Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
August 2007
Volume 7, Issue 8
Editorial
August has traditionally been a period of transition in the ESL community, when old contracts
expire and new ones commence. Most ESL instructors come to Korea for a year, while some
stay on seduced by all things Hangook , most return to the fold.
To be an expatriate is to enter a time capsule. In a certain level time slows down; one gets used
to the languid pace of life in Korea, while the world full of taxes, mortgages and upgrades rushes
by back home. Friends and colleagues “on the outside” carry on the relentless march to outwit,
outlast, and outplay while we look on, slightly bemused. If the whole world is a stage, this is a
reality show viewed over email, Facebook and Skype.
On the other hand, time does seem to speed up. Meaningful relationships are formed and
dissolved in record time, friends for life are acquired in the blink of an eye, life changing
decisions are made at breakneck speed. The realization that everything has a twelve month shelf
life create a sense of urgency in every sphere of life.
The rain must come after the sunshine. Two doyennes of the Gwangju News family are stepping down after many selfless
years of service to the community. Kammy Benham, our illustrious Editor-in-Chief changed the face of Gwangju News
and codified the mission statement for the magazine. Her clarity of vision and sense of purpose has steered the
magazine through times of transition. Tracey Knihnitski has volunteered in various capacities at GIC over the years. She
has been an invaluable help in sourcing stories and liaising with the larger community. It is with great sadness we bid
them good bye.
Harsha Goonewardana, Editor
“The GIC and Gwangju News would like to express our deep shock and
sympathy for the families of the South Korean humanitarian workers
kidnapped in Afghanistan. We pray for their safe and speedy return.”
Special thanks to the City of 23 Korean Punk Band, Opealia By Heloise Sales
Gwangju and all of our
sponsors.
24 Illegal Teaching in Korea Part 2 - My Story
Copyright by the Gwangju International Center. By Tracey Knihnitsky
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 25 A Foreign Language High School in Gwangju
consent of the publishers. By Choi YoungHoon
Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor
(gwangjunews@gmail.com) regarding articles and issues. All 26 Bharatanatyam - Classical dance form of India
correspondence may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.
By Shilpa Ramesh
28 Meet the Gwangju International Center Interns
By Tracey Knihnitski
O
n June 25th 2007, the Gwangju International
Center and Chonnam National University’s
Institute of Politics and Elections Department
co-hosted and sponsored a workshop entitled
“Korean Democratization: An Exterior
Viewpoint” with Mr Edward J. Baker, a consultant to the
Harvard-Yenching Institute.
Apart from relating his personal viewpoints on the On the direction of the Iraq War:
political progress of Korea from 1948 through the 1980s,
Mr Baker spent much of his speech sharing his knowledge Q: What are your thoughts on the current Bush
and understanding of the United States’ role in the 5.18 administration’s “war on terrorism” and the Iraq war?
Gwangju Uprising in 1980, the massive student street
demonstrations throughout Korea in 1987, as well as the A: Personally, I believe that the Iraq war is a complete
special position Mr Kim Dae Jung had amidst Korea’s blunder and miscalculation of the Bush administration;
political turmoil until he subsequently became president they went into Iraq with their policies focused on the
in 2000. Given that these issues are the heart of Korean ideological battle against terrorism. They definitely failed
political history, the audience was proactive in asking Mr to understand the complex relationship between the Iraqis
Baker questions to gain a deeper insight on his personal and the Kurds, as well as the fragile unity amongst the
opinions on US policy and the different types of Sunni and Shia Muslim community that has resulted in
“democracies” seen in Asia. the sectarian conflict we see today. America is now in a
quagmire - we cannot withdraw and yet we cannot stay
On the nature of student activism in Korea: put. With 17 military bases in Iraq now, perhaps the Bush
administration is trying to implement “Korean” Style
Q: In your opinion, what do you think is the difference democracy as we saw in history. As an American, I am sad
between the Korean students of the 1980s and 2007? to say that I am gradually losing my respect for the
functionality of “American” democracy.
A: Most certainly, Korean students of the 1980s displayed
a high level of student activism; many of them were On Korean history and democracy:
especially interested in the political direction and future of
Korea. Through my close interaction with my students in Q: Can you clarify the US’s role in Korea’s 5.18 uprising?
Sadae, I remember that they were rational in their
political views and very much wanted to see some form of A: I understand that there were rumours of the
social change in their country. The students of this involvement of the CIA in assisting Chun Doo Hwan to
Where: The task is to climb the five highest 82.1% is the amount of the rest of the country’s
mountains in Korea in five day: Hala-san (1,950 citizens in the age group that went to university in
meters), Jiri-san (1,915 meters), Deogyu-san (1,614 2006.
meters), Seorak-san (1,708) and Gyebang-san (1,577
meters). All peaks must be climbed within five days for
7 million won is the average cost of tuition for students
at Korean Universities.
the challenge to be successful.
45% is the amount of national University students
Why: To raise money through sponsorship to assist who get scholarships.
a worthy cause – the Sungbin Orphanage Endowment
Last year 2006 was on a much smaller scale than this
Fund. Sungbin is one of the biggest orphanages in
year’s effort. In fact there were only 2 and a half
Gwangju, and is located near Chonnam University
climbers (one person for only 3 mountains). It was
Hospital.
successful in raising 4 million won , though
It houses approximately 70 young ladies, with many unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions
living off-campus in group homes (which provide a the fifth mountain Mudengsan was substituted for
more home-like atmosphere for them). The age range Deogyusan.
at the orphanage varies from just months old upto
This year there will be two major differences between
around 18. The orphanage currently part-funded by
2006 and 2007. First, that all five mountains will be
the church and the government.
conquered. Secondly, that the amount raised eclipses
last year’s.
There is a small army of volunteers who seek out to
make life better at Sungbin. They include teachers of
various subjects Art, Math, Science and a few foreign Who are the climbers: Currently five
English teachers that help out on Saturdays. members of the Gwangju community have stepped
forward to take the challenge. They include three
A worthy cause: The sponsorship will Canadians, one British and a Korean. Adam Forrest,
mostly go to helping the children beyond their who is approaching the end of his twelve month stint in
orphanage years, after they have turned 18 and have to Gwangju; Chris O’Meara currently working at Chonnam
look after themselves. It will also go towards University; one half of the Mike and Dave partnership,
addressing current problems, though it’s primary goal Dave Martin. Daniel Lister, a veteran of the 2006
will be to help build better futures. effort, represents the British Isles, while GIC’s own Kim
Tae Hyeong is flying the flag for Korea. Anybody is
47 of the 70 orphans at Sungbin still have welcome to come join the revolution though time is
ticking.
parents or relatives though have been abandoned, the
majority have no idea where their parents are How to sponsor: If moving mountains is
None of the girls are currently attending second not quite your cup of tea, there are numerous ways to
or third grades in High School. sponsor the event. The easiest way would be to pop into
the GIC, Speakeasy or The Underground Grocers and
In the last 10 years only 20% of those old enough sign a sponsorship form. Alternatively check the
to go from Sungbin have made it to High School. website www.5in5korea.org to make a pledge online.
Please contact Daniel Lister at 5in5korea@gmail.com
However 99.8% percent of the Korean public at for further information.
By Daniel (Mountain Goat) Lister
High School age went in 2006.
international exchange of ideas on such topics as Participants from Korea included Yoon Hyung
multiculturalism, globalization, human rights, violence Sook, an Anthropology professor at Mokpo National
against women, and the empowerment of women and University and President of the Korean Association of
peace networks. Women's Studies, Kim Hyu n-Mee , Sociology
professor at Yeonsei University,Yoon Mee-Hyang,
Participants honored the past by paying tribute at the representative of the Korean Council for the Women
National Cemetery to the participants and events of the Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, and
May 18 Democratic Movement 27 years ago. Chang Pil-Wha a Professor of Women's Studies at
Participants looked to the future as they formed and Ehwa University and former president of the Korean
signed the Gwangju Declaration on Women's Peace. Association of Women's Studies.
Former First Lady, Lee Hee-Ho (wife of Kim Dae Jung, Malalai Joya is a member of the Afghan parliament
former president and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate), and received the Gwangju Human Rights Award for
extended a warm welcome to all those attending. In her 2005. From Pakistan, Mukhtar Mai, President of the
role as Honorary Chair, she Mukhtar Mai Welfare
acknowledged the perseverance All of these women shared a Organization, represented the
and passionate spirit of women in passion for peace and plight of the common woman in
their dedication to promoting democracy and demonstrated Pakistan. Takaka Doi from
equality and human rights.
their roles in striving for and Japan, the former leader of the
Social Democratic Party and the
Gwangju Mayor, Park Gwang-Tae, promoting women's rights. first female speaker of the Diet,
and Kim Pill-Sick, representative spoke about empowering women for democracy.
of the Women of Gwangju, co-chaired the conference.
Park Gwang-Tae stressed the importance of women Ada E. Yonath and Ruchama Marton from Israel
"developing leadership and competency while pursuing are Nobel Peace Prize candidates, and spoke about the
harmony through solidarity." Kim Pill-Sick believed legacies of women in science and women's health
that "women's solidarity will strengthen and progress rights respectively.
with renewed spirit and significance."
All of these women shared a passion for peace and
Together they felt that hosting events in Gwangju such democracy and demonstrated their roles in striving for
as the Asian Women's Peace Forum in 2005 and the and promoting women's rights.
2006 Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, will
promote the city as a "world-class City of Democracy, As women we accomplish much and as we
Human Rights, and Peace." acknowledge and recognize the past hurts and
hardships, we can celebrate today knowing that it's not
Among the honored female activists were Korean all for naught – we are changing the future for the
nationals and foreign guests who took the opportunity better.
to celebrate women's solidarity and empowerment. By Tracey Knihnitski
I
adolescent years feeling
am a foreigner in Korea. Like other foreigners, I like an oddity and wishing I had a Caucasian face. I
am frustrated when elderly Koreans cut in front wanted desperately to look like everyone else.
of me in line. I am amused by the fashion and
impracticality of wobbling around in sequined When I went to Washington University in St. Louis,
I could finally mingle with people from diverse
silver stilettos on crooked cobblestone sidewalks.
I have difficulty communicating in a language I don’tbackgrounds. I had friends who were Filipino,
speak fluently. Store clerks shoot looks of Taiwanese and Indian. It was refreshing to hang
frustration and dismay at me when I pull out my around others who were American but just
Korean phrasebook. Locals ask me where I am from happened to have black hair and tan skin. I liked
and we have a few moments of confusion as we try Twinkies. They’re a delicious, cream-filled snack
to work through the language barrier. but for the first time, snack words took new meaning
as I heard “Twinkie”, “Banana” and “Oreo” as a
The difference between reference to the disparity
other foreigners and I? I “So, if you’re a foreigner between how we felt and
am Korean.
reading this, there might be how we looked. But after
graduation, I would find
I’m a Korean-American someone in your midst who myself in places where I was
adoptee and often forget stared at and asked, “So,
that I look Asian. It’s hard
is really an American in a what are you?” I would
to explain the startled Korean wrapper.” reply, sarcastically, “I’m a
feeling when I catch a human being.”
glimpse of my reflection in the elevator, surrounded Them: “No, really. Where are you from? You speak
by people that look similar. I’m not used to seeing good English.”
many Asians. I grew up in the American Midwest Me: I’m from here.”
where many people are a hybrid of British or Them: “No, I mean, what’s your nationality?”
German stock, including my adopted family. My Me: “I’m American.”
parents recall the day they brought me home with Them: “No, really! Where are you from?”
humor when my sister, who was six at the time, Me (exasperated): “I was born in Korea, but lived in
misheard the word, “Korean”. She ran excitedly America since I was a baby.”
throughout the neighborhood, announcing my This prompted discussions about every “Oriental”
arrival. “We’re getting a “green baby!” she shouted, this person has known, how “Oriental” are nice and
which alarmed the neighbors until it was explained hardworking, and occasionally, how the mighty USA
that my parents adopted a Korean baby, not an helped the Koreans in the war. I spent most of these
Vst
form example
ending
공부하다 → 공부하면
vowel -면 오다 → 오면
만나다 → 만나면
con- 먹다 → 먹으면
-으면
sonant 읽다 → 읽으면
What am I? I’m still trying to figure that out. For B:버스에서 내리면 전화할게요.
(Buseseo naerimyun jeonahalkkeyo.)
years, I wanted to blend in with my surroundings.
I will call you when I get off the bus.
But here, I want it to be immediately obvious that I
don’t speak the language fluently, don’t know where 1)!내일 날씨가 좋으면 같이 놀러 갈까요?
things are (having been stopped for directions (Naeil nalssiga joeumyun gachi noleo galkkayo?)
numerous times), and I’d like other foreigners to How about we go on a picnic tomorrow if the
notice me the way they notice my Caucasian weather is good?
husband. We pass by them and he is greeted with a
jaunty “hello” and the head-nod that foreigners 2)방학이 되면 유럽 여행을 갈 거예요.
seem to give one another. Here, he is the one who is (Banghaki deamyun yureob yeohaengeul gal
kkeoeyo.)
stared at. I am overlooked because I look like
I will travel to Europe when my vacation comes.
everyone else though culturally, there is a huge
divide. So, if you’re a foreigner reading this, there 3)!많이 아프면 병원에 가야 해요.!
might be someone in your midst who is really an (Mani apeumyun byungwone gayaheyo.)
American in a Korean wrapper. Don’t be surprised You should go to hospital if you are really sick.
if she gives you a head-nod.
4)!그 친구를 만나면 항상 기분이 좋아요.
By Niki Perkins (Geu chingureul manamyun hangsang gibuni
Niki Perkins is a Korean-American adoptee and was born in joayo.)
(or around?) Seoul. She is teaching English with her I always feel good when I meet a friend.
husband at Han’s Academy, and prior to Korea, they lived in
Taiwan. In her pre-overseas life, she was a social worker By Ji Hyeyeong
and proponent of animal rights. Hyeyeong conducts Korean language classes at the GIC
and is graduate students of Korean at Suncheon
University.
I for ex-pats to
either lose or put
on weight in their
new surroundings.
7. Form a local weight loss group with others who want to
lose weight too.
8. Visualize the way you want to be – get a sense of what
it feels like to be that person.
There are many
reasons for this, as I 9. Declare your weight loss plans to someone out loud.
am sure you know. 10. Ask a buddy to hold you accountable.
The most common
reasons are a 11. Stop thinking about it and do it. Are you a “talker” or a
complete change in “doer”? Think about someone who always talks about
lifestyle, change in what he or she is going to do, but never does. Do you
daily routine and want that to be you?
structure, and of 12. Promise yourself a vacation or a gift for when you
course the reach certain goals along your weight loss journey. Make
inaccessibility of this a unique, special and expensive celebration
foods one is used to. For the most –something you have wanted for a long, long time.
part ex-pats complain of putting on weight rather than 13. Imagine what it would feel like if you stuck to your
losing it, which adds to the stress of living in a new weight loss plan for one week and then got on the scale.
country.
14. Go out for a brisk walk today or this evening and
Putting on weight does little for one’s self-esteem and understand how that makes you feel. Motivated, energetic
confidence, and it can affect your health and inspired, maybe?
too. If you have been here for a little 15. Clean out your kitchen cupboards
while now and want to do something
You have made a big and the fridge. Get rid of all the foods
about your weight, but you just can’t change in your life by that have been sabotaging your success
seem to get motivated, maybe this coming to live and work and take note of what this does to your
article will help you to take that first in a foreign country, so mood.
step. I encourage you to not be too hard
cut yourself some slack, 16. Listen to a motivational speaker
on yourself, accept the situation and online. There are tons of free telecasts
understand what has brought you to this but stop the cycle right out there. They are very motivational and
point. You have made a big change in now and do something helpful.
your life by coming to live and work in a about it.
foreign country, so cut yourself some 17. Identify your obstacles to losing
slack, but stop the cycle right now and do something weight. Find ways of overcoming them.
about it. 18. Speak to someone who has been overweight and find
out what they did to lose weight. Follow the success!
I hope that one or more of these 20 motivating points will 19. Rent an inspiring and motivating movie – some of my
help you take that first step in taking charge of your favourites are Jerry McGuire, Braveheart, Dead Poets
weight and your life. Only once you decide you want to Society, Rudy, Patch Adams, Forrest Gump, What
lose weight will you be able to follow through with a plan. Dreams May Come, Mr. Holland’s Opus and Pay it
Forward. Motivating movies or books always seem to
1. Weigh yourself. Get real with yourself and stop the motivate me to improve my life.
denial. It is tough, but it is needed.
20. Lastly, if you have not yet watched the movie “The
2. Take out a photograph of someone thin and pin it in a Secret”, do so. You can watch it for $4.95 on your
place you cannot avoid seeing. computer. Go to www.thesecret.com. It is worth it.
3. Try on an item of clothing you used to wear a while
ago.
4. Close the bathroom door, stand in your underwear and By Kim Knight
take a photograph of yourself in the mirror (For your eyes Kim Knight is a lecturer, and Successful Weight Loss &
only). Personal Life Coach. Sign up for FREE Tips at
http://www.thesuccessweightlosscoach or
5. Read an inspiring book of someone who has lost http://www.coachtogreatness.com
weight or overcome a major obstacle in his or her life. Email Kim directly at expatk@yahoo.com
EXCERPT THREE
show of individual dominance.
As I walk the thin dirt path along the lake, a cool breeze
sways the tops of the tamarind trees, sending slender
brown pods earth bound. A moment later, the bamboo
grove responds in a chorus of painful creaks and groans
as the towering green pendulums gently crash and
chafe into one another.
T
he month of December has brought the dry season the water level drops revealing random
monotonous heat and stillness to an abrupt halt. tangles of busted furniture, twisted window panes and
The stuporring heat lingering upon the Khorat hundreds of mud glazed bottles.
plateau has been temporarily washed away and
As I walked along the thin path, I spied a turtle perched
replaced with a cool and unexpected crispness.
upon a jutting branch from the waters surface.
The transformation to the cool season invigorates and Stopping along the trash strewn bank to look, I began
reminds me of the mid-western autumn of my youth. thinking, and it occurred to me, that as far as the turtle
The first aroma of wool pulling on a sweater; the oaken was concerned, this lake was perfectly acceptable. The
wet smell of piled leaves; the comforting warmth of my branch held him securely, the morning sun gently
Mothers hands removing wet socks, embracing cold warmed his tarnished shell and glinted off his wet
feet. These thoughts invigorate me, and with her in snout like a diamond.
mind I have a renewed sense of rightness, an unseen
At that moment, squatting at the waters edge full of
support that I know she is sending.
"my" opinions, "I " was out of the equation. What I
Accommodating my reflective spirit, all of the Monks, thought was of no consequence, my opinion pointless
with the exception of Phra Maha, Phra Suwatt, and and empty.
Luangpor, have left for a ten day retreat at the
Whenever I walk now along the lake with the crumbling
University. I'm sincerely glad. It feels good to have the
docks and plastic half submerged bags, I try and not
temple to myself. I need this time to mentally prepare
focus my mind on these but instead on the beauty of my
for what's coming.
surroundings. The creaking bamboo, the drifting
Arming myself with a bamboo broom I wander through tamarind pods. Turtles sunning themselves in bliss.
the deserted temple to sit quietly by the lake. On the
Maybe this is what Buddhism is all about. Living
way I stop briefly to glance at the bell tower girl. At the
gracefully in an imperfect world, filled with crumbling
bath house I listen for the usual splash of water and
docks and discarded plastic. I guess you could say;
slamming doors. These are ajar, the only sounds, a rank
Buddhism is a turtle, perched on a branch, amidst
of dripping taps drumming rust spots into the calcified
imperfection.
cisterns. Rounding the corner of the bath house I tap By William Matthew Reyland
my stick against the cracked concrete announcing my William Reyland is from the United States and has been
arrival to the bitch and her now equally aggressive den traveling throughout Asia for the past four years. He is
of now much larger pups. She feigns an advance, but as currently in Gwangju working as an English teacher and
usual quickly retreats to the other side of the lake. I'll freelance writer. His stories and award winnng photos have
see her again on my way back where we will repeat our appeared in numerous publications throught Asia.
Enjoying Summer
-Boryeong Mud Festival
By Annie Sirgey
By Annie Sirgey
Each person can send in up to three photos. The best photos will be featured in the
magazine, so please be sure when you send them to include your name, where you live, and
some brief details about the picture(s) you took. From the finalists, one will be chosen as
the cover photo of the September issue of the magazine. Make sure that the height of your
photos is longer than the width so that they will fit nicely if chosen for the cover.
Submission deadline is August 21st.
Please submit your photos to gnphotocontest@gmail.com.
Prize:
The winner of the contest will have a lovely array of prizes to choose from which include:
1st place gets a 40,000 Won bar tab at Ambrosia Wine Bar and the choice of either free
enrollment for the GIC Korean classes or a GIC tour;
2nd place gets the choice of either free enrollment for the GIC Korean classes or GIC tour;
Judges: Annie Sirgey and William Reyland will judge photos. If you have any further
questions about the photo contest, please feel free to email them at
gnphotocontest@gmail.com.
22 Gwangju News August 2007
Music
Band review
Korean Punk Band
Opealia
By Heloise Sales
Photos by Natalie Newman
Illegal Teaching experience. I was treated well and can’t really complain
about anything said or done.
in Korea Part II While at the police station, I was told by the people
helping me that there were 70 police sent to Gwangju
from Seoul to help look for an alleged murderer said to
– My Story be last seen teaching English in a hogwan in Gwangju.
While on their search for this man, they were busting
all other teachers who were illegally teaching. I have
not found any other evidence to confirm this story and
don’t know if it is true or not. Canadian papers reported
that these were routine hogwan busts and the last big
sweep was in June 2005.
R
ecently, while looking out through the window of
my parent’s car, I happened to see a placard
posted by an education committee that opposed
the foundation of a foreign language high school
(FLHS) in Gwangju. The education committee argues that
founding an FLHS would make the children of Gwangju
suffer. Though a private foundation has been organized to
establish an FLHS, there is still strong opposition
espousing similar viewpoints.
It’s hard to deny that a foundation of an FLHS may
intensify the already harsh competition among middle
school students and create a sense of inferiority in
students of other high schools. As a “Gwangju child”, I'm
sure they will feel deprived of better educational
opportunities. I personally feel deprived of better
opportunities to students of FLHSs in Seoul.
Nevertheless, I firmly believe Gwangju needs a quality
foreign language high school.
Recent findings regarding expenditures on private
institutes in Korea were startling; Gwangju ranks among
the top three provinces/cities in private education
expenditures. This reveals two things. First, people in
Gwangju put a very high value on education, and second,
public schools fail to meet the demands necessary for a
high quality education.
Another huge benefit of founding an FLHS is that it may
decrease the outflow of Gwangju citizens who leave our
city in search of better education. There is a popular
Chinese proverb about Mencius and his very dedicated “Establishing an FLHS in
Mother, who moved three times before finding a suitable
location to raise her child. Much like the proverb, the
Gwangju is a step forward”
enthusiastic Korean will leave their hometown to improve
such a competitive world? Donga Daily recently reported
their children’s high school education if the circumstances
that students who rank in the average students of FLHSs
permit, while they won’t do so for university education as
ranked as high as the top-ranking students of other high
university students are regarded as adults. I was eager to
schools in national mock tests. Among twelve
attend an FLHS in Seoul, but because my father’s job was
provinces/cities, Gwangju is one of the four without an
not transferable and my parents didn't want me to leave
FLHS, others being Gangwon, Chungnam and Ulsan. We
home at a young age, I decided not to. Contrary to my
should have had one long ago.
case, other families do relocate for better educational
opportunities. Establishing an FLHS in Gwangju is a step forward. We
don’t have time to waste debating ‘yes' or 'no’ on a
A good FLHS retains its student base and even attracts
decision that's already been made. Now is the time to
people from other provinces. This not only maintains the
focus on the content, since the mere existence of an FLHS
population, it also safeguards important and vital assets
does not guarantee students of a leading level.
by keeping them in the community. Those who leave our
community for the sake of education are important
candidates for the future development of the community By Choi YoungHoon
and prosperity of Gwangju. The writer, YoungHoon, is a second grader at
Salesio High School and has won many prizes in
No parents want to see their children left out. But the
English competitions.
question is how long could they protect their children in
Bharatanatyam -
Classical dance form of India
I
was first introduced to Bharatanatyam at the age of
three while attending a dance performance. The first
thing that fascinated me must have been the brightly
colored costumes and the quick changing expressions
of the performers. I was formally introduced to this
form of dance when my mother admitted me into the
dance school at the age of seven.
Kim Ju Hee Jung Ja Yeon Kim Ji Hyun Youn Mi Sun Jang Suyeon
nternational solidarity is one of the core tasks of C”) from Malaysia, and Tumenbayar Chuluubaatar
KONA HOMESTAY:
Place for Culture and
Language Exchange
y name is Rev. Steve Kuria Kiarie from
Nahyeon’s Family
The first home I visited was Nahyeon’s family in
January, 2007. This wonderful couple together with
A
s the page closes on July’s prolific portfolio of picturesque coastal town is surrounded by hundreds of
festivals the August chapter opens with an islands, and the event celebrates the legend with
immediate chance to cool down at the Bongwha fireworks, exhibitions, and a great deal of water sport
Sweet Fish Festival (July 29th – 5th August). related fun such as rowing, wind surfing, bungee jumping,
No more than a 2 hour bus ride away the water skiing, as well as banana boat, motorboat, and
festival provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about canoe rides. The gift of music is also provided in forms
the native fish of the Gyeongsangbuk province. These varying from classical to pop at a wide range of concerts.
delicious fish will entertain the mind and satisfy the Additionally the chance to be the man himself is offered as
stomach at the festival which lasts for four hours of scaly patrons get the opportunity to steer a model vessel, as well
related madness per day. A ceramic art display as brush up on archery skills before taking their seat to
accompanies the antics, though the potential
festival highlight includes the chance to jump
in the sea and catch some wiggly friends for
yourself, which will at least offer you the
chance to save money on a tuna kimbap
dinner, and can go some way into paying the
5,000 won entrance fee.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Annie feels these kinds of adoptions need to end as part of 2. Daniel suggest that Haeundae beach is the _________ center
Korean adoption policy reform. of Busan .
4. Shilpa informs us that this kind of Indian dance is more 3. This phase of back pain generally lasts 2 or 3 days according
masculine. to Dr Kwon.
7. Dr Ju doesn’t recommend this kind of solution as a remedy for 5. Opealia’s feisty lead singer.
dry eye syndrome. 6. Each country has it’s own ‘style’ of this, according to Edward J.
8. Bernice tells us that Koreans believe that eating ‘hot’ foods Baker.
during summer helps to retain this. 7. The orphanage being benefited by the 5 in 5 challenge.
9. The most impressive person Scott has met in Korea.
B
ack pain, herniated disc, strain, and sprain and leg workouts.
seem to happen in just about everyone.
Amazingly, in 8 out of 10 people, these types 3. Only heavy laborers suffer back pain.
of pain happen and disappear without a trace. In Being overweight doesn’t really cause
many cases, one will never have this experience back pain.
again, but some can continue to have problems. Up to 80-90% of adults experience lower back pain
at some times in their lives. In addition to heavy
lifting and other factors such as being overweight,
The cause of back pain can be very complex. With
sitting for long periods, driving, and smoking can
lower back pain alone, numerous parts of the
cause lower back pain. Extra pounds in your belly
lumbar spine can be responsible. Many back can compress the spine and squeezes the discs,
problems are difficult to diagnose and typically making them prone to hernias and abnormal
involve a wide variety of treatment methods. conditions of the spine.
Because of this, there are many myths and
misconceptions surrounding back pain. Proper 4. Everyone has lower back pain, so
knowledge about back pain can be an effective first there is nothing I can do about it. I just
step towards healing process. have to learn to live with it until it
becomes disabling.
I
have always known that Korea had four seasons, had already formed at the restaurant’s entrance!
but I did not know that it is a Korean custom to Having to take a queue number and sit under the
choose the 3 hottest days of summer to eat hot sun with Koreans young and old certainly
especially healthy food on those days. Minsu, reminded me of Sundays in Singapore and
my colleague at the GIC, explained to me that Vancouver, where my family and I would have to
these three days are known as Boknals, and the first wait at restaurants to eat Dim Sum. As we patiently
Boknal is Chobok, the second is waited at the entrance, the
Jungbok and the last is Malbok. satisfied and the fortified who
The dates of these three Boknals I learnt that Koreans had just finished lunch were
are selected according to the believe that eating strolling out, gloating at the
Korean lunar calendar. This fact that they had come much
year, Chobok falls on July 15th, Samgyetang and other earlier than us to enjoy
Jungbok on July 25th and “hot” foods during the Samgyetang.
Malbok on August 14th
respectively. summer season helps Luckily for us, we managed to
to retain stamina and find ourselves in the
So, what do Koreans do on restaurant within fifteen
Chobok? I found my answer on cools the body. minutes of waiting. I was
an extremely hot and humid awed at the grandeur of the
Sunday afternoon, when Minsu took me to Ko Rea restaurant; its decorations reminiscent of the
Jo to enjoy Samgyetang. Although I knew that dining settings in the palaces of a Korean or
Samgyetang is ginseng chicken soup with stuffed Chinese Emperor. Antique vases and old Korean
glutinous rice, I learnt that Koreans believe that calligraphy were abound, looking prominent
eating Samgyetang and other “hot” foods during the against the brown restaurant walls. My tourist
summer season helps to retain stamina and cools the instincts kicked in, telling me to start taking
body. We embarked on our little adventure by pictures, but the waiters quickly ushered us to our
passing by some old buildings and crossed a table and did not bother bringing the menu, readily
deserted alleyway and lo and behold, a long queue assuming that we were there to eat Samgyetang,
the restaurant’s specialty. Glancing quickly around My lunch partner and I happily worked on our food,
the somewhat rowdy restaurant, I noticed everyone agreeing that the queue and the heat we had to
else was already digging heartily into their black endure earlier was certainly well worth the wait! If
stone bowls. you have yet to try Samgyetang during this hot
summer season, I recommend that you head to Ko
As Minsu and I chatted away, the waiters came back Rea Jo on either Jungbok and Malbok to have some
with two steaming and bubbling black stone bowls ginseng chicken soup and feel fortified to beat this
and I could not even see the chicken at first! summer heat. However be prepared to face a long
Waiting impatiently for the steam to subside, we queue. The cost of Samgyetang is 11,000won per
used our chopsticks to separate the chicken, person and it’s definitely a reasonable price to enjoy
revealing the glutinous rice stuffing with young some authentic Korean food and ambience all at
ginseng shoots and jujubes. As Samgyetang must once.
be boiled for hours, the chicken bones were
extremely soft, the chicken meat was tender and the Ko Rea Jo is located just a short walk away from the
soup evidently had the strong flavour of all the GIC upon seeing LotteTour, turn left into the dark
ingredients in the pot. As a Chinese who enjoys the alley lane. Upon reaching the end of the lane, turn
Chinese version of herbal ginseng chicken, I realised left, you definitely will not miss the restaurant
that the distinguishing feature of Samgyetang was whose signboard greets everyone in green and white.
the broth and the glutinous rice stuffing. A typical This restaurant is open 365 days a year from 10am-
Chinese-styled ginseng chicken would usually be 10pm and they have another branch in Sangmu. For
wrapped and steamed in aluminium foil for hours more information, please call 062-224-2525 or
and is served dry with the absence of the rice 2526.
stuffing. By Bernice Ang
Bossam 보쌈
When parboiling:
2. Cut the green chili in half, put into the saucepan.
3. Cut the garlics into thin slices, put them into the
If anyone has ever saucepan.
tried Bossam in
Nolbu Bossam or 4. Put 1 shot of soju into the saucepan.
Mujinju they will find 5. Put 1 teaspoon of coffee powder into the saucepan.
that cooking Bossam
itself is quite easy. It 6. Cut the pork into 0.5cm thin slices, put them all into the
is less greasy than saucepan.
samgyeobsal and I 7. Wait until it boils together for about 40 minutes until
think is more healthy the pork is soft and ingredients mix together.
Cooking time: 40 minutes 8. After it is done, take out the meat only, serve with
kimchi in a plate (we won't use the rest in the saucepan)
Serve for 2 - 3 people and soybean paste.
Ingredients: To buy pork simply go to a big supermarket like E-mart or
Soybean paste (dwaenjang sauce), 1 green chili, 3 garlics, Home Plus, they will surely sell all kinds of pork (dwaeji-
1 shot of soju, 1 tbsp of instant coffee, pork (preferably gogi, 돼지고기). Moksal is slightly thin and has less fat
moksal, 목살) than samgyeobsal.
Preparation: By Karina Prananto
1. Put 1.5 tablespoon of dwaenjang sauce into a medium I am Indonesian and have been living in Gwangju since Sept
size saucepan, filled it with about 1000cc of water. Mix 2006 with my Korean husband whom I met while we were
the sauce with the water before boiling. Boil it under a studying Chinese in Beijing and have been married to for 13
medium heat (fire). months.
E
verybody can time, they receive a small stipend for transportation and
be great a certificate of accomplishment.
b e c a u s e
anybody can Everyone is welcome and to date there are
serve. You don't have approximately 20 countries represented.
to have a college You may be from any nationality and must have a good
degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject command of the English language. Generally there are
and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart two categories of volunteers:
full of grace, a soul generated by love. 1. Cultural Exchange Volunteers (CEV) who lecture in
- Martin Luther King Jr. their mother tongue.
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding acts of 2. Korean Interpretive Volunteers (KIV) who translate
selflessness we can share. In Gwangju, we are and at this time, happen to speak in English, French, or
considered the cultural capital of Asia and there are Spanish
numerous organizations that welcome the gift of The next upcoming orientation and evolution meeting is
generosity and time. in August 2007.
Every semester, the Ministry of Culture and Human To register, please e-mail the application form to the
Resources Development sponsor UNESCO’s Cross Leader of CCAP Teachers Club, Lim Yeonsuk, at
Cultural Awareness Program which brings together yslim0720@hanmail.net or call her at 011-9603-9916.
volunteers from around the globe and encourages it’s
participants to “Contribute to a global experience of For more information see http//kuces.unesco.or.kr or
peace and mutual understanding through cultural feel free to contact Jinchae Park, Vice President directly
exchanges between Korean students and foreigners at jinchaep@hanmail.net or call 017-640-0028.
residing in the Gwangju & Jeonnam area.” Please join us and make a difference!
Participants have an opportunity to conduct up to 3-4
classes per semester, and in return for their generous By Tracey Knihnitski & Mukul Basu
Do you have a problem with love, life or the lottery? Ask Dr. Ko. Dr. Ko knows all and sees
all. Contact Dr. Ko at Drkoknow@yahoo.com
Talent Show:
Show us your entertaining talents that you’ve got e.g. folk dancing, singing,
martial arts, playing musical instruments or anything you want. We all can get
to know about your country's culture, costume, language, etc. Traditional
performances and team works will be favored. We can see Michael Jackson
dancing at home anytime through Internet.
*Please sign up by 19th August to arrange a pre-contest scheduled on 25th August.
Everyone is encouraged to participate, but those who have won in the past will not be
chosen as winners two years in a row.
*There will be a surprise present for each awardee.
Flea Market:
Do you want to do something good for the third world? Do you have
something you don't use? If your answers for both were yes, this is a good
chance to act. The Beautiful Store will bring all the stuff to one place and sell
them to help the third world. Sorry, Chrysler and Rolex are not acceptable for
this program.
*You can mail items in or drop them in at the GIC office by 13th September.
Mailing Address: 광주광역시 동구 금남로 1가 1번지 전일빌딩 509호 광주국제교류
센터 (501-758)
*Website of the Beautiful Store: http://www.bstore.org/english/
Contacts
-Email: gwangjuic@hanmail.net
-Office: 062) 226-1050/2734
-Fax: 0505) 227-2092
-Home Page: www.gwangjuic.or.kr
-Address: 광주광역시 동구 금남로1-1!전일빌딩 5층 광주국제교류센터
If you don't participate in an interview or training, you will not be able to join this program even though
you submitted the application documents.
Sung Bin Orphanage Volunteers are called 48 hours before Charity raffle at Speakeasy
Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for the mail-out day (during the first Speakeasy is proud to present a
long-term volunteers. We would like week of each month). GIC needs 6-8 grand charity raffle. Prize draw to be
you to give at least two Saturdays per people who can help. GIC & Gwangju held downtown, with an
month. As well as being a friend, you News are only as good as the accompanying party on October 2nd.
will be asked to teach basic English volunteers who bring it to life! First prize: 250,000 won, with
to girls aged 7 to 14. For more various goods and goodies donated
information please contact Mike at: Contact GIC at 062-226-1050, 2734 by local businesses for many runner-
sungbinvolunteers@gmail.com. or gwangjuic@gmail.com up positions. See next month’s
Gwangju news for further
Kona Volunteers Renew Your Member information.
Kona Volunteers is a registered Information
organization for helping under- All proceeds go to the Sungbin
Dear members,
privileged kids by teaching English Educational Endowment.
We are sending the Gwangju News to
using storybooks. each of the GIC members.
Unfortunately, some members do not
Gwangju News Needs You
We are looking for long-term native receive the magazine because of the
speakers who desire to enrich their incorrect address or no address at all.
lives by volunteering. Let us know via the information
below if you are not receiving the
We would like you to volunteer at Gwangju News or if you have had
least 2 Saturday mornings or Sunday your address changed.
afternoons per month. We help Thank you.
orphanage children or children of Gwangju International Center
low-income families and single- A person in charge: Min-Su Son
parent families. If you have any Email: gwangjuic@gmail.com
picture books and storybooks, please Phone: 062-226-1050/2734
donate them when you leave Korea. Fax: 0505-227-2092
For more information, please visit
Sungbin
http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers
and contact Kona (Kim Young-Im) at
Educational
konastorybookcenter@yahoo.com. Endowment - Due to the rapid expansion of our
Fund community magazine, we need more
Gwangju Men’s Soccer volunteers to help with the running of
The Gwangju international soccer - Fundraising is the magazine. Help the community
team plays regularly most weekends. continous and gain new skills.
If you are interested in playing, email - All funds will be
used for building You can help in a variety of roles:
gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com.
an eventual self- - Proofreading
sustaining source of financing for - Editing
Help Gwangju News Magazine!
educational underpriviledged girls - Photography
Volunteer one day a month - Writing
- Bank account will be set up soon for
GIC needs volunteers to mail out - Layout
donations
Gwangju News. Gwangju News, - Administration
www.sungbinkids.org
published monthly, is sent to nearly or any other way YOU can think of.
Phone: 011-9943-8066
700 addresses. Join our Gwangju Contact at gwangjunews@gmail.com
News mail-out volunteers at GIC. or Harsha on 010-8484-4274.
GIC TALK
August 4 All talks take place at the GIC office.
Speaker: Harsha Goonewardana (ESL Instructor) Address: 5th Floor, Jeon-il Bldg, Geumnam-no,
Topic: Sri Lanka, Pearl of the Indian Ocean Dong-gu (동구 금남로 1가 전일빌딩 5층).
Directions: The GIC office is located in the same
August 11 building as the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in
Speaker: Bernice ng
downtown Gwangju. The entrance is
(GIC summer international intern)
immediately north of the KEB on Geumnam-no
Topic: Welcome Kit Project
street, across from the YMCA.
August 18 (Subway stop: Culture Complex Bus: 07, 09, 45,
Speaker: TBA 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 74, 80, 82, 518,
Topic: TBA 1000, 1187 )
For more information about the GIC Talks go to
August 25 www.gwangjuic.or.kr
Speaker: AStephen Kuria Kiarie (Pastor)
Topic: Kenyan Economics Call for Presenters: The GIC Talk series welcomes
*Dates and topics are subject to change. your proposals for presentations on topics of
society, culture, politics, science, education, or
Contact the GIC to confirm the schedule: anything of interest to the foreign community. For
more information, or to submit a proposal, please
Phone:(062) 226-1050, 2734
contact Kim Singsing at: gwangjuic@gmail.com
Email: gwangjuic@gmail.com or call: (062)226-1050, 2734.
Not-so-easy
G: Toronto
E: Liam Neeson
H: Yasser Arafat
AL: Annus horribilis
SN: Halley’s Comet
SL: John McEnroe
Bloody Hard
G: Their nose
E: Rocco
H: Economics
AL: Violin
SN: yellow
SL: Edmonton