju’s U-Square station.

There are several ways to get into this giant reserve. The most common route from Gwangju would take you to Gurye-gun. From there you can take a shuttle bus up to Hwaeomsa temple.

There are other routes you can take to reach the park; Jungsan-ri is an easy one-journey route which puts you right at the foothills of Cheonwangbong (Korea’s second highest mountain, standing at 1915 meters). The hike to the top is a valiant and intrepid march that sorts the

Ssangyesa Temple 32

Gwangju News October 2011

Travel

lackeys from the Musketeers! Another route from Gwangju involves a two-hour bus ride to Hadong, then another 15-minute bus journey to Ssanggyesa. The tickets are nicely priced for Gwangju to Hadong, around 10,000 won, and another 2,500 won from Hadong to Ssanggyesa, which is the park’s main entrance. Hopping off the bus at Ssangyesa, you can pick up a few of the bare essentials like ramyeon and chocolate digestives as well as a few bottles of beer. It is also a good idea to bring the basics for camping; if you forget your sleeping bag you will regret it, because it does get rather chilly come nightfall. If camping isn’t really your thing then there are several cheap motels in the town and they always have a few rooms going spare. It is also worth mentioning that when you are hiking the trails there are several overnight shelters where you can pitch a tent, have access to clean drinking water and areas to cook, as well as being able to use tolerable toilets but be reminded that you should bring your own your paper.

Korea being Korea, there are always plenty of signposts along most of the common routes and fortunately they are all in English as well as Korean, but it is still advisable to get a map (2000 won), which can be picked up at the Ssanggyesa Temple entrance; you can also grab one from inside Hadong bus station. Ssanggyesa is located about 0.5 kilometers from the bus stop and it’s signposted all the way. This temple is one of the most popular in Jirisan National Park and the best time to visit would be during the spring, when all the flowers begin to bloom. The temple itself was built in AD722 and the level of intricacy in the design is superlative.

Once you have started your hike you will begin to see the benefits of a good pair of boots. The paths are steep in every-which-way and the rocks littered throughout could twist your ankle without a second thought. Along the route you will start to see some incredibly long, but thin-legged spiders that will dart across your path. It takes you a few moments to adjust and realize they are harmless, but you should be forewarned.

The long trail

About 2.2 kilometers up the path there is a campsite on your left where you can pitch your tent for the night and help yourself to fresh water. There is a little cabin, which is occupied by a monk who has a predilection for Elvis.

The nights are cold even in summer and unfortunately you are not allowed to start fires, so wrapping up warm is essential if you want a decent sleep for the next morning, where you will awake to a frozen tent and the most spectacular morning sky. After a hearty breakfast and a few bold lunges to stretch those hamstrings, you can set-off for the summit. If you continue your ascent for six kilometers you will break through the trees and gaze in wonder at the mountains far off in the distance.

At this height there is no wind, no sound, no birds – nothing. In that quiet moment of reflection, when silence really is golden, you begin to hear the faint rustle of your girlfriend rummaging through her bag looking for an apple – another essential!

Story and photos by David Holt Follow @DavidAndrewHolt www.davidholt.wordpress.com

The view from the top

Gwangju News October 2011

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Travel

Out of This World: Jeju’s Lava Tubes t is impossible to say there is nothing to do on Jeju Island. Venturing outside Jeju City, you can partake in some of the dodgy but interesting fun parks, bask in the sun on the beach at Seogwipo, or even explore the mystique that surrounds Jeju’s famous Geomunoreum Lava Tube System.

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Regardless of the endless beauty on the “Island of the Gods”, or “Honeymoon Island” as it is now widely known, it is Jeju’s UNESCO World Heritage Listed lava caves that by far draw the most visitors to its volcanic shores. Dating back as far as 300,000 years, the Geomunoreum Caves consist of three major caves which are open for tourism: Manjanggul, Gimnyeonggul and Bengdwigul. Located East of Jeju City, these amazing natural phenomena have been well preserved and reveal an incredible interior that is out of this world.

Manjanggul Cave is the most popular of the three as it is the longest lava tube in the world. At five meters wide, 510 meters high and over 13 kilometers long, it’s incredible to think how it came into existence all those years ago. Unfortunately only one kilometer of the cave is open for tourists.

Gimnyeonggul Cave is the next most popular, and along with Manjanggul is one of the most internationally recognized formations, helped by its formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Also worthy of exploration is Bengdwigul Cave, a labyrinth-type cave that has the most complex structure of any in the world.

If you’re looking for a more low-key lava tube

Inside the tubes

destination, Micheon Cave, located on the lower eastern side of the island, just north of Pyoseon, is a great choice. A little busier are Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul Caves at Hallim Park. Located on the north-western side of the island, south of Hallim, this little nature reserve covers almost 1000 square meters and has a variety of garden-like attractions. Also notable is Yongcheondonggul and Dangcheomul-donggul on the southern coast. Although small, both have spectacular displays of limestone formations.

A last little piece of advice; be sure to wear closed-in shoes and take a sweater with you. Heels are not allowed, unless you really want to bust your ankle, as it’s wet and it can get pretty cold down there!

By Brooke Petersen Photos from Yonhap News

Costs and Travel Most of the caves are only open during July and August. The latest tourists are admitted is 4:30p.m. Fees range between 2,000 won and 8,000 won for adults, depending on the destination. If you go in groups of ten or more, ask for group discounts at the admissions counter. Taking a taxi to any of the remote locations is bound to cost you an arm and a leg Jeju is bigger than it looks. Your best option is to take the InterCity Bus to get anywhere, which can cost upwards of 5,000 won depending on your destination. You could also hire a car, which will set you back 200,000 won but is well worth it, provided you have a valid license.

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Gwangju News October 2011

World

The Ties that Bind: Relations Between Korea and Libya in a Post-Gadhafi World s the civil war in Libya draws closer to what looks like (or may not be) an end, many have a strong assumption about the outcome. When the dust finally settles, Libya’s leader, Muammar Gaddafi, is likely to be either killed, captured, or exiled. The rebels will more than likely arise victorious, celebrating their hard fought battle for freedom. This predicted victory, however, will not have come solely from the rebel fighters.

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A joint effort from many external forces working in tandem helped to bring about the success that the rebel fighters in Libya currently enjoy. Countries like the United States, France, England and other NATO allies have provided military support to the rebels in the form of air cover and naval bombardment. Organizations like the Red Cross and the World Food Program have provided humanitarian aid to rebels as well.

The Korean government has also pitched in to aid Libya. Since March, Seoul has sent an estimated one million (US) through the World Food Bank to the Libyan National Transitional Council for humanitarian aid. Recently, South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kim Sung-Hawn, formally announced that South Korea recognizes the Libyan rebels' National Transitional Council as "the legitimate governing authority representing the Libyan people".

The minister also stated that Korea will send additional aid worth another $1 million in the near future.

“Korea was willing to share its know-how of rising from the ashes in the wake of the Korean War (1950-53),” said Minister Kim Sung Hwan at the meeting with Mahmoud Jibril, chairman of the National Transitional Council (NTC) of Libya, held in Paris.

Sixteen Korean construction companies operating in Libya also said they will provide relief items worth $500,000 in the near future. The aid given by the Korean government and its companies are a great relief to the people of Libya and their emerging government.

However Korea’s motives for such generosity aren’t completely altruistic. Korea has a lot to gain by assisting Libya in this time of crisis. Libya will soon be on the fast track to reconstruction and it will need a lot of help doing so. The countries that seize the opportunity to land vital contracts have a chance to reap great economic benefits. As have been seen in

Libyan pro-Gadhafi supporters

vosizneias.com

numerous examples throughout modern history.

South Korea is one of the countries having key trade interest with Libya. It is the third largest overseas market for Korean builders. In 2010, Korean firms won record-high overseas construction projects worth $718 billion. Those in Libya accounted for approximately 10%.

Industry experts project the reconstruction in Libya will create business opportunities worth $100 billion or more, while KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) estimates the market for rebuilding Libya could be as large as $120 billion.

Rebuilding projects would include repairing oil refineries, electricity power lines, ports and houses as well as new road construction. Hyundai Engineering & Construction is involved in projects valued at $1.48 billion while Daewoo Engineering & Construction has projects ongoing of around 1 trillion won, the Daiwa analysts noted.

Construction contracts are not the only possible benefit in aiding Libya. Aid and infrastructure reconstruction can be used as strong leverage for future oil export negotiations. If properly managed, Korea could secure a strong partner in the oil trade further improving its own economy. In the end the relief aid given by Korea will go far in improving the situation for Libya and its people.

The assertive efforts taken by the Korean government and the private sector in the Libyan situation is strong evidence that Korea is becoming a more dominant and influential player in the world economy.

By Wil Rawlins sources: www.koreatimes.co.kr, http://edition.cnn.com www.marketwatch.com

Gwangju News October 2011

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Community

The Pacific Curls and the Gwangju World Music Festival he audience sits quietly in plush seats as the huge hall darkens. Three performers are on stage, two sitting on either side facing the one who stands up front. She steps forward into the lone spotlight, arms leading her body into an aggressive stance as she wails; her voice rings out despite having no microphone. It is not singing, not shouting, and not quite crying, and yet it is both a warm welcome and stern challenge that echoes around the vast venue.

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As the traditional New Zealand Maori “karanga” call fades and she steps back again, the seated pair play. Ora Barlow sits, tapping a tight tempo on the front and side of her seat as elements of Maori music fuse with jazz, her drumming blending with the hyper-accomplished guitar of Kim Halliday and uber-polished Celtic fiddling of new band member Indi Star. The Bitgeul Civic Culture Center audience members are mesmerized.

They concentrate intensely and closely follow her lead when Barlow takes time to teach another step or two in an intricately complex Samoan clapping game.

Speaking after the show, John Jackson (USA) describes the venue as “intimate” and the band as “a pleasantly, eclectically, unpredictable group.” He appreciates the “interesting collection of instruments, including a flute being played with the nose.” John notes the audience clapping along throughout the show, and describes the encore as “enthusiastically demanded” and is impressed that a Johnny Cash number finished the concert. Warren Parsons (USA) describes The Pacific Curls’ concert as “interesting fun,” noting, “they incorporate traditional sounds but include a modern message of respecting each other; [they are] free spirited and yet respectful of others, both of cultures, and the natural world.”

Speaking more generally about the Gwangju World Music Festival, Warren is again reflective, and adds, “Overall the festival is one of the best things in Gwangju right now. It’s 36

Gwangju News October 2011

something people need to be aware of. If you think about it, some international music acts cost closer to 100,000 for two or three hours, some of which is warm-up bands and just waiting around. Most of the great music at the festival was free, but the two shows at the Premium Stage here cost only about 20,000 won and were really worth the money to see and experience the quality sound, to be comfortable, sit down and enjoy the music.”

Warren continues, describing the traditional Korean performer Hwang Byung Ki as a living “national treasure,” adding with a note of surprised sadness, “People up in Seoul pay about 100,000 won to see him on the rare occasions he performs, and yet here he’s come right into town and is playing for only 20,000 won, and yet still so few people turned out to see his show!”

Despite this obvious disappointment, Warren, his friends and many Gwangju locals do turn out for the range of other acts around town. The fireworks at the opening ceremony are particularly impressive to Wesley Smalls (USA) and Mick Ha-young Ryu (Gwangju), both English teachers based in Cheomdan Jigu, near the main stage. They join the audience that starts out in laid-back sit-down picnic mode spread across a large grass field, all of whom are dancing by the end of the third song of super-samba rhythms by the Batucada Sound Machine.

Another crowd pleaser is the Mongolian band, Altan Urag. While their wikipedia page describes them as a “folk-rock” band, with their guttural throat singing horse-hair harpist and the super-powerful female drummer, they sound more like a traditional Mongolian heavy metal orchestra. They leave the audience awed, clamoring for CDs and photos, and looking forward to more from the next Gwangju World Music Festival.

By Julian Warmington Photo courtesy of Gwangju World Music Festival

National

Gaecheonjeol (The National Foundation Day of Korea) This month we take a look at the National Foundation Day of Korea, its origins and the legend behind it.

Gaecheon - The sky opens A long time ago, there was a sky god and his son Hwanung, who were living a peaceful life in heaven.

Hwanung was very interested in the human world, he decided to descend to earth to govern the humans.

One day, a bear and a tiger visited Hwan-ung and begged him to make them into humans. Hwan-ung, in response, gave them a strange mission. He gave each of them a bundle of wormwood and 20 pieces of garlic. He ordered them to live under a cave for 100 days eating solely the wormwood and garlic, which could transform them into humans. This was a painstaking process. The tiger, who was impatient, could not stand it and left. However, the bear who knew patience, passed 100 days inside the cave and finally became a beautiful woman.

The bear desperately wanted a child. Every day, she prayed for a baby under the sacred tree named “SinSoo”. Watching this, Hwan-ung married with the bear woman and gave her a child, named “Dangun Wanggeom”. Dangun Wanggeom became the first king of Korea and named his country as “Joseon” (Nowadays, we call it “Go-Joseon”, meaning the old Joseon, to distinguish it from the later Joseon Dynasty.)

In 2333 BC on October 3, Dangun Wanggeom finally built a new country and determined Pyeongyang as its new capital. The dynasty ruled Joseon for 1500 years, following the ideology of Hong-Yik-In-Gan, which means, “To widely benefit the human world”.

After 1500 years of reign, he became a mountain spirit and lived for another 1908 years.

The meaning of Gaecheonjeol Gaecheonjeol is the National Foundation Day of Korea. “Gaecheon” in the Gaecheonjeol means opening the sky, which points to the event of Hwanung, the son of the sky god, descending to earth in order to govern and civilize the human

world. The date of Gaecheonjeol, October 3, is the day when Dangun Wanggeom, the first king of Korea, built Joseon.

There was a long debate in Korea whether the main character was Hwanung or his son, Dangun. The debate is still going on, but most people treat Dangun as the significant character for Gaecheonjeol.

Dangun

Naver Blog

Although Hwan-ung is less significant to people than Dangun, he is also an important character of the Korean legend. The name Huanung signifies a “big, bright elder” (Huan - Big & Bright, Ung - old man, elder). Hwanung, in our legend, is the big elder who enlightened mankind, but is also known as the model of the “Red Devil” (붉은 악마), a trademark for the Korean cheering squad of the World Cup. The name Dangun signifies “the birch king” (the birch tree was sacred at that time). The country he built, Joseon, signifies “a fresh morning” or “a sun- rising area.” The second meaning probably came from China, which called Korea, “Dongfang”, the east country where the sun rises.

Places to visit There are many places you can visit during Gaecheonjeol, especially in Seoul. However, the most interesting place to visit in Gaecheonjeol is the ChamSeong Dan in Mani Mountain of Incheon.

(Address: 인천 강화군 화도면 마니산). It is the place where people once performed sacred rituals to god.

Nowadays, people perform series of events such as the Seven Fairy Dance and lighting the sacred fire.

These events show the traditional rituals in GoJoseon period and pray for reunification of Korea and world peace.

By Laura Won Gwangju News October 2011

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Fashion

Fash-On with xxl jjdp Going Wild: Black, White and Grey

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he days are getting shorter and the nights longer, and with that there is a crisp chill in the air, enough to get you thinking about how to stay warm in winter. I say enjoy the last few moments to wear some great t-shirts and upgrade the base layer of your winter wardrobe as well.

This month we explore our wild roots by doing animal prints in a different way and keeping an eye on trends from the west. Animal prints are going to be huge this winter, but we have re-imagined the traditional prints we know, i.e. leopard, zebra and tiger prints. Instead of just focusing on the patterned skin we will concentrate on the crowning glory of the beasts - their heads - as the statement piece of this month.

We will also highlight a hot trend for transitioning into the cooler season by dressing in greyscale. Yes, creating very different and unique outfits using three basic colors: black, white and grey, helping to refine and make the most of your wardrobe.

As mentioned previously, our statement piece this month is a bold and brash animal print. Harking back to the dark ages of hunting and proudly displaying or wearing your catch, we bring the wild into your daily life. In addition, it’s now a fashion catch and it is as animal-friendly as you can get!

There are a multitude of different prints around town, but for this feature all of the shirts have one thing in common: a bold print on a plain T-shirt in white, black or grey, drawing the eye to the focal point. Remember, the bolder the print, the less intimidating the rest of your outfit should be. It is all about balance (unless we turn this on its head, which you will see later). Now once you have spotted your animal print let’s complete the outfit.

Shot by Billy Cho on location outside the GIC building, downtown Gwangju.

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Gwangju News October 2011

Fashion

Most people should already own a black pair of jeans. If you do not, go and get some now (likewise grey jeans, both are great alternatives to the regular blue). Black jeans slim down your body shape and grey jeans add an unexpected degree of interest to any outfit. To complete our greyscale effect, try adding a pair of white jeans to the mix. This choice might be a bit more risqué (even more so than the bright orange jeans featured in an earlier edition) but remember that Fash-On is all about discovery and exploration so, like Livingstone, throw caution to the wind and venture into new territory.

The key with white jeans is to ensure you go with a style that suits you - the best cut for this palest hue I would advise is straight and skinny - as white tends to add bulk to your lower half. Ensure that the hem is perfectly tapered for your height as unwanted bulk around your ankles will also make you look shorter.

Taking care of whites is pretty easy. Just follow the cleaning instructions and steer clear of bleach as this will turn your clothing a faint yellow color after a while. Also wash jeans inside out to preserve the integrity of the fabric.

Remember balance is best when pairing a bold print with bold jeans and other items. That is why when we remove bright and vibrant colors from the equation and go with grayscale it helps to even out your look.

Black, white and grey are amazing accent hues for any wardrobe. A general rule is that lighter shades work better for earlier in the day. For example a light grey T-shirt is much better suited for daytime when paired with dark jeans; conversely a darker grey Tshirt works better at night. For a chillier day, add a black blazer for the ultimate polished look.

Now that we have the basics down, let’s shake things up. Make an impact by pairing white jeans with a white animal print T-shirt. As I always say, sometimes we need to break the rules in order to fully enjoy Fash-On. Explore and experiment! To add an edge for a night-time look, a black leather jacket biker jacket would perfectly round off this look.

As we enter the cooler seasons it is also worthwhile thinking about purchasing your signature accessories as well. To get your brainstorming started I have featured a faux fur snow hunting hat, as well as some thick-rimmed glasses to add an air of “nerdiness”, which is needed to pull off the look.

That is a wrap-up of the Fash-On for October - so go out there and get wild and explore.

Peace, xxl jjdp T-shirts from The Gam, Brand Market (downtown). Online at Gmarket. White jeans - Uniqlo (has free tailoring). Shoes - Converse - Converse store downtown. Hat - H&M - Seoul. Dark rimmed glasses - Brand Market

Gwangju News October 2011

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Language Study

Letters to KOTESOL If you have a question for Dr. Dave, please send an e-mail to gwangjunews@gmail.com letting us know your question, student’s age and proficiency level

Dear Dr. Dave, How do you tell a student, particularly one that is older than you, that they are wrong without embarrassing them or causing a loss of face?

Culturally Sensitive Dear Cult, You bring up a very good question – one that you are to be commended on for realizing how culturally sensitive it is in two respects: relating to both the hierarchical importance of age and the preservation/loss of face.

Firstly, avoid saying “you are wrong.” At most, say “that is wrong.” This way, you avoid challenging the person, and instead challenge only the point. If someone is unwilling to accept your explanation as true, do not argue with them in class, especially if they are older than you. (The other students in the class are likely to sympathize with the older individual in a dispute, simply because of the age factor.) Instead, suggest that the person who they heard it from or the Korean publication that they read it in could be wrong. You can then direct them to an English language reference where they can look up the matter in dispute. (Koreans easily accept as fact anything appearing in print in a book.) Suggest a reference such as Oxford’s Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Azar’s or Murphy’s grammar series, Swain’s Practical English Usage, or Purdue’s Online Writing Lab, or some other reputable resource. This defuses the in-class contention, and allows the student to find out outside of class in the privacy of their own home that they were wrong, without the loss of face.

Dr. Dave

Gwangju - Jeonnam KOTESOL October Outreach Workshop Date & Time: October 1 (Sat.), 1:30 p.m.

Place: Suncheon National University, College of Education Bldg., Suncheon Admission: Free. All are Welcome.

Facebook: Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Website: www.koreatesol.org/GwangjuJeonnam Email: gwangju_kotesol@yahoo.com

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Gwangju News October 2011

Dear Dr. Dave, I have a class with three very shy and withdrawn girls, and three very boisterous and confident boys. The males always dominate everything in the class, leaving the poor girls too timid to speak at all. What do I do?

Billy from Daegu Dear Billy, Well, the good news is that your boys seem motivated!

What you need to do with a class of students comprised of students that are so different is to divide them into two groups for many of the activities that you do and have one group doing one type of activity while the other group is working on a different activity and being given more of your attention. Activities can be categorized as either “stirrers” (activities in which the Ss are active) and “settlers” (more quite, individual activities like writing). Do a stirrer activity with the boys and give the girls a settler to do at the same time. At this time, you can be working with the boys. After both groups have finished, switch activities, this time giving your attention to the girls while the boys are busy with their individual pencil-and-paper or reading activity.

This way, both the boys and the girls have a chance to participate without competing with each other. Good luck.

Dr. Dave

By Dr. Dave Shaffer

Dr. Dave Shaffer is a professor of English at Chosun University, where he has taught in the graduate, undergraduate, and TESOL certificate programs for many years. Dr. Shaffer is presently the President of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter of Korea TESOL and invites you to attend teacher development workshops at their monthly Chapter meetings.

Web: www.koreatesol.org/GwangjuJeonnam Email: gwangju_kotesol@yahoo.com

Language Study

'-ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 One knows (doesn't know) how to do something Dialogue 소라 : 존씨, 안녕하세요? [Jon nssi,, annnyeonnghasseyo? ] Sora : Hello, John! 존

: 네, 안녕하세요? 소라씨, 한국 요리 할 줄 아세요? [ne,, an nnyeonnghasseyo?. Sorasssi,, hannguk yori hal jul asseyo? ] John : How are you? Sora, do you know how to cook Korean food? 소라 : 네, 알아요. 그런데 왜요? [ne,, arayo. geureon nde waeyo? ] Sora : Yes, I do. But why are you asking me?

Vocabulary

존

: 지난 주말에 시내에 있는 한국 식당에 갔어요. 불고기가 아주 맛있었어요. 그래서 불고기를 만들고 싶어요. [ Jinan jumare sinaee itneun hanguk sikdange gasseoyo. bulgogiga aju masisseosseoyo. geuraeseo bulgogireul mandeulgo sipeoyo. ] John : I went to a korean restaurant last weekend. The bulgogi was very delicious.

So I'd like to learn how to make bulgogi. 소라 : 좋아요. 제가 가르쳐 줄게요. 언제 배우고 싶어요?

[Jo ohayo o. jeega garreucchyeeo julkkeeyo o. eonjee baeeugo o sipeeoyo o? ] Sora : That sounds good. I will teach you. When would you like to learn? 존 : 이번 주 토요일 어때요? [I b e o n j u t o y o i l e o t t a e y o ? ] John : How about this Saturday?

한국요리[hangukyori]: Korean food 불고기[bulgogi]: (sliced and seasoned) barbequed beef 식당[sikdang]: a restaurant 가르치다[gareuchida]: to teach 배우다[baeuda]: to learn 트럭[teureok]: a truck 기타[gita]: a guitar 치다[chida]: to play a musical instrument

소라 : 네, 좋아요. 그러면 이번 주 토요일 오후에 우리집에 오세요.

[Ne, jo ohayo o. geeurreomyeeon ibeeon ju to oyo oil ohuee urrijibee oseeyo o. ] Sora : Yes, good. Come over to my house on Saturday afternoon. 존 : 고마워요. [Gom maw woyo. ] John : Thanks.

Reference: 김성희 외. (2009). 서강한국어2A 서울: 도서출판 하우 서강한국어. Retrived September 14, 2011 from http://korean.sogang.ac.kr

Grammar '

'-ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다': One knows (doesn't know) how to do something' This pattern is used to express the knowledge or lack of knowledge of a technique or process of doing something. The tense is expressed with the verb '알다/모르다 Example •트럭 운전할 줄 알아요? (Do you know how to drive a truck?)

•네, 운전할 줄 알아요. (Yes, I know how to drive one.)

•아니오, 운전할 줄 몰라요. (No, I don't know how to drive one.)

•기타를 칠 줄 알아요? (Do you know how to play the guitar?)

•네, 칠 줄 알아요. (Yes, I know how to play it.)

•아니오, 칠 줄 몰라요. (No, I don't know how to play it.)

•기타를 칠 줄 알았어요. (I knew how to play the guitar.) 그런데 지금은 칠 줄 몰라요. (But, now I don't know how to play it.)

•기타를 칠 줄 몰랐어요. (I didn't know how to play the guitar.) 그런데 지금은 칠 줄 알아요. (But, now I know how to play it.)

By Soo-a Jung Soo-a Jung is an instructor of the GIC Korean Language Class Gwangju News October 2011

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Food and Drink

Chinese Cuisine in Gwangju ver the years, I have eaten Korean food in Japan (it’s popular), Japanese food in China (it’s expensive), and Chinese food in Korea (which we’ll consider here). Cuisine absorbed from one culture into another is frequently subjected to local interpretations, adapted to the preferences and expectations of local taste-buds – and so it is with the cuisine in the Land of Morning Calm. There is no shortage of Chinese restaurants in Gwangju – but are they authentic?

O

Korean Chinese cuisine, known to Koreans diners as junghwa yori (중화요리), had mostly originated in Incheon. This wasn’t surprising, as Incheon is home to Korea’s most sizeable Chinatown and the novella Chinatown by Oh Jeong-hee takes place there.

Wikipedia also insists that Korean Chinese grub has been heavily influenced by the cookery of Shandong province and Beijing – which seems logical, as these parts of the Middle Kingdom are relatively near to Korea. Of course, Wikipedia didn’t fail to point this out either, deftly linking Shandong’s culinary influence to its “geographical proximity”.

There isn’t much about raw onions though. When you sit down to a typical Korean Chinese meal in Gwangju or, for that matter, Naju, you can be sure that the side dishes or appetizers will include kimchi, luminous yellow radish slices, and slices or segments of raw onion served with a thick brown sauce. Having lived in Shandong province and Beijing for six months each, I am fairly certain that most diners from those parts of would be perplexed by this profusion of onions. Unless my experience misled me, raw onions with thick brown sauce are not a northern Chinese thing – nor are they a southern, western or eastern Chinese thing.

Another thing that needs to be said about Gwangju’s Chinese restaurants is that presentation is a great strength. Though this is not actually the Middle Kingdom, there is no shortage of Chinese imagery to transport us to an idealised China in our imaginations: twisting dragons, glowing red lanterns, maybe a picture 42

Gwangju News October 2011

Egg fried rice at Yeong An Ban Jeom

or two of the Great Wall. Having dined at many budget restaurants in China over the years, this sort of thing is refreshing.

Turning from the décor to the food itself, the presentation continues to wow. Metal chopsticks and spoon (again: Korean rather than Chinese) are often partly wrapped in paper. At the downtown restaurants I’ve tried out on and around Gwangju’s Geumnam-no, the diner may be faced with an array of finely decorated crockery: side-dishes for the kimchi, radish and raw onion, a bowl of egg soup, a dish for fried rice, and so on.

As an ovo-lacto-vegetarian diner I have so far been limited when it comes to a choice of Korean-style Chinese dishes. Those I would go for in China –homestyle tofu, stir-fried egg and tomato, or jiaozi dumplings filled with leek and egg – fail to grace any menus here.

Instead, it has been a choice of egg-fried rice or eggfried rice. (Egg-fried rice is called bokkeumbap in Korean and tends to cost about 5,000 won.)

All the same, the egg-fried rice has been especially tasty – and I will keep going back to the Korean-style Chinese restaurants that I have discovered here in Gwangju on and around Geumnam-no. I will go there for the very palatable food and splendid presentation, the friendly

Food and Drink

Recommended Korean-Chinese Restaurants in Gwangju Yeong An Ban Jeom (영안반점) Address: Geumnam-ro 4Ga, Dong-gu (Next to Hana Bank) Nearest subway stop: Geumnam-ro 4Ga , exit 2 Tel. 062-223-6098 / 223-8080 Website (with music): yeonganfood.co.kr Dong Bo Seong (동보성) Address: 62-8 Geumnam-ro 5Ga, Dong-gu Nearest bus and subway stop: Geumnam-ro 5Ga Dong Bo Seong Restaurant

staff who are often interesting to chat with in one language or another, for the twisting dragons and glowing red lanterns, and for a fine alternative to the staples of my Korean vegetarian diet.

Story and photos by Jacob Lotinga

Essential Korean words for eating Chinese food: Chinese food = jung-hwa yo-ri (중화요리) Egg-fried rice = bokkeumbab (볶음밥) I’m a vegetarian = jeo neun chae-shik-ju-ee-ja imnida (저는 채식주의자 입니다) Now try Chinese…

Chinese food = zhong-can (中蛋) Egg-fried rice = dan chao fan (蛋炒飯) I’m a vegetarian = Wo bu chi rou (我不吃肉)

Delicious Vegan French Toast Topped with Blueberry Sauce Cinnamon French Toast One loaf of sliced bread, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups soy, almond, or rice milk, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, plus extra for serving, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (If you cannot find this ingredient add a touch more maple syrup), 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons canola oil To make the blueberry sauce: Over low heat, put the blueberries, maple syrup, lemon zest and juice, and cinnamon into a small pot. You want the mixture to become soft and syrupy, simmer for 10 minutes.

In an average slice of French toast there are about 500 calories per serving. In this low calorie vegan recipe, which has no saturated fats, no cholesterol and no refined sugars there are about 170 calories per serving. What a difference!

You can add any seasonal or frozen fruit to top your French Toast or just drizzle delicious, all-natural vegan maple syrup.

Blueberry Sauce (Optional) Two pints blueberries (fresh or frozen). (You can substitute with strawberries), 1/3 cup maple syrup or sugar, 1/2 lemon, juice and zest, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

To make the cinnamon French toast: In a medium bowl whisk together the following ingredients: flour, non-dairy milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

Next, you want to heat your oil over medium-to-high heat in a frying pan. Non-stick pans work best. Submerge each slice of bread in the batter to coat, and then heat on the skillet. Don’t over-soak the bread or it will become doughy. Flip the French Toast and let cook until lightly browned and crisp on both sides. Repeat with remaining bread slices.

Serve topped with blueberry sauce.

Story and photo by Justyna Jurczykowska

Gwangju News October 2011

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Food and Drink

Korean Easy-Cook Recipe

Tofu Kimchi

두부김치 ofu and kimchi are both typical ingredients found in many Korean dishes. Tofu kimchi is a Korean specialty consisting of sautéed kimchi served with tofu, enjoying these two ingredients together. Boiled or pan-fried sliced tofu and the kimchi are often served with sliced pork or canned tuna. Despite the name of this dish, the tofu is not fermented into kimchi.

T

Tofu Kimchi is often served as an anju (a side dish consumed with alcohol), especially with soju. It is cheap, and contains lot of nutrition such as protein and vitamins.

Story and photos by Seoyoung Park

How to make Tofu Kimchi

Things to prepare (two servings): A block of tofu, a 1/4 pack of kimchi, pork, 1 onion, 1/2 green onion, mashed garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, pepper.

Cooking Method: 1. Chop the kimchi into the best size to eat (about 2cm).

2. Before stir-frying, season the pork with sauce (1 tsp of soy sauce, mashed garlic, 1/2 tsp of ginger,1 tsp of sugar and sesame oil, 2 tsp of red pepper powder, 1/2 tsp of pepper). Chop the onion and green onion.

3. Heat a fry pan with oil and stir fry the seasoned pork first, then add the kimchi.

4. Lastly add the chopped onion and green onions and stir fry it till most of the water in the vegetable evaporates. (it will taste better to add 1 more tsp of sesame oil and sugar while frying it) 5. Parboil the tofu in boiled water with 1tsp of salt. (the salt holds the shape of the tofu) 6. Serve the tofu with the kimchi and enjoy 44

Gwangju News October 2011

Restaurant Review

청원모밀 Cheongwon Momil

Naengmyeon awaits!

hile back home this summer, I found myself on numerous occasions defending naengmyeon and the concept of cold noodles to friends and family. I’ve found the dish delightfully refreshing since I tried them for the first time during my initial spring in Korea.

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There are two main varieties of naeng-myeon: mul and bibim. Both are usually buckwheat noodles. Mulnaengmyeon consists of noodles served in an icy vinegar broth with a tangy taste to it. If you have not already tried it – I can appreciate that it does not sound that good – like I told all my friends and family “don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.” Bibim naeng-myeon comprises of noodles served with a spicy sauce primarily made of chili paste (gochujang), seasame oil and soy sauce.

I recently noticed a new branch of Cheongwon momil, a noodle place that has been around since 1960, downtown on Wedding Street. Upon entering the restaurant I was a little disheartened to see that no one else was there, even if it was a weeknight. The feel of the place was like most of the ubiquitous Kimbap Nara restaurants, with tables, fluorescent lighting and stainless steel cups next to a self-serve water cooler. I ordered naeng mo-mil, another traditional Korean noodle dish and what the restaurant specializes in, but then saw they had naeng-myeon. I asked the woman who served me if it was ok to change my order. I was impressed with her enthusiasm and customer service when she came back with a smile on her face to tell me that my order was altered.

After a five minute wait, my naeng-myeon was ready. It was garnished with julienned cucumber, as usual, as well as radish and a boiled egg. I was a little disappointed to see that the noodles were white kuk-su style instead of buckwheat. I was also served a side of kimchi and the obligatory scissors with which to cut the noodles. After mixing the dish it was impressive to see that the broth contained nice large chunks of ice, so I

Through the entrance at the restaurant

knew that this was going to be a particularly refreshing bowl of noodles. I don’t usually add any mustard, a bottle of which was at every table in the restaurant, but many Koreans do.

After cutting and mixing I started chowing down and was pretty happy with the taste of the broth. It had a nice vinegar-tang and the noodles were great. I must say, though, that it wasn’t the best bowl of naeng-myeon noodles that I’ve ever had. Cheong-won mo-mil just doesn’t hold a candle to the mighty Geum-seong naengmyeon found in Bongseon-dong (reviewed this time last year in Gwangju News). So despite the great customer service, I’d recommend going to the original Cheongwon mo-mil found on the other side of downtown, which usually has customers (a good sign). As the name suggests Cheong-won mo-mil specializes in mo-mil, and it’s always good. I’d recommend ordering that noodle dish instead of naeng-myeon, at least at this restaurant chain. The original branch is near First Alleyway and Underground Grocers. On the main road just to the west, walk towards the river and you will see Cheongwon mo-mil on your left. Prices for the noodle dishes are around 5,000 won depending on your order. For naeng-myeon I’d recommend heading to Geum-seong naeng-myeon or one of the Korean BBQ restaurants downtown such as Minsok-cheon, as they also serve delicious noodles.

Story and photos by Gabriel Ward Gwangju News October 2011

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Literature

Three Poems Translated by Chae-pyong Song and Anne M. Rashid

Shin Byong-eun 신병은) (신

A Letter from Odong-do As people set their feet upon it, the island’s breast firmly rises like a girl’s.

Every place the winter’s wind gets pushed away, the breath of the people, whom spring touches earliest, is clear.

The island breathes in people’s breaths, holds their wounds, rolls its eyes at the edge of the cliff leading to empty air, enters into the shadow where the white eye cries clearly and eats a meal of wind.

Even when one whispers Odong-do, she is surprised to the extent her waist bends, and then adjusts her dress of white waves.

Even the sea that throws a seed of sunlight over every furrow of waves stops for a moment to put a hand on her forehead, and whistles into the clear wind.

People become shadows on the edge of the island And will turn into a forest of camellias.

The Road to Yeosu Friend, suddenly you may feel the world is too much; you may feel you are the only one in the world.

When you shake your head in the dead-end alley, and say, “No, this is not it. This is not it,” come to Yeosu at once, lightly, throwing away all the burdens in your heart.

To you who have run a long way, the generous rolling sea and the islands that resemble wind will softly whisper— what shakes is not the core; what shakes lasts only for a moment.

Showing you that living can be so light at times, she will make a seaweed soup and relieve you of your tangled and knotted life.

Friend, knowing how lonely you were, the smiling camellia, returning after the biting winter, will untie her dress and rush to hold you.

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Gwangju News October 2011

오동도에서 보내는 편지 발길이 닿자 섬은 소녀처럼 탱글하게 가슴이 부푼다 겨울바람을 밀어낸 자리마다 가장 먼저 봄이 닿은 사람들의 바람소리 맑다 섬은 사람들의 숨을 마시고 섬은 사람들의 상처를 받아들고 허공으로 길을 낸 벼랑 끝에 눈망울 굴리다 동박새 울음 맑은 그늘로 들어 바람의 한 끼 식사를 한다 오동도 하고 누가 속살대기만 해도 허리 젖혀 자지러지다 파도 하얀 옷춤을 여미곤 한다 파도의 이랑마다 햇살의 씨앗을 뿌리던 바다도 잠시 이마에 손을 얹고 바람 맑은 휘파람을 불어준다 섬의 가장자리에서 그늘이 된 사람들 동백숲이 된다

여수 가는 길 자네, 문득 세상살이 힘들 때가 있지 세상에 덜렁 혼자뿐이라고 아니다 아니다 이게 아니라고 막다른 골목에서 고개를 흔들 때 마음의 짐일랑 그대로 팽개치고 빈 몸 그대로 곧장 여수로 오시게 먼 길 달려온 자네에게 늘 넉넉하게 일렁이는 바다가 바람을 닮은 섬들이 흔들리는 것은 결코 중심은 아니라고 흔들리는 것은 잠시일 뿐이라고 넌지시 귀띔해 줄 걸세 때로는 사는 것이 얼마나 가벼운 거냐며 생미역 한 줄기 풀어 엉기고 맺힌 생을 해장시켜 줄 걸세 자네, 외로움이 얼마나 심했냐고 겨울 이기고 돌아온 동백꽃 웃음이 옷깃을 풀고 와락 안겨들 걸세

Literature

Author’s Brief Biography

The Long Quiet I stand in front of two stone pagodas standing side by side at Borim Temple at the foot of Gaji Mountain.

In that proximity, they withstood the longing, unable to touch hands for a thousand years— they even lit the translucent stone lantern.

Alongside the long silence that shines as it flies, I put down one heart that has endured more than my life, so I feel calm when I take off my shoes neatly and quietly enter the hall.

The door silently opens to welcome me, then the Buddha’s reliquary hall deepens as much as possible, and it blooms into the silent stone flower of eternity.

The Word of silence responds to quiet praying with a quiet smile— you and I become silent, too.

It would be wonderful if you, who were passionate once and stayed for a short while before leaving, could become a quiet, sunlit morning.

오랜 고요 가지산 기슭의 보림사 나란한 삼층석탑 앞에 섭니다 그만큼의 거리로 천년 세월 손닿지 못한 그리움을 견디려 창 맑은 석등까지 밝혔습니다 날아가며 빛나는 오랜 고요 곁에 생애보다 더 견뎌온 마음 하나 내려놓습니다 덕분에 고요해졌습니다 신발 가지런히 벗어두고 살그머니 들어서면 말없이 문을 열어 나를 받아들입니다 그럴 때면 적멸궁은 깊어질 대로 깊어져 영겁의 고요로운 석꽃을 피웁니다 묵언발원의 끝말을 이으며 소리 없이 씨익 웃는 고요의 그 말씀에 너도 나도 그렇게 고요해질 뿐입니다 한 세월이 뜨거워 잠시 머물렀다 떠난 그대도 지금쯤 햇살 고요한 아침이면 좋겠습니다

Shin Byong-eun (1955 - ) was born in Changnyong, Gyongsangnam-do.

His poetry collections include Blades of Grass with Wind, Greeting the Vegetable Morning, The Sleep of Grasses on the Other Side of the River, How to Fire Wind, and The Scenery of Poems and Paintings. He was awarded the Jeonnam Poetry Award, the Yeosu Arts and Culture Award, and the Hanryo Literary Award. Currently he teaches at Yeosu Information Science High School and serves as a chairperson of Yeosu Branch of the Federation of Arts and Culture Organizations of Korea.

Translators’ Brief Bios Chae-Pyong Song grew up in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do and studied at Chonnam National University. He is an associate professor of English at Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan, where he has taught since 2001. He has published articles on modern fiction, as well as translations of Korean poetry and fiction. His translations of Korean literature have appeared in Gwangju News, list, The Korea Times, New Writing from Korea, Sirena, Metamorphoses: Journal of Literary Translation, and Azalea: Journal of Korean Literature and Culture. Along with Anne Rashid, he recently won the Grand Prize in the Poetry Category of the 40th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards for translating Kim Hyesoon’s poems.

His fields of interest include twentieth-century English literature, post-colonial literature, translation studies, and globalization of culture.

Anne M. Rashid is an assistant professor of English at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, where she has taught since 2008. She has published poetry in Adagio Verse Quarterly and Lit Candles: Feminist Mentoring and the Text. In 2009, she and her cotranslator, Chae-Pyong Song, received the the Grand Prize in the Poetry Category of the 40th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards given by The Korea Times.

She and Song have published translations in New Writing from Korea, list, Gwangju News, Azalea: Journal of Korean Literature, and Sirena. Her current research interests include African American literature, literature of environmental justice, and twentieth-century women’s poetry.

Gwangju News October 2011

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Review

Movie Review

Failan 파이란

I

f there is one thing Korean filmmakers do well, it is non-traditional romance. If you’ve seen films like Christmas in August, Feather in the Wind, Green Chair or Kim’s Island (to name just few), you’ve already got an idea of the quality and originality Korea has cultivated in respect to this sometimes hackneyed and overwrought genre. Following in the footsteps of these movies, this week’s film, Failan was a real pleasure to watch, and really comes across as so much more than a mere love story.

The main character is played by Choi Min Shik (who you might recognize from Oldboy) and he is best described as a monstrous failure of a gangster. His pathetic character is a low level thug in an even lower level two-bit crime organization. Not only is he a professional bad guy, but he isn't even good at being bad— the film makes it clear from the start that besides being a bit of a chump, his soft heart means he isn't cut out for the business. He gets no respect from his fellow gangsters, his boss abuses him and his life steadily spirals out of control for the first 30 minutes of the film.

Here you might find yourself expecting the film to play out as just another crime-land drama about gangsters and their scummy existence, but keep watching and you will see that the film jumps around quite a lot during the latter segment.

In order to scrape together some quick cash, Kang (Choi’s character) decides to marry. The girl is one he has never met, and this is the title character Failan. She is a Chinese immigrant who has come to Korea only to find her family is long gone and she is alone in this foreign country without any idea what to do with herself. On top of this she is about to be deported due to being ineligible for a working visa. So, she decides to buy a husband in order that she is allowed to stay. Kang marries her for some cash, the deal is done and the two never meet. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out what happens next, as the film takes an abrupt and unexpected turn that is one of the most satisfying this film reviewer has ever seen.

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Gwangju News October 2011

There is an incredible sense of substance and purpose to the film, and the structure creates such empathy for the two main characters, whose lives seem both void of dignity or self respect of any kind. It is only through their feelings for each other that they are able to make some sense out of what seems a largely senseless existence.

The film was directed by Song Hae Seong, who became fairly prominent for the movie, as well as 1999's Cella.

His directing style has some very minimalistic elements which work quite well in the film, and I have an inkling this style was inspired in large part by earlier films like the aforementioned Christmas in August. He is, of course, helped along by some phenomenal acting.

If prone to crying over movies, Failan is sure to make you do just that. Its characters are endearing and its plot is quite the heartbreaker. I’d highly recommend giving it a viewing.

By Seth Pevey

Community

Meet the Neighbors This month Gwangju News catches up with three restauranteurs around town.

Firstly, please tell us any three things to introduce yourself.

1. What do you enjoy most about running your restaurant?

2. What is your favourite Korean drink?

3. What is the most popular dish in your restaurant?

4. What is your favourite Korean thing to do?

5. Which three famous celebrities would you most like to share a meal with?

Story and photos by Julian Warmington

“I love meeting people and learning about their personalities. I have an addiction to learning new things all the time. I love sharing, even if the other person has no real need for it.”

Joe Wabe

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Meeting interesting people.

Baekseju (A kind of soju) Chicken burritos.

Drink makgeolli with kimchi and tofu.

Steve Jobs, Robert DeNiro, and Kim Yuna.

“ I live in Nam Gu, in Baekeun-dong. I am the manager at Café Barie, which opened in July this year. I like drip coffee.”

Kim Kong Lok

1. I am a trained barista and I enjoy serving good coffee. I also enjoy training our part-time staff and being extra kind to our regular customers.

2. I like any kind of wine, and I also like a bitter draught or German beer, but from Korea I like to drink misutgaru (a health drink which is made of the power made of mixed grains) or ‘barie malgm ade’.

3. Yuza (Citron) gorgonzola pizza. We make 40 or 50 every day.

4. I go walking, jogging, or inline skating in the park in Bongseon Dong. I also play ping pong every couple of weeks, or have a game of pool.

5. Park Jung Hyun is a talented singer; Kang Hoh Dong is a gagman (or comedian); and finally, Freddy Mercury, from the band Queen, although I know he died already.

“I have been the owner/operator of Philippines Store: The Courtyard [opposite First Alleyway Restaurant and the Underground Grocers] for two months so far. I live in Un-am Dong, in front of Mudeung Stadium. I am married with two kids.”

Lilibeth

1. I enjoy entertaining my customers and cooking them food. I really love to cook. My family likes it when I make food for them but I only used to cook for other people outside my family when we had parties. Now, I enjoy cooking for Filipinos and introducing Filipino cooking to expats.

2. Pocari Sweat, because I like to drink it if I’m ever sick.

3. Odobo chicken and spring rolls. Odobo chicken is popular with most people, including North Americans. Mike Simning likes the spring rolls here a lot too.

4. During winter I go to the jymjilbang three times a week, because my skin gets dry because it’s not humid. In the Philippines it’s more humid throughout the year.

5. Only one: Lee Min-ho. Nobody else. He is famous and I like the way he acts. Most women like him. My friends in the Philippines ask me if I’ve met him yet!

Gwangju News October 2011

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Community Board

GIC News

The 19th Annual KOTESOL 2011 International Conference

GIC Journal: Social Discourse of Disquiet Got something to say that’s deeper than the latest travelogue?

Wondering about the space in between cultures and have some lessons to share? Have art that people generally don’t ‘get’?

You have a home at SDoD. A space for artists, photographers, writers, pundits, and critics to share about Gwangju, the art scene, art without a capital A, and expressing your confusion, clarity and kookiness through your creative ventures. Get involved. Check out the website: http://gicjournal.wordpress.com.

Contact us to contribute: selina.gicjournal@gmail.com

Pushing our Paradigms: Connecting with Culture

Date: October 15-16, 2011 Place: Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul Pre-registration attendance fee: 40,000 won (KOTESOL members), 60,000 won (nonmembers), 25,000 won (undergraduate students)

Art Gwangju Artist Collective Our group is organic and multi-disciplinary: painters, photographers, illustrators, and media artists. It includes members from all around the world. Our aim is to stimulate the flow of creative energy through workshops, discussion and community art projects.

Facebook: Gwangju Artist Collective E-mail: gwangjumaria@yahoo.com

GAC November Art Exhibition: Entity Amid GAC's group exhition's theme, Entity Amid, is calling for artists to contribute. The theme of the show is based on the foreign artist (entity) living out their lives and art amid the people of the Korea. It could show cooperation and integration or alienation and isolation.

The theme could indicate an individual experience or a group experience of multiple viewpoints. The theme is also suitable for a multitude of media and could easily be adapted to fit any kind of existing work that artists have in their private collections or inspire artists to make something new for this exhibit. Contact mynhardtlisa@gmail.com or check the Gwangju Artists Collective Facebook Group or website:arttoday.mireene.com/xe/gac

Over 1,500 people are expected to attend Korea’s largest English language teaching conference.

For more information, please visit www.koreatesol.org

Sports Gwangju Men’s Soccer The Gwangju international soccer team plays regularly most weekends. If you are interested in playing, e-mail: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com.

Gwangju Ice Hockey Team Looking for men and women of all ages to join us every Saturday night from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Yeomju Ice Rink near World Cup Stadium. If you are interested, contact either Andrew Dunne at atdunne@gmail.com or Chris Wilson at kreeco@rogers.com

Gwangju Chaoreum Taekwondo Add: 1187-3 Chipyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju Phone: 062) 384-0958

[ GIC Gallery ] Meaning and Metaphor – A solo exhibition by Mark Eaton Exhibition Period: October 1 ~ 22, 2011 “This three-week solo exhibition will feature my photographic art, of which most of the collaborative compositions have not been shown publicly in a gallery prior to this event. Meaning and Metaphor isn't about cute crafts and dust collect knickknacks. Meaning and Metaphor is about substance, vulnerability, strength, character. Art, and its careful interpretation, is a reflection of all who can view. Those who look might not see, and those who hear might not listen.

I am interested in the irony and conflict and beauty of life. What is perceived reality is not always so upon closer inspection and introspection. The routine and commonplace, while too often overlooked, is often the source of beauty and that is meaningful. There is pain, yet there is joy also.”

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Gwangju News October 2011

Community Board

Location: Chaoreum Taekwondo Gym is located on the third floor of Jeong-yeon (K-1) building (just beside the bus stop) Buses : 62, 63, 64, 518 (bus stop: 상무대우아파트 - Sangmu Daewoo Apateu) Taxi directions: "Sangmujigu Kumho Daewoo Apart ro gajuseyo".

Method of instruction is in English.

Weekday Classes: 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.(from Monday to Friday) Sunday Classes: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

are going from/to Gwangju Airport or simply to travel around the city, give Jumbo Taxi a call.

Call to reserve at 010-5086-7799 (Mr.Kim) or refer to www.gjtaxi.co.kr for the price list.

Brazilian Jiujitsu in Gwangju Add: 522-3 Jisan-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju Phone: 010-9354-6279 Location: Basement of the 20000 Eyeglass shop near Salesio Girls High School.

Buses: 1, 15, 17, 27, 28, 35, 36, 55, 80 (bus stop: 살레시오여고 - Salesio Yeogo) Taxi directions: "Salesio Yeogo jungryu jang gajuseyo".

Method of instruction is in Korean-English.

Weekday Classes: 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. (from Monday to Friday)

Community Sung Bin Orphanage Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for creative/ active/ energetic/ outgoing/ enthusiastic long-term volunteers to join in our regular Saturday program. We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month. As well as being a friend, you will be asked to teach basic English to girls aged 7 to 14. Meet every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in front of downtown Starbucks. All are welcome. For more volunteering information please contact Al Barnum at: al_barnum@yahoo.com.

Apostolate to Migrants Center Address: 802-4 Songjeong -2dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Phone: 062) 954-8004 Subway: Get off at Songjeong Park (송정공원) Station and walk toward Songjeong Middle School.

Busses: 29, 38, 39, 62, 97, 98, 99. Get off at Yeonggwang-tong intersection bus stop and walk toward Songjeong Middle School.

Sunday masses: 10:00 a.m. (Indonesian/ East Timor); 3:00 p.m. (English) at the Migrant Center; 6:00 p.m. (Vietnamese).

2nd Sunday: 11:00 a.m. Mass for multi-cultural families.

Spanish/ Korean Language Exchange Do you want to learn basic Spanish? Or do you want to review what you have learned in the past? Do you want to learn Korean phrases and grammar? Or do you want to practice speaking in Korean? Come join the Spanish/ Korean language exchange group every Saturday at 5:00 p.m. at the GIC. Free for GIC members.

For more information, contact Juan Esteban Zea (juanestebanzea@gmail.com)

The Annual Book and Bake Sale (Facebook event: The Annual Book and Bake Sale) Date: Saturday, November 5 Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Location: GIC, Gwangju International Center. 5th floor Jeonil Building. Across from the Gwangju downtown YMCA. Home cooking for the Homesick, Cuisine Curious, and Supporters of Sungbin Orphanage. Get your Read on by picking up a bargain priced book.

Help us!

Donations: FOOD - lemon bars, cookies, cakes, hummus . . . your Auntie's homemade fudge? Please commit to donating some of your baked goodies. Last year we ran out of food. Help us fill the homesick tummies of Gwangju.

Let us know if you need access to baking and cooking spaces.

BOOKS - time to clear the chi and your bookcase.

Donate those books gathering dust or acting as a beer coaster. Magazines, cds, dvds welcome as well.

VOLUNTEERS - This is a big event with lots of people needed. If you can donate time to pick up/transport goods, provide a drop off location, make food (but someone else buys ingredients), set up the event on the day of, work a mini-shift as a seller, or help us clean up after then you can do something to make this event a success.

Gwangju Jumbo Taxi If you’re traveling in a big party or simply need transportation in and around Gwangju, Gwangju Jumbo Taxi provides service to the bus terminal, airport and other places. With a seat capacity of up to nine people, you can travel in comfort. Friendly and hospitable, Mr. Kim will help you travel in safety. Whether you

Gwangju News October 2011

51

Advertisement/ Korean Language Class

2011 GIC 6th Korean Language Class (class may be cancelled if less than 5 people sign up)

Saturday Classes

Weekday Classes Level

Days

Textbook

Level

Textbook

Beginner 1-1

Tuesday & Thursday

서강한국어 1A (Pre-lesson ~ Lesson 1)

Beginner 1-1

서강한국어 1A (Pre-lesson ~ Lesson 1)

Beginner 1-2

Tuesday & Thursday

서강한국어 1A (Lesson 2 ~ Lesson 6)

Beginner 1-2

서강한국어 1A (Lesson 2 ~ 6)

Intermediate 2

Tuesday & Thursday

서강한국어 2A (Lesson 5 ~ Lesson 9)

Beginner 2-1

서강한국어 1B (Lesson 1 ~ 4)

Advanced

Monday & Wednesday

서강한국어 3A (Lesson 1 ~ Lesson 5)

Intermediate 1

서강한국어 2A (Lesson 1 ~ 4)

- Period: November 7 – December 22, 2011 (Twice a week for 7 weeks) - Class hours: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (2 hours) - Tuition fee : 80,000 won (GIC membership fee: 20,000 won/ year and textbooks excluded) cash only

- Period: November 12 - December 24, 2011 (Every Saturday for 7 weeks)

- Class hours: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

(2 hours) - Tuition fee: 50,000 won (GIC membership fee: 20,000 won/ year and textbooks excluded) cash only

GIC is located on the 5th floor of the Jeon-il building, the same building as the Korean Exchange Bank, downtown. The entrance is located immediately to the north of the bank. Contact gic@gic.or.kr (or by phone 062-226-2733/34 and www.gic.or.kr for more information.

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Gwangju News October 2011

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Gwangju News October 2011

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Gwangju News has a Bargain for You! Are you a local Gwangju or Jeollanam-do business? How long have you been in business? We have a grant program that offers steep discounts depending on how long you’ve been in business.

Contact Karina Prananto or Julian Raethel at gwangjunews@gmail.com for details.

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Gwangju News October 2011

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