Gwangju News: March 2007

Gwangju News
International Magazine for Gwangju and Jeollanam-do
Goodbye Gwangju,
“The City of Light”
By Amin Iskandar
The Gambia and Zambia:

Different Fruits
By Mustapha Hydara
Is it HOLI DAY or HOLIDAY??

By Shilpa Pradeep
The Two Schools of Buddhism

By Harsha Lecamwasam Amarasiri Goonewardana
March 2007
Volume 7, Issue 3
Editorial
After being in and out of Korea for what’s really being said.
10 years now, one of my free-
talking classes finally explained That said, foreigners who seem frustrated by the culture in
han to me in a positive light. Just which they live could probably benefit from learning about
after that, I learned about nunchi these concepts. It’s difficult enough not being able to find
and gibun. After really looking into necessities like where to find a water filter so you can
these Korean concepts, I felt like drink clean tasting water, or find food you can palate, but
someone had taken blinders off me. add language barriers to every other conceivable need and
I finally understood a lot of what you have a recipe for stress. Now compound it with the
was going on in my social relationships with Koreans. fact that Korea is a “high context culture” with social codes
or concepts that are unfamiliar to us, and yet as basic to
Now you would think that after being in Korea for 3.5 Korean culture as having single word descriptions in
years over a 10-year span, I would have learned about Hangeul.
some of the most influential cultural patterns in this
country. Apparently, nunchi, gibun, and han are only Here is what I am proposing: certainly, we should be
three of the six controlling cultural patterns in this looking into these concepts on our own, but I’d like to do a
country. The other three (bunwigi, jeong, and chemyeon) call for writers (Korean, foreign, or Koreans raised abroad)
I haven’t had a chance to research yet, so I am not sure to submit articles explaining these and other concepts so
about them. However, in my research, I found out that the foreign community can benefit from them. A lot of
anthropologists consider Korea a “high-context culture,” foreigners live here, and if you write on these subjects, you
meaning that if you don’t understand some of the could actually make us feel more “at home.”
intricacies of the culture, you will always miss out on Kammy Benham, Editor
Come and meet the people who contribute to the magazine!

Gwangju Who is invited: Magazine volunteers, readers, foreign community
When: March 18th 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
News What to bring: Food! Please email gwangjunews@gmail.com with what you plan to bring.
Where: Community Center above Speakeasy. Email gwangjunews@gmail.com if you need
Potluck! directions.
2007 GIC 2nd - Korean Language Class

March 5th ~ April 21st (2 times a week for 7 weeks)
Class hours: 10:30 am -12:30 pm (2 hours)
TIME TABLE
Level Days SATURDAY CLASS (Every Saturday for 7 weeks)
Level 1 Tuesday & Thursday 10:30am ~ 12:30pm
Level 2 Monday & Thursday TUITION FEE: 45,000 won
(10,000won Membership fee included)
Level 3 Tuesday & Thursday - Beginner Class
- Intermediate Class
Level 4 Monday & Wednesday
Level 5 Monday & Wednesday
GIC is located on 5th floor of the Jeon-il building, the same
*Dates and times subject to change.
building as the Korean Exchange Bank, downtown. The
entrance is located immediately to the north of the bank.
TUITION FEE: 60,000 won Contact GIC office for more information.
(10,000won Membership fee included) Phone: 062) 226-2734, 1050
*The tuition fee is non-refundable after the first week. Email: gwangjuic@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gwangjuic.or.kr
2 Gwangju News March 2007

Contributors Contents
4~5 The Gambia and Zambia: Different Fruits

By Mustik76
March 2007, Volume 7, Issue 3 6~7 International Roots - Homecoming Festival in The
Cambia (West Africa)
Publisher: Dr. Yoon Janghyun
By Mustik76
Editor-in-Chief: Professor Shin Gyonggu
Editor: Kammy Benham 8~9 Why They Came: Francis Ajayi: Life is easy for a
scientist at GIST By Judy Rigby
Copy Editors: Rebecca Fairless, Audry Hawkins
Article Content Editors: Rebecca Fairless, Harsha Goonewardana, 10~11 Interview: Sam Jameson, Journalist
Natasha Gleiser, Allyson Saperstein By E. H. Kim
Technical Advisor: Chris Benham

12~13 The Korean Way No. 54: The Rise and Fall of Gi-
Coordinator: Kim Minsu nyeo, Professional Female Entertainers
Layout and Design: Kim Minsu By 2Ys
Proofreading: Audry Hawkins, Laura Fischer, Chris Benham, 14~15 Is it HOLI DAY or HOLIDAY??
Vanessa Berry, Rebecca Fairless By Shilpa Pradeep
Printed by: Hana Printing Practical Tips: Motorcycling in Korea

16~17
- A Simple Introduction to Bikes
“Walking through the great history of Gwangju" By Jonathan Brenner
Amin Iskandar will go back to his country with a new
spirit and belief in the power of people. The Gwangju 18~19 The Influence of Religion in Sri Lanka
Democratic Uprising not only inspired young Koreans By Mun Seongjin
but also youth in all Asian countries.

20~22 The Two Schools of Buddhism
By Harsha Goonewardana
Cover photo: Park Che-ung, The May 18 Memorial
Foundation
23 Once Upon a Time: The Looking Glass
By Sandra Wyrwal
Special thanks to the City of
Gwangju and all of our sponsors. World through the Eyes of a Teenager: Country
24
Copyright by the Gwangju International Center. of Courtesy Lost By Choi Young Hoon
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 25 Between Cultures: Great Expectations or Killer
publishers.
Stress? By Lim Donghun
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.
26~27 Home Pages
GIC Cultural Tour Review: Mt. Muju Resort Day

28
Trip - The “Watchers” Experience
By Audry Hawkins
07, 09, 45, 52,

53, 56, 57, 518
55, 59, 61, 51, 58, 80, 82 29 Concert + CD Review: Faded @ Speakeasy
1187, 1000 By Harsha Goonewardana, Mark Brown
09 Jonggak
57 , 45
,5 ,5
18 6, 30~31 Mr. Cinephile
55, 59, 61, 32~33 Goodbye Gwangju, “The City of Light”

1187, 1000 By Amin Iskandar
34~35 Sports: Join - The Madness in Gwangju

By Jeff Smith
36~37 Living in Cambodia: Childern in Cambodia 2

By Kim Jihyun
38~39 Newbie Tips: Bus Callisthenics

By Audry Hawkins
40~41 Restaurant Review: Jinwol Gem - Rosemary

Restaurant
By Maria Lisak
41 Korean Recipe: Fried Tofu with Sweet Soy Sauce

By Kim MInsu
Gwangju News March 2007 3

Global Insights
The Gambia and Zambia:

Different Fruits
ntil I arrived in Korea two years ago, I did not Gambia, as well as Zambia. They navigated the Gambia
U realize the extent of the confusion between

Zambia and The Gambia. Whenever I answer
“Gambia” to the usual query about my origin, I
initially get a look of puzzlement. Then a look of relief flits
River in 1455; later in 1681, the French founded an
enclave at Albreda. During the 17th century, various
English merchants settled The Gambia. Slavery was the
chief source of revenue before it was abolished in 1807.
across puzzled eyes and the I hear the cry “Oh Zambia, of The Gambia became a British Crown colony in 1843 and
course!” My reaction as always: “NO NO, GAMBIA”. an independent nation within the Commonwealth of
Nothing short of rolling out a map of the African continent Nations on February 18, 1965. Full independence was
to point out the small country next to Senegal convinces approved in a 1970 referendum, and on April 24 of that
the sundry of the existence of my motherland. This year The Gambia proclaimed itself a republic.
constant attempt to make me a Zambian is no doubt
familiar to many a citizen from a country that has the Many explorers and traders have visited Zambia
misfortune of being phonetically similar to a better-known since the 15th century. The lucrative trade through the
nation. Indian Ocean to Europe attracted the Portuguese in the
15th century. By 1515, the Portuguese had dominated the
The Gambia is a tiny country in West Africa bordered to Indian Ocean trade routes including the coasts of Angola,
the north, east, and south by Senegal, and has a small Mozambique and the Zambia hinterland. Since 1652, the
coast on the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Approximately 1.3 Swahili, the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the British
million The Gambians inhabit a total area of 11,500 square have influenced Zambia. On October 24, 1964, Zambia
miles (29,784 ). On the other hand, Zambia is much attained its independence as a sovereign nation from the
larger; occupying a land area of 285,994 square miles British Empire.
(740,724 ) it has a population of approximately 11
million. Lusaka is the Although the similarities
capital of Zambia, and it between the two countries
has a population of may be painted with broad
1,265,000 similar to the strokes, differences are
entire population of The many. The Gambia is in
Gambia. ZAMBIA western Africa while
SOUTHERN Zambia is in the south. The
History of The Gambia THE GAMBIA WEST AFRICA AFRICA cultural differences arising
dates back to the 13th from this disparity are too
century when the Wolof, numerous to mention. It is
Malinke, and Fu-lani similar to comparing
people settled it. Oral and Western Europe with
written history gives Central Europe. The
accounts of traders moving currency of Zambia is the
in caravans from the Kwacha while the Dalasi is
trading towns of the Niger Gambia’s. Although
River to those of The English is the common
Gambia. Four hundred official language for both
years ago, historic The countries, Zambia has 6
Gambia was a trading town under the suzerainty of the other languages such as Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda,
Mali Empire. The Mali Empire was composed of Luvale, Nyanja, and approximately 70 other indigenous
Mandinka speaking people. Written records also indicate languages. The religious composition of the countries is
the presence of surrounding states of Niumi, Baddibu and also different; Zambia has many religions with a Christian
Niani under the sway of the Kingdom of Saloum at majority of 50%–75%, Islam and Hindu 24%–49%, and
Kahone in present day Senegal. It is interesting to note indigenous beliefs 1%. However, The Gambia has a clear
that Saloum was composed of Wolof and Serer language Muslim majority of 90% Muslim, with 9% Christians and
groups similar to early inhabitants of The Gambia. Zambia 1% others. Zambia is landlocked while The Gambia has a
is located in the Great Rift Valley, which stretches from thriving port as its capital.
the lower Zambezi River in southern Zambia to the river
Jordan in the Middle East region. According to some I hope that this article has shed even a little illumination
experts, the origin of the modern human species lay in on the often confusing world of African geography.
Zambia, where the current inhabitants live on lands that Perhaps the next time I have a conversation regarding my
echoe with the footsteps of our ancestors. Archaeologists homeland, the country of my origin will be less puzzling.
have identified signs of human civilization dating back
three million years in the northern African Rift Valley. Note: Republic of The Gambia is the official name for this
African country; however, Gambia is the commonly used
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to enter The name.
By Mustik76 with help from Harsha Goonewardana

Global Insights
International Roots
- Homecoming Festival
in The Gambia (West Africa)
T
he Gambia celebrates an annual International labor and domestic duty in the West. Four hundred
Roots Homecoming Festival that attracts years of this legacy have had a major consequence in
numerous people of African descent for a our cultural traditions, self-identity, and disunity in the
weeklong celebration of their roots. It is a continent. African suffering is equal to that of Jewish
huge national event held in the month of June to suffering in the World War II era. There is a shameful
welcome members of The Gambian Diaspora back to level of silence faced by Africans about “burying the
the home of their rich cultural legacy. hatchets” on slavery. Misguided interpretations of
history are currently driving deep chasms among the
The Roots Festival is one of the principal events in The African populace causing the misinformed to act with
Gambian calendar. The government of The Gambia hate against one another. The Roots Festival is an
and the locals are proud of the event. It provides bonds avenue for a whole generation of the dispersed Africans
of empathy and harmony that bind us, as Africans, to to recapture a feeling of what it means to be African
raise our voices on the and the struggle for
issues of our past. The survival faced by their
reunion during this brethren. The main
festival is a symbolic objective is to make the
celebration of the true Africans dissipated by the
spirit of love, which winds of history become
permeates Africa despite assured of their cultural
issues of security, war, identity and re-embrace
and disease. their ancestral identity.
In the history of the The most important

African Holocaust, also aspect of this festival is
known as the African paying remembrance to
Atlantic Slave Trade, the the great American
effect of colonialism has historian Alex Haley, who
split asunder the African founded the Roots
continent. The Gambia Homecoming Festival. In
was a major trans- his world renowned book
Gambia traditional musicians with “Kara” and
shipping port for slaves “Roots”, the author’s
“Balafong/Xylophone”
destined for plantation successful quest to trace

Local performance at the home of Kunta Kinteh
Juffureh
his ancestry to a man named Kunta descent with their ancestral

Kinteh in The Gambian village of motherland, the festival provides a
Juffureh was documented. Mr. Haley’s forum for reconciliation among
ancestor was among a batch of 98 religious leaders, a carnival of
slaves brought to Annapolis, Maryland, music and dance, and lectures on
aboard the ship Lord Ligonier in 1767. Gambian culture, customs,
Despite all attempts by his master, traditions, food, music, arts and
Kunta Kinteh never denied his identity storytelling. The festival also holds
as an African. Although Mr. Haley died a regatta featuring traditional boat
of a heart attack in Seattle on February racing. Other events include a
10, 1992, he was able to see his book pillow fight on the greasy pole,
become a hit TV series called Roots, Roots Rock Reggae Gam Jam
watched by millions in the 1980s. This Concert, a basketball tournament
TV show put The Gambia on the map USA vs. The Gambia and an
for the 1980s generation. The African Redemption Day,
Gambia’s common slave sites such as “Futampaf,” which is held at the
James Island in the River Gambia were President of The Gambia’s
shown on Roots. On the island are the hometown in Kanili.
last remains of a slave fort where
Africans were held captive before they The Roots Festival is very
were put on slave ships like cattle for significant for Gambians and the
the journey to America. influx of tourists is helping the
country in many ways. It further
The festival is open to all descendents brings together positive thinking
of black Africans around the globe Africans who share common
interested in returning to their “roots”. objectives, origins and history. The
This gives all The Gambians, separated event is an eye opener for many
for hundreds of years by thousands of visitors in dealing with the outlook
miles, a unique opportunity to of slavery and being an African.
experience the life and the culture of The spirit of attending Roots
their nation. Gambian culture in my Homecoming Festival has made a
opinion has seen the effects of huge impact on social interaction
globalization, but some ancient between the hosts and guests for
traditions have survived to offer a the past years.
glimpse in to the proud past. The event By Mustik76
makes many visitors realize one’s true
Illustrations from Reader’s Digest version of Roots by
song of praise for who they are and Alex Haley
where they come from. Photos and facts from Roots Festival website
www.rootsgambia.gm
As well as reuniting people of African

Why They Came
Francis Ajayi:
Life is easy for a scientist at GIST
F
olusho Francis Ajayi is an
environmental science PhD
student at Gwangju Institute of
Science and Technology (GIST).
He goes by his middle name of Francis
when he is abroad because it's easier for
people to pronounce. Francis is from
Nigeria in West Africa and has been
studying in Korea for one year now. He
came last February and plans to stay
here for three more years for his PhD
here at GIST.
Francis has traveled and studied abroad

in the past. He received his Masters
Degree, an MS in biotechnology from
the University of Westminster in
London. He did his BS in microbiology
in his home country of Nigeria. He
decided to study abroad to go
somewhere with a higher level of
technology which he could not receive
in Nigeria.
Francis began to look for a PhD

program that accepted foreign students
that would be fully funded so he
wouldn't have to worry about his
finances while attending school. The
funding was the most important thing
for him. He told me that finding and
getting into a PhD program can be very
difficult because it is very competitive.
Most universities only have twenty or
fewer PhD positions each year. It is
even harder for a foreigner. Francis said
that this is because most schools give
first priority to students applying from
their own country and typically they
receive the most financial assistance
from the school and have a greater
chance of being accepted. Which
Francis views as not being fair.
Francis felt that for his PhD he wanted

GIST students are given
freedom to focus all of their
attention on their research
and studies.
to focus all of his attention on his studies and not have He also feels that Koreans are very friendly people. He
to worry about other things such as finances. This is admits that some people do stare at him because he is a
why he says that GIST is such a good school and why black man, which is rare in Korea. Despite that he says
he chose to come here. He looked at many different that he has never felt any form of discrimination here in
schools in many different countries all over the world Korea. He admits that there are some negative things
but he decided to come to Korea for several reasons: about life in Korea such as it being extremely
homogenous and not multicultural but he is very happy
He felt that GIST looked at and treated the applicants here in Korea.
and students equally no matter which country they
came from. Secondly, Korea is a part of the world Francis continues to learn more every day. He can read
which he has never been to before and he thought it Korean and is learning to speak Korean. He's even
would be good to travel to another part of the world for learned to identify the difference between fresh and
a new and different experience. The program was fully older kimchi. He likes the taste of fresh kimchi.
funded so he would not have to get a job outside of By Judy Rigby
school or have to worry about money. Finally he would Judy is an English teacher in Gwangju. She is from Vermont,
be able to work in a lab and do research as well as his USA.
studies.
Francis is enjoying his time here in Korea and

having fun. He admits that he did struggle a bit at
first but he felt there were so many good things
about GIST that he believes that the good far
outweighs the bad. So despite some culture shock
and loneliness in the beginning he has had a very
positive experience here in Korea. The things that
he likes best about life in Korea mainly have to do
with the school because most of his life revolves
around school.
He feels that the school treats the students very

well. It treats all of the students equally no matter
where they are from. There is no discrimination
between foreign and Korean students, Francis
says. The advisors and professors are all very
helpful. The facilities are wonderful with all the
best equipment. The school spends a good deal of
money on research, which Francis thinks is very
important. The students are encouraged to travel
all over the world for conferences and visit labs,
with the school paying for everything. Life is easy
for the students at GIST, Francis says. All they
have to worry about and focus on is their studies;
everything else is taken care of. It is still hard work
but it takes a lot of pressure off of the students not
having to worry about living expenses or funds for
research.
Interview
Sam Jameson, Journalist

smashing success. Jameson was twelve.
Jameson went on to edit his high school and college

newspapers and graduate with a Masters Degree
from the Northwestern University Medill School of
Journalism. Over the course of his career, he has
served as dean of American journalists in Japan,
president of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of
Japan, a member of the Fulbright Commission in
Japan, and Tokyo Bureau Chief for both the Chicago
Tribune and the Los Angeles Times. Jameson is
currently an Asia Times contributing correspondent
and a visiting scholar at both the Yomiuri Research
Institute and the Institute for International Policy
Studies.
While this year’s visit was in association with the

50th anniversary of the Korea Society, and to visit
Gwangju and Jeollanam-do with his longtime friend
and fellow journalist Don Oberdorfer, Jameson first
visited South Korea in November 1963 to cover the
election that installed General Park Chung-hee as
president. It was the uprisings of May 18 that
brought him to Gwangju. As the one person
responsible for covering the entire story, Jameson
felt he could not immediately go to Gwangju – where
all communication links with the outside world had
been cut by the Korean military – and reported on
the story from Seoul. It was there that he “repeatedly
asks[ed] Korean government officials to explain how
Kim [Dae-jung] had managed, from his jail cell, to
t all started with a set of rubber stamps. Over
I
stage an insurrection.” Jameson traveled to Gwangju
beer, soju, and a beautiful hanshik spread, Sam
on May 27 in a chauffeur-driven car – the only way
Jameson, journalist and reporter covering
to get to the city, as all transportation to and from
Japan, Korea and Asia for over forty years with
the city had been cut off – and saw for himself the
the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and the
death and destruction wrought by Chun Doo-hwan’s
Asia Times, recently shared with me the story of how
Special Forces. In the essay “Reflections on
his illustrious career began.
Kwangju,” included in a collection of press accounts
of the uprising, Jameson writes, “Decades have
“A friend in the neighborhood had received a set of
passed since 1980, but even the word ‘Kwangju’ still
rubber stamps,” he told me, “and we wanted to put
invokes an overwhelming sense of sadness and
them to good use.” Jameson and his friend decided
waste . . . all of it remains a senseless horror.”
to use the stamps as part of a template for a small
newspaper – the first of many publications he would
As we walked through the cemetery dedicated to the
edit and contribute to over the next fifty years. They
memory and legacy of those who died in connection
created columns, wrote articles, proudly displayed
to May 18, Jameson reflected on his long years of
their by-lines. The pair painstakingly cranked out
association with the Korean peninsula. “It means a
their first issue three copies at a time, as many as the
lot to me to come here, to see how the events of May
carbon paper they were using would permit. It was a

18 have been preserved. It has been quite moving to Gwangju to light in the face of repression,
see Korea develop, to see its democracy flourish in misinformation and the doctrine of dictatorship.
such a short period of time.” His voice was For that, this city and its citizens are forever
respectful, contemplative. “I’m interested to see grateful.
what is yet to come.”
As we continued drinking into the night, Jameson Sam Jameson’s Bio from “Kwangju in the
shared another memory from his childhood Eyes of the World”:
Sam Jameson is the dean of American journalists in
newspaper experience: “Sammy, a neighborhood
Japan, where he has lived and worked for more than
boy we all hated, was moving away, so of course 36 years. He made his first trip to South Korea in
that was the lead story. We knew his family would November 1963 to cover the election of General Park
get a hold of the issue, so we created two versions, Chung-hee as president and has visited South Korea
one representing our true feelings and the other full every year since then. A former president of the
of what we thought of as lies.” Jameson and his Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (July 1973-
friend presented the false version to Sammy’s June 1974) and a member of the Fulbright
mother, who burst into tears and thanked the two Commission in Japan between 1971 and 1981, he
youngsters for writing the article. was Tokyo Bureau Chief for both The Chicago
Tribune (1963-1971) and the Los Angeles Times
(1971-1996) and is now an Asia Times contributing
“I never forgot that,” Jameson said, his voice correspondent. He is also a visiting scholar at both the
growing serious. “She was so grateful, and all the Yomiuri Research Institute and the Institute for
while I knew there was another version full of International Policy Studies. An M.S. graduate of
opinion, devoid of fact, that everyone else was Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism,
reading. That was a true lesson in journalist he also studied Japanese at the Tokyo University of
integrity.” Foreign Studies.
Gwangju has benefited from this lesson learned by By E. H. Kim

E. H. Kim is in Gwangju on a Fulbright fellowship to research the
young Jameson, as his deep commitment to truth May 18 uprisings. She is at work on a novel and teaches writing
and unwavering objectivity helped bring the story of in the New York City area.

The Korean Way No. 54
The Rise and Fall of Gi-nyeo,

Professional Female Entertainers
T
he term gi-nyeo, or gi-saeng, is said to have entertainers.
originated from the Three Kingdoms Era (Silla-
Baekje-Goguryeo 57BC ~ AD668). In the ensuing Such a gi-nyeo system was in fact contrary to the then
Era of Goryeo (918~1392), gi-nyeo was referred to social order based on Confucianism, which was the Joseon
variously in the History of the Three Kingdoms, compiled Dynasty’s national creed. Attempts were made to abolish
in 1145 by a high government official named Kim Bu-shik, the system, but it had to deal directly with the conduct of
and in the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three the bureaucrats so the attempts failed. The chief reason
Kingdoms) written by Iryeon around 1281. Later, the was that the abolition might cause violation of innocent
centralist government system of the Joseon Regime women by bureaucrats through illicit dealings. This was
(1392~1910) installed the gi-nyeo system, assigning something like a certain country’s tolerance toward a red-
women to central and local government offices. The light district. After all, this system was maintained to the
purpose of the gi-nyeos was to attend government end of the Dynasty in spite of its running against the
functions and to render comforting services for the pains ruling ideology.
and toils of government officials by singing and dancing.
Gi-nyeo literally means a singing girl. Therefore, in the In principle, gi-nyeo entertainers belonged to the
beginning, most of the gi-nyeos were gwan-gi, or government. They were at the bottom of social
government gi-nyeos. But toward the latter half of Joseon stratification as lowborn like slaves, butchers and
Period, some of the government entertainers, possibly shamans.
after passing the prime of their lives, kept independent
establishments to entertain the yangban class and the Once registered in the Entertainers’ Register, they could
general public. The yangbans were the members of the not free themselves from the yoke of the lowborn. Even if
two orders of officialdom who served in the bureaucracy they married yangbans, their sons became slaves and
of the Joseon Kingdom. They were privileged to hold civil their daughters gi-nyeos. This was due to the “Lowborn-
and military posts in the bureaucracy. follows-mother Law.” They could not break out of the class
unless they managed to provide atonement money.
The female entertainers were divided into capital and Therefore, most of the entertainers resulted from mother-
local ones, depending on locality. The allotted number of daughter relations. In a severe famine, girls were sold as
entertainers differed depending on the size of entertainers and a traitor’s women were forced to become
administrative unit. Smaller centers had at least twenty slaves or entertainers.
gi-nyeos, while larger centers like Pyongyang, now the
North Korean capital, had no less than two hundred The female entertainer’s age ranged from 15 to 50,

classified into young and old ones, with the retired ones needle entertainer was charged with making the king’s and
beyond the age limit. Once they registered in the Gi-nyeo queen’s clothing. Having to read medical books, the
Register at the age of 15, they enrolled in music institutes medical entertainers were well versed in Chinese letters
and started learning the arts of pleasing others. They and had occasion to associate with ranking officials,
would learn calligraphy, painting, dancing, singing, resulting in becoming their concubines, a way of
playing musical instruments, reading of poetry and books, upgrading their social status.
discourse, and table manners. Since those whom they
associated with were royal families, high-ranking officials The term gi-nyeo is associated with the Japanese geisha
and well-versed scholars, they had to be well-mannered who lived in Japanese restaurants since the end of the
and well-read. After schooling, they were ranked 1st, 2nd Joseon Dynasty and during the Japanese colonial rule. The
and 3rd according to their personal beauty and talent. The present-day use of gi-nyeo is deprived of its original
first could sing and dance in the presence of the king and professional meaning and is associated with a prostitute.
high-ranking officials. The second had access to The retired gi-nyeos would set up their own private
government offices and ranking official’s residents. The establishments and train young girls to be gi-nyeos to
third could associate with the commoners. serve the common people. This trend gradually
deteriorated, with the establishments falling into brothels.
Among special entertainers were the medical entertainer
and needle entertainer. Korean society was very strict in By 2Ys
avoiding association with the opposite sex. So, when
Photos from KBS Drama “Hwangjinyi”
females got ill, male doctors could not treat them. Thus Paintings by Shin Yunbok, Joseon Dynasty artist
the medical gi-nyeo was introduced. Remember the
teaching, “When boys and girls reach the age of seven,
they are not to sit together.” This keeping distance “The Korean Way” is a standing column to allow readers some
between the sexes was strict to the extent that when the insight into the thoughts and views of the culture that we live
in. We invite you to express your thoughts on this and any
queen got ill, the court doctor had to examine her pulse
other column via email at gwangjunews@gmail.com.
out of the sickroom through a thread tied to her wrist. The

Global Insights
Is it HOLI DAY
or HOLIDAY??
sk people who have been to India what with a massive
A impressed them the most; they won’t fail to

mention the vibrancy of colors. Indeed, India
is a colorful country! However, not many
know that this colorful reverberance is celebrated in
bonfire made up of
heaps of all the
dried leaves and
branches left
through the winter.
Holi...adds color to
the monotonous
routine of life, just as
Halloween does in
March as a festival – Holi.
the U.S. or Tamotina
Metaphorically, the
Amongst the multitude of festivals celebrated in India, fire is meant to in Spain.
Holi stands out because of its use of gulal (colored signify the
powder). On the day of Holi, people irrespective of age destruction of evil and bring good luck. The following
and religion mingle together and play with colors. The morning is the actual fun day, when friends and family
festival's preamble begins on the night of the full moon paint each other with colors.
As a teenager back in India, I would count

down in excitement the days to Holi. The joy
of preparing for the colorful revelry with
friends and family is unmatchable. Early in
the morning I would get dressed in white,
arming myself with water guns and shades
of brightly colored powder. My all-time
favorite colors were shades of red, orange,
and green; I often avoided blues and violets.
Yippee! On the arrival of my friends, we
would hit the streets with fistfuls of gulal,
running, shouting, giggling and splashing
colors at each other. Initially everybody tries
to save her or himself from the splashes, but
later gives in and just enjoys. More or less, it
is a war of colors, and the only
rule to follow is to have fun. One
need not be walking on eggs in
the midst of the merriment,
since these are watercolors
which are washed away easily.
To make it more interesting for
the elders, a special mild
alcoholic drink called bhang is
served during the merrymaking.
I remember once I was suffering

from the measles, and couldn’t

join my friends in the celebration. I still enjoyed Holi celebrating it, the bottom line is the spirit of festivity,
as an onlooker, sitting on my fourth-floor apartment which we celebrate together.
balcony. I could see the streets filled with people
splashing colors and hear their excited roars. Clouds of Holi is a festival of friendship and harmony; it is a
pink, green, and turquoise powder fill the air and look symbolic shedding of inhibitions and differences. Holi
like an elegant piece of art. Eventually the craziness is going to stay around for a long time, since it provides
slowly starts to fade in the afternoon, and comes to an a refreshing respite from the mundane norm and adds
end by twilight. We return to our homes looking like a color to the monotonous routine of life, just as
colored palette and head to our bathtubs. Later in the Halloween does in the U.S. or Tomatina in Spain. After
evening, the festival ends with a party: eating of all, people all over the world cherish the same dreams
traditional Indian sweets, dancing, and singing and desires, no matter how narrow or broad the
programs add more zest to the already festive mood. boundaries.
It seems Holi existed way back in the 7th century. The By Shilpa Pradeep
details of the celebration described in historical
literature suggest that the essence of the celebration Shilpa Pradeep, from India, believes that the heart of a country is
in its cultural heritage. Gwangju is the heart of Korea; none other
was classier then. The gulal used then was made of
than Gwangju can fit the definition perfectly.
fragrant seasonal flowers, which were said to have
therapeutic properties. Holi has different names in Photos from http://www.abhivyakti-hindi.org/rasoi/images
different regions and new names as well (Basalt Utah, http://openlib.org/home/krichel/courses/lis650p06s/sites/mgokool/gallery.html
http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/attractions/fair&festival/Holi.htm
Doll Purina, etc.); the unique mythological tales that
describe its origin have also evolved over time. No
matter the name of the event or the reasons given for

Pratical Tips
Roadwin
Motorcycling in Korea
A Simple Introduction to Bikes
orea has allowed me to broaden my licences (from your native country) or at the Jeonnam
“K horizons while learning more about the

world and myself” that is most certainly
one of the many reasons why ex-pats
choose to come here. In the four plus years of living in
Driving Certification Department located in Naju.
What’s the difference between a scooter,

a moped, and a motorcycle?
various places throughout Korea, I have owned a
Tons!
motorcycle for the last three. Two-wheeled transportation
has allowed me to visit many places not only in Jeonnam,
Scooters are plentiful in Korea and are practical for many
like the Korea Space Centre south of Goheung, but also
uses such as delivery. They use a completely automatic
Jeju Island and Geoje Island. With spring just around the
transmission and have a variety of engine sizes, 50cc,
corner, the riding season will begin soon, and here are
100cc, 125cc, and so on.
some tips to introduce new riders to motorcycling in
Korea.
Mopeds have more of an upright seat and uses gears that
are changed with the left foot, but there is no clutch.
Do I need a licence to buy a motorcycle Engine sizes for mopeds are generally 110cc. Scooters and
in Korea? mopeds are good for in the city driving, but due to the
Yes and no! An American driver’s licence covers all bikes limited petrol-tank space and speed limits are generally
that have up to a 125cc displacement. A special licence is unsafe for travel at elevated speeds.
required for bikes whose engine size is larger than this
number. These can be procured with international drivers Motorcycles around Korea begin at 125cc. They have
Hyosung Comet Hyosung GV 125 and Daelim Magma Hyosung Yamuda

clutches for changing gears, larger and thicker tires, and naked or sport bikes.
more capacity for petrol, allowing for more stability and
comfort at higher speeds. In terms of repairs, domestically made parts are readily
available at motorcycle shops all over the country.
What are the different styles of bikes? Korean-made parts are much cheaper than the North
There are three main styles of bikes at the 125cc level: American counterpart and Korean labour prices are even
cheaper. For example, on my first bike, a Daelim VF 125,
The first is a cruiser style, like a Harley-Davidson, which is the engine blew and repairs were in the neighbourhood of
known for its relatively upright seating position, low seat 150,000 won to replace it, including labour. Another time,
height, and the most comfort when riding with a the rear wheel bearing broke and that cost a mere 80,000
passenger. won. Another example of a repair is the chain, which cost
20,000 won to replace. In terms of standard maintenance,
The second style is naked style. Naked style features an every 1000 km requires a 5,000 won oil change at any
upright seating position and is comparable to riding a repair shop.
horse at a leisurely pace.
For Japanese bikes, the Honda CBR 125 begins at a more
The last style is racing style, also known as “crotch- expensive price. Even with a higher resale value, it may
rocket”. This style features the most forward seating not be worth shelling out the extra money, if one is only
position: the rider’s chest is placed against the petrol tank planning to stay for a year. I once priced a 3-year-old CBR
and legs are tucked tightly against the frame for reduced 125 at 1.5 million won, but Honda’s reliability cannot be
wind resistance. matched as it produces some of the most dependable
machines on the planet.
What are the main brands?
There are two main manufacturers of bikes in Korea, Tell me about insurance and registering
Daelim and Hyosung, both producing highly reliable the bike.
machines. Popular Daelim cruisers include the Magma, Insurance and registering are necessary for riding in
Daystar, and Solution. Daelim also produces the Roadwin, Korea. Most insurance fees are in the 100,000 won range
a dependable 125cc naked bike. Hyosung has begun to and can be bought on-site at a dealership with the help of
produce larger engine size bikes, but remains a strong the storeowner. Registration is done at your city Gu’s
force at the 125cc level. Hyosung produces different Department of Motor Vehicles and is only about 20,000
models of the three styles of bikes, including the GV125 won. It also helps to take along a Korean friend, as there is
cruiser, the Comet naked style (although this is a lot of standing in queues and a lot of information that I
increasingly rare), and the Yamuda racing style series. missed due to my limited Korean speaking ability.
Many Japanese manufacturers sell in Korea as well, but
they mainly focus on the higher engine displacements. Other tips:
Honda, however, manufacturers a sexy little bike, the CBR Be sure to note that it takes a while to learn how to ride a
125. motorcycle if one does not have previous experience. It
took me about a month to get my “training wheels” off my
How much will a bike cost and how first motorcycle and it has been fun ever since. Traffic in
about repairs? Korea is quite hectic, especially from the buses, taxis, and
This is the largest sticking point to buying a bike. 125cc delivery guys who very carefully pay attention to the speed
motorcycles generally have a price range between limit and other traffic laws (a high level of sarcasm here),
500,000 won to a little over 2 million won. Older rides so it helps to practice for a month or two in car parks
may come in under half a million, but their overall before hitting the streets or highways. Also, be sure to
condition may be suspect. On the other hand, a reliable wear adequate protective clothing and, of course, a
three or four year old motorcycle may cost in the 750,000 helmet. Happy and safe riding!
won range. Cruisers are generally cheaper in price than By Jonathan Brenner
Photos by Jonathan Brenner and friend
Honda CBR 125 Daelim Daystar Daelim Solution

Global Insights
The Influence of
Religion
in Sri Lanka
D
uring my four months abroad, I’ve met many a Sri couple of questions are reflections of common thoughts
Lankan from all walks of life. Almost inevitably, I or interests. When we meet strangers, it is natural to
get asked the same questions by everyone I meet. wonder where she or he comes from and what he or she
This barrage of questions is a ritual experienced by thinks of our country. However, the third question in the
most foreigners that travel to Sri Lanka. The usual garden- list is a little bit different from the others. Sri Lankans are
variety questions, in order, are: interested in others’ religions. For Sri Lankans, religion
plays a large part in their lives. Like the world-famous
- Kohen da? (Where are you from?)
Ceylon black tea, religion is an inseparable part of Sri
- Lanka wa komoman da? Hondai da? (How do you find
Lankan life and thought.
Sri Lanka? Is it OK?)
- Buddha game da? (Are you Buddhist?) or, Mona Buddhism has been the dominant religion of Sri Lanka
Argaame da? (What’s your religion?) for over 2000 years. 70% of Sri Lankans identify
Buddhism as their religion; most are very passionate
Beyond these evergreen favourites (not to ask is to be seen
about it. There are two main strands of Buddhism,
as rude) are these queries:
Mahayana and Hinayana. North Asian countries,
- Banda la da? (Are you married? Literally: Are you tied including China, Korea and Japan, are of the Mahayana
up?) ilk; Sri Lanka, along with Cambodia, Laos and Thailand,
- Lankawe Kaima raha da? (Is the Sri Lankan cuisine follows the Hinayana school of Buddhism. It is beyond
tasty?) the scope of this article to explain the theological
differences within Buddhism; I can only make the
For anyone who has spent time in Korea, this barrage of observation that the Buddhist architecture and the dress
personal questions is not anything new. I think foreigners styles of monks I have seen in Sri Lanka are very different
who come to Korea are frequently asked similar questions. from what we see in Korea. In Korea, temples are usually
A few years ago, during my English conversation class, the located on mountainsides and not in populated areas.
teacher told us, half in jest, that he would answer any Here, when I walk along any given street, I get to see
question except “Do you like Korea?” Usually the first many temples and numerous monks going about their
business. All the national holidays are also related to
Buddhism. Rather conveniently for office workers and
school children, all crucial events of the Buddha’s life
occurred on full moon days. Therefore, in Sri Lanka all
full moon days are national holidays. Furthermore, the
Sri Lankan educational system is segmented according to
religious lines; students can choose their school
according to their religion. A student in a Buddhist school
learns Buddhism as her or his compulsory religious
subject; a Christian student learns Christianity and a
Hindu student Hinduism.
“Religion is a big influence in

all spheres of Sri Lankan life.”
The temple of the tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Other than Buddhism, there are three other main religions Trivia Questions
in Sri Lanka. This multiplicity of religions reflects the
range of influences that shaped this island nation located
at the crossroads of ancient sea routes. These religions are Easy SL: What did Oxford and
Hinduism at 15%, Islam at 7.5% and Christianity at 7.5%. Cambridge do in the 1912
Unfortunately, the Buddhist majority in Sri Lanka, at G: What did Persia Boat Race that only
times of nationalistic fervour, forgets that 21% of the become in 1935? Oxford managed in the
nation is not Buddhist. Over millennia, the Sri Lankan 1925 event?
identity has inextricably tangled into a Sinhalese Buddhist E: Whose greatest hits
one. Not surprisingly, most systems in Sri Lanka have a album sold a record 12
Sinhalese and Buddhist bias. A prime example is the million copies during its Bloody Hard
constitutional requirement that the president of the first three weeks of
country be a Buddhist. Despite this, a number of release in 2000? G: Which European
presidents of other faiths have attained the highest office
country’s 5.61 kilometer
in the land by nominally changing their religion to
H: How is it that anyone seashore is the shortest
Buddhism. More disturbingly, the Buddhist bloc in
with £630 000 invested national coastline in the
parliament enacted a law that forced Protestant Christians
in Germany became a world?
and those of other religions to sign a document to the
millionaire on New Year’s
effect that they would not preach to or attempt to convert
Day 2002? E: Who returned a trio in
Buddhists. These very unreasonable acts have been carried
2003 after losing their
out under the rationale that Sri Lanka is a Buddhist
AL: Which US art guitarist Graham Coxon?
country.
nouveau glass designer
Sri Lanka has traditionally viewed itself as a monocultural with breakfast H: Who referred to
nation of ethnic Sinhalese. Nowadays, although Sinhalese connections had the Redwood, Portillo and
are the majority at 74% of the population, Tamils at 18%, middle name Comfort? Lilley as bastards?
and Muslims at 7.5% are significant minorities. Although
both the languages of Sinhala and Tamil (both Muslims SN: What animal appears AL: Who is the Goddess
and Tamils regard Tamil as their main language) are given on a Ferrari badge? of the dead in Norse
parity in the constitution, Tamil is not usually used in mythology?
official institutions such as police stations and courts in SL: Which racecourse
the Sinhalese-dominated south of the country. Tamil boasts Tattenham SN: What invention made
people are reluctant to learn Sinhala, placing them at a Corner? Swedish scientist Alfred
disadvantage. Since the mid-1970s, some Tamil parties, Nobel rich?
including the feared Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
(Eelam means precious land), have started fighting for an Not-so-easy SL: Which driver wasn’t
independent Tamil country. To achieve their aim of self- quick enough to get away
governance, the LTTE assassinates high-ranking G: Which Caribbean from thugs who attacked
government officials, attacks military and civilian islands share their name him in the garden of his
installations and explodes bombs. This civil war has with a South American Jersey home in 2003?
religion as one of its roots. Originating from the region of alligator?
South India, Tamils are Hindu or Christian in faith. To me,
the main reason Tamils are fighting for an independent E: Who did his very best
homeland is the ethnic and religious disadvantages they to sing Rat Pack songs on Source:
face in a land controlled by Sinhalese Buddhists. Of
his Swing When You’re http://www.funtrivia.com,
course, I know this war is a result of myriad reasons not
Winning album? http://www.puzz.com
easily distilled into a convenient cause-and-effect formula.
Nevertheless, I feel it will be difficult to solve the LTTE
H: Who were the Categories
problem without according the minority peoples the
aristocratic knights of G: Geography
respect and understanding they deserve. Winds of change E: Entertainment
12th century Japan?
to extinguish the fires of civil war must, without a doubt, H: History
flow from the Sinhalese Buddhist hinterland. AL: Arts and Literature
AL: What does ALA stand
SN: Science and Nature
In conclusion, religion is a big influence in all spheres of for in a lonely-hearts
SL: Sports and Leisure
Sri Lankan life. An illustration is the recent conversation I advertisement?
had with a close Sri Lankan friend. She was utterly amazed
By Amber Kininmont
to hear that about 40% of Koreans do not have any SN: What is the Afrikaans
religion. Sounding slightly shocked, she exclaimed that she word for an earth pig? The answers are on page 44
couldn’t imagine a life without religion.
By Mun Seongjin

Global Insights
The Two
Schools of
Buddhism
uddhism is the religion of approximately 500
Mahayana Priest in China

B million people the fifth largest religion in
the world by number of adherents. Founded
in 5th century BC, it is also one of the oldest
organized religions in the world. There are two major
schools of Buddhism today:
The Theravada or Hinayana School; found mainly in

Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and
parts of Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Bangladesh;
The Mahayana School including Vajrayana sub school;

practiced predominantly in China, Vietnam, Korea,
Japan, Singapore and parts of Russia; the Vajrayana
Bodhisattwa Carvings in China school is found in Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan and parts
of Nepal, India, China and Russia.
All these traditions have certain theological aspects in

common at the core. Gauthama Buddha is the fount of
all teachings. The Four Noble Truths1 and the Noble
Eightfold Path 2 are adopted as the linchpins of all
Buddhist dogma. Sangha (professional clergy) and
laity can and should pursue enlightenment as the
ultimate life goal. Three types of Buddha are accepted
and becoming a Buddha is considered the highest
achievement of any being.
The original teachings of Buddha were preserved in the

oral form and were not codified until several centuries
after his demise. In the next few centuries, as
Buddhism grew in popularity and influence, the
original unity began to fragment. Disturbed by the
prolific growth of Buddhist heresies, a council of
Buddhist monks was convened at the Maryann capital
of Patna during the third century BC to purify the
doctrine. On certain canonical points opinion was
divided into two camps among the influential monks.
After debates between a more liberal group and
traditionalists, the liberal group left the orthodox body
to form a splinter group. This group would eventually
evolve into the Mahayana. From this point onwards,
Theravada Buddhism underwent little if any change.
Buddhist Stature Mahayana in China
Theravada Buddhism is considered by its adherents as
1) The nature, the origin, the desire to end and the method to end suffering.
2) Right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right
20 Gwangju News March 2007 effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.
the original form of Buddhism. It is the oldest
surviving Buddhist school, and for many centuries has
been the main religion of Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos,
Myanmar and Thailand. It is also found in Bangladesh,
southwestern China, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is
estimated that around 100 million people consider
themselves Theravada Buddhists.
The basic doctrines of Theravada Buddhism remain

faithful to the literal teachings of Buddha. It is based
on the Four Noble Truths, the idea that all of physical
reality is caused by the relentless cycle of birth and
rebirth, and an individual can eventually attain
Nirvana. It is possible to attain Nibbana, the freedom
from desire and pain, in a single lifetime through
zealous practice of the Eightfold Noble Path and the
Four Cardinal Virtues3. The process may take multiple
lifetimes also, with the individual reaching higher and
higher states of awareness.
Theravada is based on the concept of Vibhajjavada

(Pali), literally "Teaching of Analysis." The insight is
expected to come from personal experience, analysis
and critical thinking rather than blind faith. Morality is
a personal construct created by both the advice of the
wise the living or in texts and personal evaluation.
Theravada Priest in Myanmar
Theravada Buddhism is primarily focused on
meditation and concentration. Therefore an emphasis
is placed on monastic life based upon meditation,
removed from the temptations of society. This heavily
individualistic and philosophical orientation has made
Theravada Buddhism an esoteric religion, out of reach
of many segments of society. Traditionally, Theravada
Buddhism has observed a distinction between the
practices suitable for a lay person and the practices
undertaken by the ordained. The possibility of non
clergy achieving Nirvana occupies a position of less
prominence than in the Mahayana tradition.
Mahayana, "Greater Vehicle", arose as a backlash

against the rigidity and perceived exclusiveness of the
Theravada school. Mahayan doctrines represent a
significant departure from the esoteric philosophical
roots of Theravada. The aim of the Mahayana
reformation was to extend Buddhism to the greatest
possible number of people rather than concentrating it
in the hands of a few. The primary tool in creating a
more consumer friendly Buddhism was the concept of
graduated Buddhahood, accessible to all according to
individual need and ability. While the actualizing
Buddha sharing wisdom with the world is at the
apex, pratyeka-buddha one who has realized the
truth and does not care to preach is the second best
outcome. Below the pratyeka-buddha is the arhant, or
Theravada Temple in Myanmar
"worthy," who has obtained the truth from a Buddha.
3) Refrain from physical violence, inebriation, theft and fornication.

Korean Mahayana Temple Thai Theravada Temple
Mahayana Buddhism establishes the arhant as the China and Japan are significantly different from each
goal for all believers. Since becoming an arahat is other, much like their cultural practices.
possible by anyone, Mahayana is attractive for people Mahayanists disagree with this, claiming that the
that do not have the ability or inclination to become a Buddhist has a duty to all beings to help them achieve
Buddha. Mahayana introduces the concept of a enlightenment – and this idea is summed up in the
Buddha in waiting, a bodhisattva. This is a being that Bodhisattva doctrine. A bodhisattva, which can be
relinquishes the chance complete Nirvana and break translated as “Buddha-to-be”, is a being that forgoes
the reincarnation cycle to continue teaching complete Nirvana to be reincarnated again and
Buddhism. This supremely unselfish act is committed continue teaching Buddhism in the hopes that
to ensure every sentient being will be liberated. someday every sentient being will be liberated from the
Bodhisattvas take vows not to become Buddhas until cycle of samsara. Bodhisattvas take vows in which
all are liberated. All Mahayana Buddhists are they declare they will eventually become Buddhas, but
encouraged to make these vows. not until all are liberated. All are encouraged to make
these vows in the Mahayana tradition.
The Mahayana tradition completed the conversion of
Buddhism from a philosophy to religion. According to Significant disparities exist between these two
Therevada Buddhism, Buddha was a historical person principal schools of modern Buddhism. A critical
who, on his death, ceased to exist. Mahayana school disagreement is the role of the Buddhist practitioner.
goes beyond the traditional nontheist Theravada ideal According to the Theravada tradition, while Buddha
of the release of suffering and personal enlightenment, sets an example by teaching and instructing, the main
to instead elevate the Buddha to a divine being. This goal of Buddhism is to liberate oneself first.
divine Buddha has a pantheon of bodhisattvas, Mahayanists on the other hand claim that the Buddhist
devoted to personal excellence, possessing ultimate has a duty to all beings to help them achieve
knowledge and committed to the salvation of all beings enlightenment as epitomized by the Bodhisattva
including humanity. Similar to Jesus, the Buddha has doctrine.
transcended the chasm between the temporal and the
divine, while the bodhisattvas have become the The Mahayana school’s emphasis on inclusiveness runs
universal ideal of excellence. counter to the Theravada accent on doctrinal
preservation. The adaptability and local responsiveness
While Theravada is based on canonical texts that have of the Mahayana school has allowed it to spread far
seen little change in 2000 years, Mahayana is and wide; it has altered itself to complement
characterized by the adoption of new sutras, in modernity. The staunch resistance to winds of change
addition to the traditional Pali canon, and a shift in the by the Theravada school allowed it to remain an
understanding of Buddhism. Mahayana has adopted uncompromised bastion of original Buddhist thought,
many local cultural traditions into its North Indian battered by, yet having weathered well, two millennia’s
roots and has thereby become extremely responsive to worth of transformation.
local spiritual requirements. There exists significant
differences between their cultural practices but the By Harsha Goonewardana
differences in religion among Theravada Burmese, Harsha is a n ESL instructor at the Chung Dahm Institute,
Thai, Cambodian and Sri Lankan Buddhists are Gwangju, in Sangmu.
minute. The Buddhist religious practices of Korea, harsha.g1@gmail.com

The Looking Glass
W
e take for granted so many aspects of our He kept the looking glass in his drawer, and every
daily lives: the telephone that instantly morning the young man secretly looked into it. One
connects us to someone miles away; the morning his wife observed his ritual, and when he left
small piece of plastic that lets us make large for work she opened the drawer and found the object of
purchases; the machine that lets us write and send his devotion. She looked into the glass and was very
letters without pens, paper or stamps. Our lives are so shocked when she saw the image of a beautiful young
full of technological innovations that we don’t even woman. Thinking that it must be the mistress of her
recognise them as special. Things that were beyond husband, the wife immediately went to her mother-in-
comprehension for our grandparents are easy for us. law to complain. The mother-in-law wouldn’t believe it,
This Korean folktale about a simple mirror reflects how so the woman showed her the glass. What she saw was
new conveniences can be rendered useless by the not an attractive mistress but an old woman. The two
forces of ignorance and superstition. started to argue loudly about their differences of
opinion. The father-in-law heard the noise, went into
A long time ago, a young scholar went to Seoul to take the room and heard the whole story. After he looked
a very important test. While in the big city, he went to into the glass, he couldn’t understand the problem; he
the market to look for new and interesting things. In saw an old, grey-haired man. A closer look convinced
one store he discovered a small, shiny object; when he him that his father had come back from the dead and
looked into it, he saw a young man’s face. First he was so he fell down on his knees and started praying. This
surprised that a person could live in such a small thing, strange behaviour surprised the women. The young
but then he recognized the face as his own. Up until woman took the looking glass back and saw again the
then, he had only seen his face reflected in bowls of beautiful woman inside. She was surprised to see the
water he never knew about anything like this little woman in the glass aping her own movements and
looking glass. After he bought it and went back home to facial expressions. She started making funny faces, only
his village, he thought that it would be better to hide it. to see the other woman mimicking her exactly. The
young wife got very angry and threw the glass down,
breaking it into pieces. The wife could see the broken
image of the other woman in all the pieces, and she felt
happy to see such a surprised face.
Nowadays a mirror is not a miracle for us. Only a

young child can know the feeling of wonder at seeing
one’s face for the first time. A mirror reflects only our
outermost layer; maybe we should sometimes close our
eyes and try to see our true inner selves, remembering
that modern innovations can’t improve the lives of
those who lack the wisdom and reason to use them
properly.
Note: You can find a version of this story, translated by Dr. Jason Namsik, here:
http://users.adelphia.net/~stankorea/looking_glass.htm
By Sandra Wyrwal
Sandra is from Freiberg, Germany and completed her M.A.

degree in literature and psychology from the TU Chemnitz,
Germany, in 2003. In Korea since 2004, she is a German
language and literature lecturer at the Chonbuk National
University in Jeonju. Email: sawy@chonbuk.ac.kr

World Through the Eyes of a Teenager
Country of Courtesy Lost
L
ast month, an unfortunate incident in Korea accident did in Korea. Fifty to sixty years ago, Korea was at
revealed the dark side of the country. The tragedy the end of the Korean War, when the colossal clash
was an alleged arson in an immigration office between two main ideologies caused tremendous damage;
caused by an inmate who was scared to be barely any buildings stood tall and people lost their means
deported. There were eight Chinese and one Uzbek of living. As one of the endeavors to overcome the poverty,
casualties from the fire and many were sent to the the government sent groups of people to Germany to work
hospital. People criticized that the countermeasure was as miners and nurses in areas where Germany was
not adequately prompt, and that the facilities were suffering severe shortages of manpower. Their sacrifice
fundamentally poor and exposed to the danger of fire. I was one of the main sources of foreign exchange at that
think this incident deserves serious attention in relation time. A story has been handed down that the president of
to the reported cases of unfair treatment of foreign Korea shed bitter tears when he visited the workers and
workers. It is high time to bring witnessed their heavy labor and
up a problem that has been anguish, and pledged himself to
controversial for a long time make Korea rich enough not to
worldwide Human Rights. have them work separated from
their families and suffer disdain
Korea has long been called “The in a foreign country. We owe
Country of Courteous People in those patriots for our present
the East.” Folktales describe a standard of living.
custom of well-treated guests.
Poor families are often Now it seems we have
portrayed as sacrificing what completely forgotten the past.
little they have in order to Those immigrants are in a way
provide breakfast to a guest our past. Their illegal staying
scholar on a long journey. Deadly fire at the immigration office in Yeosu here excuses no inhuman
These were our ancestors’ treatment.
long kept virtues based on the W e m u s t t r y t o r e g a i n o u r
spirit of humanity. Nowadays, reputation as “The Country of Korea is now economically
the financial development of Courteous People in the East.” among the world’s top ten
Korea is visibly stunning, but countries. Many countries in
the capitalistic system has had a strong influence and the Asia look to Korea as the role model for success. They look
old values are being diminished. Money seems to create a at us with admiration for the development achieved in
new hierarchy, and those who do not belong to the such a short time and even producing a Korean United
“mainstream” are easily discriminated. Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon. He recently
visited Africa and suggested that they benchmark a
This is especially true for foreign workers from less campaign called “Saemaeul Movement”. This was a
developed countries, where cases of unfair treatment are movement in Korea that was conducted to expel poverty.
increasing despite rules and regulations against The people of Africa were said to be very positive toward
discrimination. Reports say that more than 30 people are the idea. It is an honor that other countries try to follow
kept in a detention room that was designed to our economic example; however, it would be only
accommodate only 10. These people are guests to our superficial unless we set a good example of generosity and
country in some sense, and our ancestors did not treat openness. We must try to regain our reputation as “The
guests in this way even when they were starving. These Country of Courteous People in the East.”
intolerable actions would not be conducted if people
regarded everyone as equals and as having the same
By Choi YoungHoon
human rights. This phenomenon is embarrassing the
The writer, YoungHoon, is a second grader at
country in front of the whole world and injuring Korea’s Salesio High School and has won many prizes in
reputation as a developed country. English competitions.
Korea was recently elevated in the “developed country”

group and we owe this to our predecessors who worked
hard in foreign countries just as the victims of the recent

Between Cultures
Great Expectations
or Killer Stress?
negative results. When parents expect too much,
students find that a source of stress. I know because
I’m a victim. My mother’s chants of “More!” and
“That’s not good enough for the rest of the world!”
caused me to sometimes set standards that I couldn’t
possibly achieve. For example, this year I enrolled in
AP Physics because my mother claimed that the
average Korean students take classes that are harder.
Although I tried to meet her standards, I failed. I
dropped out after only taking a quarter of the class.
This failure caused me a great deal of remorse and
stress, because I had not achieved the minimum set by
my mother. I know that I’m not the only person who
suffers from these feelings. My brother does not always
try his best because he knows that our mother will tell
him that he’s not good enough either way. Other
Korean students complain that their parents enroll
Even yesterday when I was practicing violin I them into one academy after another, causing them
asked myself, “If my mother heard how I played anxiety and, in the worst cases, suicide. Parents that
would she clap in approval or sigh in
expect too much from their children end up giving
disappointment?”
them grief with massive amounts of stress and a blow
to their self-confidence.
he effects of parental expectations on a person
T come in many varieties. More importantly, they

shape the background of a person’s life. The
expectations of parents can cause both positive
and negative effects. In my own personal experience, it
Witnessing and experiencing the effects of parental
expectations allows me to conclude that it contributes
to both good and bad results. They enable students to
set higher goals for themselves and to always achieve
helped me to set higher goals, but was also a source of the best. However, they can also cause the student too
stress. much pressure and overload which sometimes lead to
suicide.
When I was growing up, I was constantly pestered to By Lim Donghyun
Donghyun is 17 years old and was born in Seoul. He moved to
be the highest and the best. It was always expected. Colorado Springs, Colorado in the United States when he was
After a while, my mind actually set into only achieving three years old and moved back to Korea in March 2006.
the best possible outcome. In fact, I notice this when I Currently, he is enrolled as a student at Kwangju Foreign School
set goals for myself. My parents’ expectations pushed in his Junior (11th grade) year.
me to be perfect, meaning no mistakes at all. This
resulted in me becoming a perfectionist. Throughout
my elementary and middle school years, all my friends
and teachers called me Mr. Perfectionist. My parents’
standards became my standards, so to me nothing was
ever good enough. My locker had to be clean and
straightened. Clothes had to always be washed.
Homework had to have no errors. Even yesterday when
I was practicing the violin, I asked myself, “If my
mother heard how I played, would she clap in approval
or sigh in disappointment?”
The expectations of parents, however, can also cause

Home Pages
K o r ea worker was videotaped changing the bandages on an open
wound, then going on to treat another patient, again without
an interim hand wash. Canadians may be well advised to
American George Drake, 76, was start wearing the germ-barring mouth and nose masks
recently given the title of “Honorary commonly sported by Koreans. By Rebecca Fairless
Gwangju Citizen” for his fifty years of dedication to the cause
of Korean War orphans. In 1952, while serving in Korea as an
American Army reconnaissance solider, he witnessed the A u st r a l ia
agony of children who lost their parents. Drake raised
financial aid by soliciting donations from his fellow soldiers Ten Year Old Runaway
and single-handedly sending thousands of letters to social A 10-year-old Perth boy has been charged after leading WA
service organizations and friends. Through his hard work he police on a 75km-long chase at speeds of up to 170km/h in a
raised more than $2 million and thousands of tons of aid stolen car with passengers aged eight and nine. Police said
goods, which provided support to more than 400 orphanages today it was lucky no one was hurt as the boy and his three
and 54,000 children. In recent years, Drake has maintained a passengers led officers on a high-speed chase along dark
website dedicated to Korean War orphans. It includes more country roads. "The car did not stop when requested," police
than 1500 photos illustrating the misery of the war and said. "The occupants of the car were eventually taken into
keeping alive the memory of those children orphaned by it. custody when the car ran out of petrol."
On August 14, 2006, Drake held an exhibition at the Gwangju
City Hall entitled “GIs and the Kids: A Love Story”. George Father of “Freddo” Dies
Drake’s humanitarianism and philanthropy in the service of A Freddo Frog flag will be draped over the coffin of the man
war orphans make him deservedly an “Honorary Gwangju who invented the Australian chocolate icon more than 70
Citizen”. Read more about Korean War orphans and view years ago. Harry Melbourne, who thought up the idea of the
photographs at www.koreanchildren.org. By 8 ball chocolate frog named Freddo when he was an 18-year-old,
has died aged 94. He was working for confectionary maker
MacRobertson Chocolates in 1930 when he told his boss a
C an ada frog shaped chocolate would be a better seller than one that
looked like a mouse. Harry Melbourne junior said he, too,
Just to prove that nobody can down a Keith’s was a fan of his father's invention and they always had
like a Nova Scotian, about 3000 Haligonians Freddos at home. "We always had lollies, we always had
took to downtown streets last February ninth chocolates and it was amazing, we were never short of them,''
for an event optimistically christened the Harry Melbourne jnr told the Ten Network. Daughter Leone
“World’s Largest Pub Crawl”. The event was remembers being popular at school because they were never
orchestrated in the hopes of beating out a pub short of chocolate frogs.
crawl record set last June by 2237
Queenslanders in the city of Maryborough, Despite inventing the Freddo Frog, Mr. Melbourne never
Australia. The record-challenging strategy involved earned a cent from it. "They sell 98 million Freddo Frogs a
participants breaking into nineteen small groups and year in Australia alone,'' he said some time before he died.
attacking five bars each over an eight-hour period, twenty-six “Even with a cent a frog I would have been a multi-
bars in total. Each crawler paid $20 for the privilege of millionaire, but that's not the point. Freddo was created out
drinking her or his way into the Guinness Book of World of love for the firm... we were just one big happy family at
Records. According to the official website MacRobertson's."
(www.worldslargestpubcrawl.com), the crawl will “bring a
Guinness World Record that Halifax deserves to call its own”. Tougher English Language Requirements
Australian universities will toughen up English language
Canadian ex-pats who like to complain about the general lack requirements for foreign graduates after a report showed
of cleanliness in Korea may want to consider some recent poor language skills among many overseas students. The
revelations concerning conditions back home. Over a quarter report by Melbourne's Monash University found more than a
million Canadians each year contract an infection during third of overseas students were completing degrees with
hospital stay, with 8000 of those succumbing fatally. An English so poor they should not have been admitted in the
investigation by CBC News: Marketplace uncovered one first place. Report author Professor Bob Birrell, director of
unsavory reason behind this statistic: lack of simple hand the Centre for Population and Urban Research, said the
washing by doctors. Hidden cameras caught one physician at Government required those coming directly to Australia to
a Vancouver hospital visiting a pneumonia patient, then pass an English test. But a third were entering universities
moving on to the room of another highly contagious patient without having passed that test.
without washing his hands, despite the ready availability of
sinks and hand sanitizers. In a Toronto hospital, a health-care "The Government is assuming that the various pathway
programs they do once they get there will bring their English
up to standard. But these results indicate that is not the case,"
he said. Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) T h e P h i lippines
president Professor Gerard Sutton said a toughened language
requirement, jointly developed with the immigration
Coping with the Chill
department, will come into effect in July next year.
It seems unusual for a tropical country to experience this, but
it has become usual in this part of the country.
Tony Pollock, who administers the International English
Language Testing System (IELTS) in Australia, said the onus
ATOK, BENGUET— Temperatures in Baguio and its environs
should fall on universities to ensure students have adequate
dropped to between 9 and 10 degrees Celsius. The 2,900-
English ability to study and meet employer requirements.
meter high Mt. Pulag, Luzon’s highest mountain and the
"Language competency and communications skills should be
second highest peak in the country, looms over the farmlands
embedded in the curriculum and should be tested and
of this town, where vegetable farms were covered by frost in
examined in exactly the same way as the content of the
February. Reports of the frost damage on cabbage, potatoes,
professional and general disciplines," he said.
carrots, radish, green peas and cut flowers grown in Atok,
Compiled by Gayl Kim
Original articles from Australian Associated Press Buguias, Kibungan and Mankayan towns had alarmed Metro
Manila consumers because most of the vegetable supply in the
metropolis comes from Benguet and parts of Cordillera.
P a kista n
Although andap (local term for frost) has been a bane to the
The year 2007 has been dedicated local industry, it has been a frequent condition of farms here.
to tourism in Pakistan, with a fair The farmers have learned to deal with the cold and the frost
deal of enthusiasm generated in that visit the town, where the highest point of Luzon’s
both government and private highway system can be found at 2,255 meters (7,400 feet)
quarters. The problems that have above sea level. Farmers cope by washing away the ice with
beset the tourism industry in the water before sunrise, but water in the town is scarce and
past remain, by and large, and hectares of ready-to-harvest vegetables would still be
have even been compounded by damaged.
the “war on terror” that has played havoc with Pakistan’s
perception overseas as a tourist-friendly destination. We have Experts at the Benguet State University in La Trinidad town
always been, and will always remain, a hospitable people, say a well-timed planting strategy combined with the
with warmth in our hearts and sincerity in our embrace. The adoption of plant varieties resistant to frost appears to be the
potential tourist needs to hear this loud and clear before he or most practical means of avoiding frost damage on vegetables.
she will venture forth to experience it in person. Experts enumerate several measures that farmers could adopt
against frost: the use of plant varieties resistant to frost, use of
While dollar paying international tourism remains a potassium fertilizer and developing the habit of irrigating the
cherished desire, a welcome priority is now being accorded to farms in the afternoon. Farmers could also plant “low growing
the mobilisation of domestic tourism. Billed as “Destination vegetables” or those plants of which stems and leaves remain
Pakistan 2007”, it was drawn up by the Ministry of Tourism close to the ground soil when they mature. There is much heat
and launched with a cultural show in Islamabad in the middle in the soil and the plant’s rosette habit, or growing low, could
of December. The Lahore Marathon followed it up in trap much of the heat that would discourage frost formation.
January. The Sibi Mela is in the first week of February, and Farmers are encouraged to use fertilizers rich in potassium,
the Thar Desert Festival is scheduled between the 16th and like chicken dung, as means to combat frost. Weather
18th of February, with a marathon race and cultural forecasting and the use of greenhouses could also mitigate
programme at the Omarkot Fort. March events include the vegetable damages during the cold months from December to
third Cholistan Jeep Rally, a Spring Blossom festival in the February. Compiled by Analyn Camahalan Park
Northern Areas, Mehrgarh Conference in Quetta, and Original article from Money Magazine
Gandhara Week in Taxila. By Aamir Malik
Speak Out:
We are planning to discontinue the Home Pages as of April for these reasons:
- perceived lack of interest
- gaping holes in the countries represented due to the lack of regular writers
- the fact that we must get our news sources and photos second hand, which leads to copyright issues
If you have an opinion for or against this decision, please email us with an attached photo of yourself for
publish in next month’s magazine.
Thank you for your interest! Kammy Benham, Editor

GIC Cultural Tour Review
Mt. Muju Resort Day Trip

- The “Watchers” Experience
old to be there.) Once we received a #3 stamp on our
wrists we were now confirmed as “Insiders”. The
sledding was great, we were having fun and after a
couple of runs, we decided to return to the bus for
lunch. Our enthusiasm quickly dissipated once we were
back in the land of the skiers and boarders. We were
once again “Outsiders”. While three of us headed back
for more sledding after lunch, Singsing decided she had
enough embarrassment for the day and stayed behind.
We happily marched on to KIDS LAND where we were

“Insiders” and darn proud of it. Later, after a few good
runs down the sled hill, we started back to the bus
feeling as happy as little children do. It felt good to
become an “Insider” once more; that is until we ran
into some skiers who were on the trip with us. They
asked us how we enjoyed our skiing and when we told
them that we had been sledding, with lifted eyebrows
and condescending tones, voices dripping with
sincerity, the Skiers exclaimed, “Gee Golly, I bet that
was fun.” Licking our wounds, we continued on to the
bus. As we passed more “Skiers” we held our heads
high; we were ‘Insiders” from KIDS LAND and had the
# 3 stamp on our wrists to prove it.
The bus left for Gwangju a little behind schedule, but
T
that was because we were waiting on a couple of
here were two groups of people on this
“Skiers”. The trip back was quite nice, the seats were
wonderful day trip to Mt. Muju Resort: the
very comfortable and after an exhausting day of
“Skiers” and the “”Watchers”. Very simply the
watching, being “Outsiders”, and sledding, we slept all
“Watchers” watched while the “Skiers”, well,
the way home. Overall, we had a great time!
skied.
By Audry Hawkins
After arriving at Mt. Muju Resort, the “Skiers”

prepared themselves for fun in the snow. The
Editor's note: Like me, you may have been thinking about attending a
“Watchers”, aka Singsing, Amin, Minsu and Audry, GIC trip but have felt like you wouldn't be able to participate in some
decided to walk around and survey the lay of the land. part of the planned activities. Despite the ups and downs, this story
It wasn’t long afterwards that we began to feel more proves that you don't have to participate in every aspect of the trip to
have fun. Now I am kicking myself for not going to Muju with the GIC.
like “Outsiders” than “Watchers”. It seemed that
everyone had skis or snowboards with them as they
waited in the queues for their run down the slopes and
we were simply out of place and in the way.
Determined to fit in, we decided to go sledding. We
were informed that sledding was at KIDS LAND so to
KIDS LAND we headed.
It was quite a trek to KIDS LAND, which ended in a

hike up 10 million steps, but we finally made it. (I Sledding stamp
guess if you couldn’t make it to the top, you were too

Concert Review
Faded @ Speakeasy
hen I received an email from Dave promising a
W chance to see “The Best Band in All of Korea”

and a free beer for the price of a Big Mac
Combo, I suspected a case of not so subtle
hyperbole. Since moving to Gwangju, quality
entertainment of the rock-n-roll kind had been rare as
hen’s teeth; I decided to give Dave the benefit of the
doubt.
For once in the sordid history of viral marketing, Faded
lived up the hype. As soon as the lights went down at
Speakeasy and the band finished its homage to itself, the
party started and never really let up.
From the opener to the closing bell, it was as if the band
memebers were weaned on Spinal Tap videos: Faded
pulled out every rock cliché in the book (well, except for
the dry ice and exploding drummer). Many attempt. Most
fail. Faded succeeded, with panache. Lead singer Steve
“Slade” Butler was the band's stairway to garage-rock then further. Covers of Led Zeppelin, Guns N Roses,
heaven, while Shaun “Traindog” Trainer on lead guitar Metallica and Rage Against the Machine fuelled the
and bass guitarist Geoff Nostrant shell shocked the crowd’s expectation and intensity. After building to a
crowd with their hairy guitar work. It all went down to the climax with dark, brooding rock-n-roll, the band stunned
thunderous backbeat of Brian Thompson on drums. the crowd by breaking into Green Day’s punk-yet-pop
sounding “When I Come Around."
I expected refugees from Rock Star Supernova; I got a
very polished and charismatic foursome that knew the Like a pair of worn jeans, the original songs by Faded were
music and respected the artists. Even Green Day songs comfortable, solid and familiar. Any shortcomings in
received the Faded treatment, sounding less like the usual originality were more than made up for by the band’s
Vodka and orange juice and more like Jack Daniels enthusiasm and stage presence.
straight. I am a believer.
A good night was had by all. It was the best live band to
The covers were fabulous: “Enter Sandman” threatened to visit Gwangju for certain. Rating 4.5/5
raise the roof and had the proprietors of the venue By Harsha Goonewardana
anxiously looking to the heavens. Music came in great Harsha is a n ESL instructor at the Chung Dahm Institute,
Gwangju, in Sangmu.
waves, each burst pushing the musical tension further and
harsha.g1@gmail.com
CD Review:
Come True, by Faded
Faded sounds much like rock bands of the late 90’s onward, namely Creed and
Powderfinger. Come True is laden with arena rock “guitarisms” such as snaky
guitar riffs, harmonic verse line fills, and a flurry of solos. The album opens nicely
with the title track, “Come True” and eventually reveals other strong numbers such
as "Sleepless Nights" and “The Path Unclear,” a tune that will have riff junkies
buzzing. However more unclear, is the inclusion of the bridge overdub of a few
guys drinking beer and talking soccer, as it also stands alone as the next track
"Grandpa's Cough Medicine". The album comes to a serene conclusion with the
“campfire-ish” Slade cover “Old Mr. Jones.” Overall, this is a promising first
release by Faded. With vocal and lyrical exploration, the second album could be a blast. The musicians are
talented, and it’s an energetic listen for those away from home craving some good old "home" grown rock.
Rating 3.5/5
By Mark Brown
Mark Brown is an ESL instructor at Chung Dahm Institute, Buk Gwangju

Mr. Cinephile is a monthly column that recommends movies and TV shows
that are widely accessible on the internet. Mr. Cinephile is an independent
third party and his opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the
Gwangju News. Mr. Cinephile loves zombie movies, gangster movies,
horrors, and westerns and thinks Scorsese is a genius.
This Month’s Movie

Wolf Creek (2005), The Descent (2005);
Recent remakes of horror classics
Availability: Both Wolf Creek and The Descent have
been released on DVD—you can easily find them on the
net.
Finding a great horror film is like finding a great beer.

In order to find one that is really fantastic you have to
try a lot of crap in the process. On the other hand, if
you love horror films, or beer, then the search is
worthwhile.
There is no arguing that The Changeling (1980), The

Exorcist (1973) and The Shining (1980) rest
comfortably at the pinnacle of the horror genre. But is
it really necessary to remake them? Hollywood’s recent
trend of schlocky remakes suggests that—to some, at
least—the answer is yes.
2004 saw the remake of George Romero’s 1978 zombie

classic Dawn of the Dead. Thanks to runaway hits like
28 Days Later (2002) and Shaun of the Dead (2004),
the lifeless zombie genre was reinvigorated along with
Romero's career. The end product is exciting and
definitely worth watching.
Another 70's horror classic that has been remade

recently is Tobe Hooper's 1974 scream-fest The Texas
Chainsaw Massacre. The 1994 attempt to remake this
film with Matthew McConaughey is unwatchably bad.
The 2003 version, however, is gruesomely
entertaining, albeit slick and trendy.
Once the verdict came in that remaking classic 1970's

horrors was lucrative, the floodgates opened and
Hollywood spewed out a ton of them. Sadly, the crop
yielded was uninspired. These remakes are little more
than mildly entertaining thrillers starring B-grade
actors; they are far from respectful interpretations of
filmic milestones. Ryan Reynolds, from television’s
Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place, starred in the
2005 remake of The Amityville Horror. Who is he?
Who cares? It was awful. 2006's remake of The Omen
starred Liev Schreiber (singularly known for his role as
Cotton Weary in the Scream series). He's not exactly
“A” list. The Omen remake was uneventful and

“Once the verdict came in that
remaking classic 1970's horrors was
lucrative, the floodgates opened and
Hollywood spewed out a ton of them.”
pointless as well. Do you remember a little film from
1978 called The Hills Have Eyes? It was one of Wes
Craven’s first films. They remade it in 2006. They
shouldn't have bothered. Even George Romero tried to
ride the wave by immediately producing another
zombie flick, Land of the Dead (2005), starring Dennis
Hopper. It was disappointing.
It seems like a lot of these recent remakes were simply

cranked out in order to introduce a new audience to a
proven success rather than pay homage to a golden
oldie. As was noted, the horror genre is a mixed bag at
best. Two recent horror films that are actually worth
mentioning are Wolf Creek (2005) and The Descent
(2005).
Wolf Creek is a horrific ride into the Australian

outback. The premise is the same tried and true
formula used by so many other horrors; luckily, in this
case it works quite well. A group of naïve kids wander
out of their element and are systematically picked off
This Month’s Television Show
by an evil predator. Three twenty-something Review
backpackers set out on a road trip across the continent.
Car trouble and carnage ensues. What is really scary 30 Rock
about this film is that it is inspired by real murders that Availability: Season 1 has 15 episodes, all available
occurred in Australia. online.
The Descent (2005) is also fairly decent (what a pun!). 30 Rock is the brainchild of former Saturday Night
A group of sexy, adventure-seeking girls go on a Live head writer Tina Fey. Tina plays the starring role
w e e k e n d in a show that is loosely based on her own life. In 30
excursion to Rock Tina’s character, Liz Lemon, is the head writer
explore remote for a sketch comedy program called TGS that is filmed
caves in the New in the giant building 30 Rockefellar Plaza in
E n g l a n d Manhattan. The half hour sitcom chronicles Tina’s
countryside. week-to-week trials and tribulations as she deals with
Inconveniently, her self-centered co-workers, dimwitted boss and
they wind up barely-existent love life. Fey’s years of experience from
trapped miles SNL really show in 30 Rock. The casting is fantastic.
below the surface Long-time SNL vet Tracy Morgan plays the hip yet
of the earth. Then, slightly psychotic star of TGS. Alec Baldwin steals
to make a bad every scene he is in as Tina’s clueless, egomaniacal
situation worse, boss. The writing is smart, fast and at times scathing.
some mutant Years of writing for a late night audience have given
cellar-dweller- Tina’s writing a good mix of social satire with just the
type creatures right amount of potty jokes. It’s great to see a sitcom
begin to stalk and with some edge to it. The show isn’t stupidly offensive
kill them. It won’t like Married with Children, overly sentimental like
change your life, The Partridge Family or lame like Bob Saget. If you
The Hills Have Eyes but it’s a night’s like SNL, you’ll dig this.
entertainment.

Feature
Good bye Gwangju,

“The City of Light”
And now, the end is near, There was nobody on the bus, so I thought that other
And so I face the final curtain. passengers just hadn’t arrived yet. However, when the
My friends, I'll say it clear; bus started to move, I realized that I was the only
I'll state my case of which I'm certain. passenger! I thought, “Is this the right bus? Is the
foundation rich enough to charter the bus for me?” I
– “My Way”, Frank Sinatra laugh when I think about this now. This is just one of
the many funny things that happened to me at the
I still remember the first day I arrived in Incheon beginning of my stay in Korea. I feel like all of this just
International Airport at the end of April 2006. Before happened yesterday. Time moves so fast, and soon I
the airplane landed, the stewardess announced that the will leave Korea.
weather in Incheon would be 3 degrees. I was a little
afraid because, as a person from Southeast Asia, I am The first time I visited Korea was as a participant of the
not used to cold weather. 2002 Gwangju Biennale. That trip was only two weeks:
one week in Gwangju, and another week in Seoul.
There was a long queue at the immigration counter, so During that trip, I had a strange feeling that I would
I waited for almost 45 minutes before they checked my come back to Gwangju again. And as I predicted, in
passport. When I went to the baggage claim area, I 2006, I came here to be the International Intern of the
found only one of my bags. Luckily my bag was in the May 18 Memorial Foundation.
Lost and Found. I bought a telephone card at the
airport because I needed to call the Foundation to tell Working with the May 18 Memorial Foundation and
them that I arrived and inform them of my bus living in Gwangju taught me so much about improving
schedule from Incheon to Gwangju. Unfortunately, I myself as a person. Besides strengthening my
failed to call because I didn’t know how to use the networking with the Asian NGOs and activists, this
phone card. Someone tried to help, but they couldn’t internship taught me so much, including how to be
explain it to me in English. After multiple trials and more independent.
errors, I just went out to the ticket counter and bought Funny story or Life Lesson?
the ticket to Gwangju. I got the 9:50 am bus.
One night last year after having a drink with some

friends downtown, we started to part ways and go Sangmu-jigu. He replied to me, “Sangmu-jigu,
home. Some just walked because their homes were Gwangju?” “Yes,” I said and then I realized that I must
nearby. I and a friend, a visiting professor at Chonnam be very far away from my house. The driver told me
National University (CNU), needed to get a bus home. that I was in Hwasun! I was so surprised. How could I
He got the bus to CNU and I intended to get the bus to have gotten this far from home? In the taxi I stared at
Sangmu-jigu. the meter the whole time to ensure that I would have
enough money to pay. I was nervous
It was close to when the busses stop “In the taxi I stared at for the entire ride. In my mind, if the
running so I only had one chance to the meter the whole time bill went beyond what I had in my
get the last bus. I still had another to ensure that I would pocket, I would just ask the taxi driver
option of using the subway; however, have enough money to to stop and walk back home.
if I used the subway, I would have to pay. I was nervous for
walk 10 minutes from the subway the entire ride. In my I arrived in my neighborhood, but had
station to my home. I don’t know why m i n d , i f t h e b i l l w e n t to pay 20,000 won. If I took a taxi
I was so lazy that night. As we waited beyond what I had in my from downtown to my home even
for the bus, my friend told me that I though it was after midnight, it would
pocket, I would just ask
should cross the road and get my bus just cost around 5,000 to 6,000 won. I
the taxi driver to stop learned my lesson. If I am lazy, I will
on the other side. I was very confident
and told him there was no need for
and walk back home.” pay more for the laziness. I should
me to cross. When my bus came, I have known that though, because in
boarded, paid and had a seat. Then I realized that the Malaysia I am sometimes too lazy to park the car at the
bus didn’t go the way that it usually goes. proper parking lot and it always gets towed. It always
costs a lot to get my car back.
The bus went further and further in the wrong
direction, but I kept thinking that maybe the bus would Even though this may seem like just a funny story,
turn back after the end bus stop. There is a Malay incidents like this change my life. I really don’t want to
proverb which says, “ku sangkakan panas sampai ke be lazy again because I know what will happen.
petang, rupanya hujan di tengah hari” (I thought the
sun would shine till the evening, but it rained in the Final Note: This might be my last article for the
afternoon). When the bus arrived at the last bus stop, I Gwangju News because soon I will go back to my home
was the only passenger left. I made a sad face in hope country. My memories from the May 18 Memorial
that the driver would take pity on me, and asked the Foundation and Gwangju International Center (GIC)
driver whether he would go to Sangmu-jigu or not? He are very valuable to me and have changed me for the
just said “aniyo” and asked me to get out of the bus. better. I hope that all the people in Gwangju, local or
foreign, will enjoy their time in Gwangju. Please
When I got out, the area was very dark and I waited for maintain the beauty and kindness of Gwangju, “The
a taxi around 10 minutes. City of Light.”
By Amin Iskandar
A taxi with another three passengers inside it stopped. Amin Iskandar is an international intern of the May 18 Memorial
The driver asked me to get in because it was late and Foundation. Soon he will finish his internship and will go back to
his home country, Malaysia.
difficult to get a taxi. I told him that I wanted to go to
Photos by Che-ung Park

Sports
JOIN
THE MADNESS
IN GWANGJU
t’s a chance for the small school to come up big. to the Big Dance.
I It’s a chance for the unknown to become a

household name.
The remaining 34 participants receive an at-large bid,
handed out by the NCAA Selection Committee. This
process always serves to create controversy when
schools that feel they deserved an at-large berth have
It’s a chance for David to slay Goliath.
their bubble burst by the Committee on the annual
It doesn’t matter if you’re from the United States, “Selection Sunday”, which falls on March 11 this
Canada, Korea or Zimbabwe; if you like basketball, the season.
NCAA Men’s Division I tournament is special to watch
and always lives up to its nickname – March Madness. After the play-in game, which pits the 64th and 65th
It’s a single elimination event, taking place over a seeded teams, spits out a winner, the four 16-school
three-week period, with 65 teams from 65 American regions are set.
universities vying for the national championship.
Each bracket (South, West, East, Midwest) has teams
It’s student athletes playing their guts out, not for seeded 1-16, with the committee attempting to make all
money, but out of passion for the game. regions comparable. In the first round, the top seed in
each grouping plays the
It’s a time when fans truly #16 seed, the #2 team
become fanatics, rushing plays the #15, the #3 plays
the court after a win and the #14, and so on. The
shedding tears after a loss. winner of each region
earns a spot in the coveted
The fun begins on March 13 Final 4.
and concludes with the title
game on April 2 at the During the 26 years since
Georgia Dome in Atlanta, the tournament went to 64
Georgia. teams, a #16 seed has
never knocked off a #1,
Of the 65 teams that although underdog
participate in March Princeton came close
Madness, 30 earn automatic when it lost to
bids by winning their Georgetown, 50-49, in
respective conference 1989.
tournaments. Since the Ivy
League does not have a A #15 seed has played the
post-season tournament, its roll of giant killer against a
regular season champion #2 four times, including
receives an automatic ticket

traveled to Seattle’s Kingdome with my family
for the Final 4. I watched live as Georgetown
knocked off the University of Houston and
Akeem Abdul Olajuwon for its first and only
championship.
Last year provided perhaps the most painful

memory for me, as my favorite team, Gonzaga, blew
a nine-point lead in the final 3:27 before losing to
eventual runner-up UCLA in the round of 16.
One might think that would cause me to steer clear of

the 2007 tournament, but I just can’t avoid the
potential of what I might see – my teams winning,
hated teams losing, no-names tripping up the big-time
schools. It’s just too much of a good time to avoid.
Part of the fun is getting involved in a “March Madness

Pool” where you make your own picks from the first
round to the final and compete with friends, co-
workers, and even total strangers.
Due to the unpredictability of the tournament, even a

Santa Clara’s 64-61 victory over Arizona in 1993. person who knows little to nothing about college
Canadian Steve Nash, who also has had tremendous basketball can fill out a bracket and beat a sports junky.
success in the NBA, winning the league MVP award the Trust me, I had a girlfriend who knew zilch about
last two seasons while playing for basketball and whipped up on me
the Phoenix Suns, led the Broncos. one year. It was a little
He is a frontrunner again this year.
“The potential embarrassing, but that’s what
March Madness is all about.
Who said they only play hockey in
Canada?
for upsets are I will be creating some type of free
The potential for upsets is what what make the Gwangju “March Madness Pool”
on the internet as soon as
makes the tournament so intriguing
to follow. I can’t remember the last tournament so “Selection Sunday” (which would
be Monday, March 12 here in
time at least one #12 seed didn’t
beat a #5 in the first round. intriguing to Korea) concludes and the brackets
are set. The first round begins on
Last season, George Mason, a #11 follow.” Thursday, March 15, so it only
allows about four days to make
seed, donned Cinderella’s glass your picks. If you want to join in,
slipper all the way to the Final 4. please email me at
jrs1040@yahoo.com anytime before March 12th or
Personally, March Madness is one of my favorite 13th and I will pass along all the info on how to get
sporting events although many of my memories are involved. It could be a good way to connect with some
sour ones. other basketball fans in Gwangju and some cheap
prizes will be included for the top two or three
Looking back, I can remember the heartbreak I felt, at finishers.
eight years of age, when Michael Jordan’s late jump
shot propelled North Carolina to a 63-62 victory over Also, if interested in catching some of the action, you
Georgetown in the 1982 championship game. My older will be able watch part of up to 56 games in the
brother loved Patrick Ewing and the Hoyas, so I tournament’s first three rounds for free on the web.
followed suit and cried with him after the loss. I’ve Just go to www.ncaasports.com/mmod and sign up.
despised Jordan ever since.
By Jeff Smith
However, my tears turned to joy two years later when I

Global Insights
“In Phnom Penh alone there are

over 10,000 children living and
working on the streets.”
No. 3
Children
in Cambodia 2
1. Mith Samlanh Friends: A program for street
children, their families, and their communities.
The number of street children in Cambodia is very
high. In Phnom Penh alone there are over 10,000
children living and working on the streets. Their
numbers keep increasing because drugs are pushing
previously wrote an article about my experience them out to the street and poverty in the countryside
I with Cambodian children in last month’s issue. Six

months passed really fast, and it’s been one week
since I have returned to Korea. At this time I feel
like my stay in Cambodia was just a dream or a
previous life. But I can still recall the smiles of the
causes migration to the city.
Children living and working on the streets are at a high
risk of extreme violence from adults, including gangs
and police, and health problems due to poor nutrition
and dirty water. They make their homes surrounded
Cambodian children. by trash. They live under the threat of rape and kidnap
for the sex trade or domestic slavery. In order to
The civil war and genocide under the Khmer Rouge survive, many street children must engage in activities
took away the lives of 2 million Cambodians. Because harmful to their lives: prostitution (children as young
of this bloody past, 70% of the Cambodian population as 7 years), drugs (starting at age 5), petty crime, etc.
is youth. For a country that has a lot of problems such Mith Samlanh (Khmer word for “close friends”) was
as HIV/AIDS, poverty, and corruption, it is up to this founded in 1994 in response to the increasing needs of
70% population to lead Cambodia to a better way. street children. Mith Samlanh Friends meets the street
children’s immediate essential needs in accordance
However, their dark past has resulted in a lot of with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It has
orphans and refugees, and the gap between the rich helped street children by providing a safe shelter,
and the poor is becoming wider and wider. Among the primary education, vocational skills training,
youth, some commute to school by luxury car and get emergency care, and on-going medical supervision.
medical service from Thailand. On the other hand, the
other youth are sleeping in the street and begging for For more information:
their daily meals. E-mail: friends@everyday.com.kh
Website: http://www.streetfriends.org
Despite this excessive gap, I’d like to believe in the
power of every youth. There are many people and 2. Youth For Peace (YFP) : Equipping and
organizations trying to support them. Some of these encouraging young people to actively build a culture of
organizations fight hunger and others help to give them peace for themselves, their families and their society.
the opportunity to attend elementary school. Others YFP is a national NGO working for youth. YFP was
encourage young people to understand the culture of established in 1999 and has trained many students to
peace and the importance of human rights. I will be active in building a culture of peace in Cambodia. It
introduce 3 organizations which are eagerly trying to has three main projects (peace education project,
help Cambodian youth. leadership project, and youth participation project)
36 Gwangju News February 2007

and other supplemental activities. These projects and
activities create opportunities for the youth to come
together for discussion, engage in ideas and activities, and
to get spiritual education for peace and social morality.
Before starting Korean class at university, I was an intern at
YFP for one month in August. I was moved by many of the
enthusiastic staff and students at YFP. They really try hard
to find better ways to build a peaceful Cambodia.
More information:
E-mail: youthforpeace@oneline.com.kh
Website: http://www.yfpcambodia.org
3. Internationaal Christelijk Steunfonds Asia

(ICS Asia): ICS helps children have a chance
ICS Asia is a non-governmental organization (NGO)
supported by Dutch donors through ICS Netherlands. ICS
Asia works to help poor and needy children, their families,
their schools, and their communities integrate themselves
into education and sustainable development. They have
offices in Thailand, Karen Refugee Camps (Thai-Burmese
border), and Cambodia.
I visited the Cambodian office with my mother and sister in
October. ICS Cambodia runs child sponsorship programs
and development projects. Child sponsorship programs are
aimed at helping children by providing learning materials,
school uniforms, mosquito nets, blankets, medical
treatment, supplementary food, house rehabilitation, and
sanitation materials. Development projects are aimed at
supporting schools and communities with school water
systems, school buildings, rice banks, latrines, and cement
jars.
My family donated money at ICS Cambodia. I received a
report stating that they have used the money to help a young
girl, “Senoeun”, living with difficulties, by giving her special
gifts. You might be curious as to what special gifts are.
Special gifts are 16 sheets of galvanized iron, bowls and
plates, water containers, a mat, a mosquito net and blanket,
knives, hatchet, hoe, 1kg of nails, and 20kg of rice. These
might not be so special for us, but it is a very special gift for
Senoeun’s family.
For more Information:
E-mail: icsasia@mail.cscoms.com (ICS Asia),
ics@euronet.nl (ICS Netherlands)
Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road,
but when many people walk on it, the road comes into
existence. – Lin Yutang
By Kim Jihyun
Jihyun had lived in Cambodia for 8 months and taught Korean at the
Royal University of Phnom Penh . She came back to Korea in
February and is studying English literature at Chonnam University.

Newbie Tips
Bus Callisthenics
our days are hectic, you know that exercise will
Y help relieve your stress, but you just can’t find

the time. As you head out to school or work, you
ponder your dilemma while waiting for the bus.
Little do you realize that the bus is your solution.
10-Meter Dash
The driver puts the

“pedal to the
Riding the bus serves a dual purpose: it gets you to metal” and now
your destination and provides an inexpensive workout you’ve just
as well. Let me show you how. completed the 10-
meter dash to the
Are you ready? back of the bus.
Let’s get going!
Warm Up
Take an easy paced walk to the bus stop. As you wait at Broad Jump/ Hit and Roll
the curb (for the 5 minute light to change), stretch your
calves by rising up and down on your toes. Relax your Sit in the middle of
neck by stretching it as you look for your bus. You are the back seat. When
now ready to sprint across the street to where you think the driver slams on
your bus stop should be. (Why don’t you get 5 minutes the brakes you find
to cross the street?) yourself doing a 12-
foot broad jump if
Mental awareness and concentration are also vital for a you land on your
good warm-up. As the cogs in your brain begin to turn, feet, or a hit and roll
you realize that you are at the wrong stop. You try to from the back seat to
the middle of the bus
decipher the diagram on the bus stand but you can’t.
if you do not.
You begin to sweat as your brain goes into overdrive,
then EUREKA!!!! You remember your Gwangju News
bus pullout! As you peruse the pullout you see that
your bus stop is TWO BLOCKS away. Oh no!!!! Here Single Ring Hold
comes your bus!
You break into a cadence as you run to the next stop. I

can’t be late, I can’t be late. If I miss this bus, it won’t
be great. Ahhh! You’ve made it! As you attempt to hop
on the bus, the driver closes the door and then pulls off
with your right foot on the step…
Quickly hop along the

One-Foot Hop side of the bus as you
make frantic attempts
to get the driver’s
attention. The driver
finally notices you,
stops the bus and you Tightly grip the ring, alternating hands, as you sway
hop on. (This exercise from side to side trying to balance yourself. This work
is especially good for out strengthens fingers and wrists. (My colleague,
stamina, agility, and M.J., swears by this exercise. After many years of
speed but does not riding the bus, he says he has developed very strong
allow for a work-out wrists. I guess strong wrists are good for marathon
on the other foot.) writing.)

Double Ring Hold Flying Leap
Great for stretching

and pull-ups.
If you were a little slow getting to the exit, you

Single Ring Vertical Bar Hold
must now take to the air and leap off the bus before
the driver closes the door. You land on the ground
in perfect form, i.e. both feet.
Necessary for
b a l a n c i n g
yourself when Cool Down
doing lunges as
the bus turns
corners and
makes sudden
starts and stops.
Obstacle Course
A leisurely stroll to school or work ends your
training session. You feel fantastic and totally
stress free until you realize this is your OFF day!
By Audry Hawkins
Audry has been an ESL
teacher in Korea for 8
months. She loves
volunteering and
children. Her home is the
U.S.
Illustrated by Olivier Elia

Develops agility and speed as you weave and bob Olivier has been an ESL
your way through a crowded bus to the exit door teacher in Korea for
before the bus gets to your stop. (Be sure to say a almost two years. He is
few shillehapnidas along the way.) from Montreal.

Restaurant Review
Jinwol Gem
- Rosemary Restaurant
French restaurant serving an ounce of beef tartar
juxtaposed with alfalfa sprouts and beet shavings.
Rosemary offers a cutlet set for 8~9,000 won that

serves two people. You are welcomed with a crystal
water bottle of infused rosemary water for the table
(which is very refreshing) and a beautiful table
decoration to blend with the bowl of petite flowers. The
presentation continues with a mix of china and pottery
that compliments the fusion style of western and
Korean food items displayed colorfully and artfully on
each dish.
The first course, a lovely rice porridge or juk, is served

in traditional Korean pottery bowls with just a
sprinkling of ground sesame seeds and dried fruit.
F
rills make me gag. All the lace, doilies, and Next come the side dishes set up on plates with funky
ubiquitous knick knacks remind me of my Aunt raised corners and delicate motifs. Your table is given a
Marlene’s home on Easter holidays – sensory pestle and mortar full of sesame seeds to grind for your
overload. The cloying cuteness that pervades donggaseu dipping sauce (presented in an eggplant
many an eating establishment in Korea dampens my shaped bowl). There is a variety of fusion kimchis,
experience and keeps me from truly enjoying the food. traditional cabbage kimchi, white or water kimchi and
I am always wary of restaurants that look too “happy” then a rosemary-like plant with a bit of gochujang
and try too hard to make the décor a
picture perfect Kosney ad. Therefore,
it was with some trepidation that I
stepped into Rosemary Restaurant
with its cute French doors, flowers,
and sheer window shades of taupe.
A small jewel of place in Jinwol-dong,

Nam-gu, near Gwangju University,
Rosemary delighted my senses instead
of overloading them. Colleagues had
recommended this place for the
donggaseu, the pork cutlet (a western
delicacy that I always avoided in the
US).
If you are a donggaseu afficionado

then you know that there are several
incarnations that you can enjoy –
chicken donggaseu, cheese
donggaseu, and pizza donggaseu.
Rosemary Restaurant does donggaseu
with the artistic aplomb of a fine

Korean Recipe
Fried Tofu
seasoning. A selection of pickled items is provided to
help cut the grease of the donggaseu experience. with Sweet Soy Sauce
Koreans aren’t crazy. There is a purpose to why pizza According to Korean
comes with a side of pickles. The vinegar of the pickles records, Korean
helps cut the grease of the richer food item. When I people started
first arrived in Korea, I thought this was a nutty idea, eating tofu,
but now I get a little sick from pizza, pasta or fried introduced from
foods if I don’t have a pickled chaser. China, at the end of
the Goryeo dynasty.
What makes Rosemary’s donggaseu even more special Everyone knows
is the samgyeobsal style of eating. Small rice sheets, that tofu is good for
like three or four Vietnamese rice wrappers stuck your health as it’s
together, as well as paper thin slices of pickled mu produced from bean
(radish) and seasoned sesame leaves (very salty) are products and contains high quality vegetable
provided as wraps for the donggaseu. Dunk the protein.
donggaseu which comes to the table cut into bite size My Canadian friend said that fried tofu with
pieces in your sauce, place it on a rice sheet, add a few sweet soy sauce is one of his favorite Korean
shavings of red or green cabbage, or maybe some side dishes. I thought other people might like
sprouts or shredded basil, and pop it in your mouth for this dish as well.
a sensory experience of fusion festiveness. Here is very simple and fast recipe. Try it!!
This alone is enough to fill a belly, but there’s more. Cooking time: 10 minutes
Along with an excellent miso soup just the right kick Serves: 2~3 people
– there is kimchi fried rice. The mixed, fried rice is
light, not greasy at all. It is garnished with some festive Ingredients: 1 block of tofu, vegetable oil or
caviar and kim (dried flaked seaweed). Not a kimchi olive oil
bokeumbab person? No problem, just ask for gongibab Dressing ingredients: 1/3 tbsp of spicy
– a bowl of white rice – instead. pepper powder, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, 1/3 tbsp of
sesame oil, 1/3 tbsp of grated fresh garlic, 1 tbsp
Would any fusion meal be complete without “dessert”? of chopped spring onion, 1 tsp of sugar and 1/2
You can order green tea, coffee, or juice as your tbsp of sesame seeds
“dessert.” However, I recommend trying one of the
herbal teas. A favorite after dinner tea of mine is 1. Place tofu on a board or in a bowl and lay a
peppermint tea, a wonderfully refreshing choice that fresh towel on the top of the tofu.
also aids digestion. 2. Drain the moisture from the tofu by placing a
bowl or another weight on top of the towel.
So when you head down to Gwangju University to the Leave for about 15 minutes.
Gwangju KOTESOL Spring Conference on April 14,
2007, make an effort to eat in a local restaurant instead 3. While the tofu is draining, make the dressing.
of heading to your typical stomping grounds downtown 4. Put all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and
or those in your own neighborhood. Jinwol-dong and then mix them.
Bongseon-dong in Namgu offer so many great options
that you really should take the Red Express bus #7 or 5. Cut the drained tofu into 0.5 ~ 0.7cm slices. If
Yellow Buses #28, 17, or 30 and explore this area of you like salty food, sprinkle some salt on the
town. Branch buses in the 70s (70, 75, 77, 78, 79, 170, tofu.
177) also serve the area around Gwangju University.
Rosemary Restaurant is a great place to start your next 6. Put 1 tbsp of oil into a frying pan and heat over
medium heat. (Don’t heat over high heat or the
Gwangju gastronomic tour.
tofu may burn.)
By Maria Lisak 7. Fry tofu until lightly browned.
8.Serve toasted tofu in a dish with dressing
prepared on top of the tofu.
By Minsu Kim

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Dr. Ko: Why do girls and women always think that I
am a “playboy,” even though the fact is I am a shy guy? Please
help me because this thinking makes me depressed.
Thanks Dr. Ko!

3 Eyes
Dear 3 Eyes: Usually guys that women and

girls (interesting that you separate the two,
Dear Dr. Ko: What do I do when a friend wants me to do hmmm…) think are playboys are very
something that I cannot for fear it will harm someone else? handsome, sexy, insincere and surround
They are friends, but I am a better friend to both of them than themselves with many women. They like
they are to each other. What should I do about this the attention of females but are quite aloof
friendship? when it comes to personal relationships. You
mention that you are shy, but being shy does
A Better Friend not automatically exclude you from being a
playboy. Actually, many women prefer men
that appear to be shy and perhaps a little
Dear Better Friend: “DNEIRF” harmless in a sexy kind of way. It is called “boyish charm” and
is friend spelled backwards. What rest assured that men with “boyish charm” attract more
does it mean? Absolutely nothing! women than the notorious “bad boys.” Therefore, even
This is what you have when you though you may not consider yourself a playboy, you draw
mistake an “acquaintance” for a many women into your circle and this makes you look like
friend. Having made that point: it's one. Another factor to consider is the woman may be
not clear which “friendship” you are attracted to you, or any man for that matter, but feels she
referring to, so I will address all three: doesn’t have a “snowball’s chance in hell” with you. She feels
inadequate so she labels you a playboy. Labeling you a
1. The “dneirf” with malintent is a coward. Your “dneirf” is playboy makes it easier for her self-image if you do not return
using you to do his or her dirty work in the name of her affections; after all, she reasons, playboys are not
friendship. I suggest that you surgically extract this tumor interested in ANY serious relationships.
from your life. If you cannot extract it, at least give this
relationship some serious anesthesia. If there is a special someone you have your “eyes” on (sorry,
couldn’t resist), the playboy label is definitely a hindrance to a
2. What should you do about their “friendship”? Nothing! good relationship. The way to overcome this “stigma” (ha ha)
The moment you intercede, they will “kiss and make up,” and is to give that person special attention and downplay your
then they will both be angry with you for interfering in their “friendships” with other girls and women.
relationship.
At any rate, being a playboy is not so bad; just ask Hugh
3. You and the intended victim? Keep your mouth shut about Hefner.
the evil plan, unless of course you sense real peril. Continue
to be a good friend and, whenever possible, exclude the (Just between you and me, 3 eyes, doesn’t it boost your ego
“dneirf” when the two of you are together. just a wee bit that women think that you are a playboy?)
------------------------------------------------------------------------ **********************************************************
Dear Dr. Ko: Why do some people try to force others to Lucky Lottery Number Computation
believe them, when everyone knows that they are telling a lie?
1st digit- Multiply the number of windows in your home by 5 .
Nitin 2nd digit- Add up the number of lies you told for the day.
3rd digit- Subtract the number of real teeth you have from
Dear Nitin: All of us have lied at one 100.
time or another, even if it was just that little 4th digit- Divide the number of books you have read this week
“white lie” we say is harmless. However, by 2.
there are people who seem to lie for no good
reason. These people are trying to convince Reduce any two-digit numbers to one digit.
themselves more than they are trying to convince Ex. 15 would be 1+5 =6
others, that what they are speaking is the truth. They THIS IS YOUR LUCKY 4 DIGIT LOTTERY NUMBER FOR
feel that the more persistent they are in telling their lie the THE DAY.
more believable it is and magically it turns into something
real. Some people have lied for so long, they forget
themselves what the reality of a situation is and thus cannot Do you have a problem with love, life or the lottery? Ask
stop. Aside from your run – of – the – mill socio – or Dr. Ko. Dr. Ko knows all and sees all. Contact Dr. Ko at
DR.koknow@yahoo.com
psychopathological liar, most people lie just to buy time.
Lying buys time for those afraid to face the inevitable truth.

March Events
1. (Non-verbal Performance) The Fountain

2007 Jeongwol Running Time: 90 Minutes Director: Darren Aronofsky
Daeboreum Date: 2007. 03. 17 - 16:00 19:00 Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rachel
Fire Festival 2007. 03. 18 - 15:00 18:00 Weisz
Period: March Venue: Gwangju Art & Culture Center Genres: Drama, SF
1st~ March 3th Admission fee: 50,000 won (R),
Venue: Sae byeol 40,000 won (S), 30,000 won (A) March 15th
o l e u m , Website: 300
Bongseongri, www.sjbboys.com/neweng.html Director: Zack Snyder
Aewoleub, Jeju For more Info: 062-650-3061 Starring: Gerard Butler, Vincent
Website: www.buriburi.go.kr Regan
For more Info: 064-728-3570 5. Int'l Spring Flower Expo 2007 Genres: Action
Saint Ralph
2. Cheongdo Director: Michael McGowan
Bullfighting Starring: Adam Butcher, Campbell
Festival Scott
Period: March 24 Genres: Drama, Comedy
– March 28 Period: March.3 – April. 8
Venue: Venue: KimDaeJung Convention The Sea Inside
Yiseomyoun,Cheongdogun, Center Director: Alejandro Amenabar
Gyeongsangbuk-do Website: www.flowerexpo.or.kr Starring: Javier Bardem, Belen Rueda
Website: eng.cheongdo.go.kr/ For more Info: 062-611-2124 Genres: Drama
For more Info: 054-370-6070 The Painted Veil
Movies Director: John Curran
3. 2007 Starring: Naomi Watts, Edward
Sansuyu March 1st Norton
Festival Music and Lyrics Genres: Drama, Romance
Sandong Director: Marc Lawrence
myeon is Starring: Drew Barrymore, Hugh March 22nd
known for Grant Norbit
one of the country’s largest place to Genres: Romance, Comedy Director: Brian Robbins
cultivate Sansuyu. You can also The Pursuit of Happyness Starring: Eddie Murphy, Thandie
enjoy the spa on the largest scale Director: Gabriele Muccino Newton
near by Mt. Jiri. Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Genres: Comedy, Romance
Period: 3.29~4.1 Christopher Smith The Number 23
Venue: All over the spa town in Mt. Genres: Drama Director: Joel Schumacher
Jiri Starring: Jim Carrey, Virginia
Website: March 2nd Madsen
www.gurye.net/culture/tour_festiv Kings And Queen Genres: Suspense, Thriller
al/fe_sansu.htm Director: Arnaud Desplechin
For more Info.: 061-780-2390 Starring: Emmanuelle Devos, The Break Up
Mathieu Amalric Director: Peyton Reed
4. The ballerina Genres: Drama, Comedy Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Vince
who loves a B- Vaughn
boy: Season 1 March 8th Genres: Romance, Comedy
Street Dance The Last King of Scotland
Encounters Ballet! Director: Kevin Macdonald Perfume: The Story of a
A series of dance Starring: Forest Whitaker, James Murderer
feasts that you just McAvoy Director: Tom Tykwer
can’t take your Genres: Drama, Thriller Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Alan
eyes off. The Rickman
Smokin' Aces Genres: Drama, Thriller
unique style
Director: Joe Carnahan
performance! The
Starring: Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia March 29th
only performance of its kind! The
Genres: Action Turistas
audience ranges from a 3-year-old
kid with her parents to a 70-year-old The Illusionist Director: John Stockwell
man who just got into the world of Director: Neil Burger Starring: Josh Duhamel, Melissa
hip-hop. Starring: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel George
Genre: Musical Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Mystery Genres: Thriller, Horror
Compiled by Kim Seonggon

Community Board
The group also hopes to plan events such many ways: philosophically, spiritually,
Sung Bin Orphanage and physically. But to simplify the matter,
as hiking, skiing or checking out various
Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for long local hot spots. Hapkido is the study of coordinated
term volunteers. We would like you to give http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gwangju energy (Ki). It's important to realize that
at least two Saturdays per month. As well initially, because beginners tend to be
as being a friend, you will be asked to focused on the physical aspects of
teach basic English to girls aged 7 to 14. Hapkido. However, like dance with
For more information please contact partners, the focus is on rhythm, energy,
Michael at: and moving together as a whole.” - Jon
sungbinvolunteers@gmail.com Leroux.
Looking for native English speakers Want to know more, or have further
Kona Volunteers is a registered questions? Call Jon at 011 615 1842.
organization for helping underprivileged
kids by teaching English using storybooks. Community Center Available to Rent
We are looking for long term volunteers by the Hour
who desire to enrich their lives by The space above “Mike and Dave’s
volunteering. We would like you to Speakeasy” is available for rent for 15, 000
volunteer at least two Sunday afternoons won an hour!
per month. Gwangju KOTESOL The spacious room is approximately 24
Gwangju KOTESOL will host an English square meters in size. It comes equipped
On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we teacher workshop on March 10th. with a heater, small kitchen and
help children of low income families or Presentations by Eun-young Choi and Mi- bathroom, and tables and chairs are
single-parent families. On the 4th Sunday, Kyong Kim will be given. Please check available if you need them. Anyone is
we help orphanage children. If you have www.kotesol.org/gwangju for details. welcome to book the space for activities
any picture books and storybooks, please and events such as:
donate them when you leave Korea. Gwangju KOTESOL will host its annual
For more information, please contact Kim Spring Conference at Gwangju University Group meetings / Band rehearsals / Yoga
Young-Im at on April 14, 2007. “Scaffolding Teachers clubs / Self-defense clubs / Bible Study
konastorybookcenter@yahoo.com and Students Toward Goals in ELT” is the groups / Drama clubs / Weddings /
theme. Dr. Joo Kyung Park of Honam Parties / Potluck meals / Play area for
Gwangju Men’s Soccer
University has graciously agreed to be our children while Moms meet and go
The Gwangju international soccer team shopping, have lunch etc.
plenary presenter. There will be nine
plays regularly most weekends. If you are
presentations from ELT professionals and
interested in playing, please contact Do you have a group that is in need of a
educators from the Gwangju-Jeonnam
gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com. space to get together?
region, as well as experts and sponsors
from all over Korea. Contact Mike at:
Help Gwangju News Magazine! speakeasymike@gmail.com
Volunteer one day a month. Deadline for Call for Papers: March 18th
GIC needs volunteers to mail out Gwangju Deadline for Call for Volunteers: open
News. Gwangju News, published monthly, Please check
is sent to nearly 700 addresses. Please
give back to Gwangju News by helping
www.kotesol.org/gwangju for details
Email the Conference Chair, Maria Lisak,
Trivia Answers
monthly. Join our Gwangju News mail- at gwangju_kotesol@yahoo.com with Easy
out volunteers monthly at GIC. Volunteers questions and suggestions. G: Iran
are called 48 hours before the mail-out E: The Beatles
day (during the first week of each month). Hapkido Lessons in English! H: The euro replaced the Deutschmark
GIC needs 6-8 people who can help. GIC & AL: Louis Comfort Tiffany
Jon Leroex has a 4th dan black belt in
Gwangju News are only as good as the Hapkido. He's trained under a Korean SN: Horse
volunteers who bring it to life! Master since 1997. He's begun his own SL: Epsom
Contact GIC at 062-226-1050, 2734 or English Hapkido club here in Gwangju. Not-so-easy
gwangjuic@gmail.com
Where: Speakeasy on Tuesday and G: Cayman
Wednesday nights. E: Robbie Williams
Join the Gwangju Yahoo! Group H: The Samurai
(Map - www.mdspeakeasy.com)
As a policy we restrict the membership to AL: All letters answered
When: Group 1= 8:30 - 9:30pm and
only international members of Gwangju SN: Aardvark
Group 2= 10:00 - 11:00pm
and Jeollanamdo. This group aims to help SL: Sink
Cost: Weekly membership fee is 10, 000
the incoming and existing international
won Bloody Hard
community in understanding their new
home, Gwangju, and to share one's native January’s classes will focus on self- G: Monaco’s
country's culture. Share valuable travel defense and kicking. Curriculum is E: Blur
and shopping tips, useful web-links and dictated by members' suggestions. H: John Major
find others with common interests. This Everyone is welcome. AL: Hel
group is a safe place for sharing your SN: Dyanmite
“Often people ask me what Hapkido is.
problems and difficulties and seeking SL: Nigel Mansell
Certainly, Hapkido can be defined in
solutions and support while in Gwangju.

Committee for International Collaboration
The Committee for International Collaboration is an Mancha (MASUM) in India at the Annual May Concert.
initiative by the Gwangju International Centre to
achieve two key objectives. First, provide education Total of 3,2 million won was raised in 2006.
and training facilities for youth in less developed
countries, to contribute to international cooperation The plan for 2007
and understanding. Second, provide educational - Send Korean students to Sri Lanka and to Malaysia.
opportunities to young people who face economic and - Provide funding for the Support Center for Torture
political obstacles in accessing education. and Rape Victim in Sri Lanka and MASUM in India.
- Establish a number of scholarships for overseas
Initiatives to date: students to study in Korea.
2003: Shelter for immigration workers 2,3 million
won. The executive committee is comprised of Kim Dongha,
2004: Sri Lanka 1,2 million won. Na Ganchae, Shin Gyonggu, Yun Janghyun, and Hong
North Korea 1,2 million won aid for the train tragedy Gangshig.
2005.
2005: Sri Lanka 1,6 million won for Tsunami victims. GIC plans to keep the members informed of activities
2006: Raised 1.2 million won for the Center for and initiatives of the committee through both the GIC
Torture and Rape Victim in Sri Lanka in the Annual newsletter and Gwangju News. The committee
May Concert. encourages all interested parties to provide feedback,
Dr. Shin Gyonggu led an initiative to raise 1 million submissions and ideas for new initiatives through
won for Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). gwangjuic@gmail.com.
Kim Dongha provided 0.5 million won for a
programme to encourage Chinese students to study By Harsha Goonewardana
( Media Laison Officer at GIC)
Korean Language.
Raised 0.5 million won for Manabadhikar Suraksha
GIC TALK
March 3rd Contact the GIC to confirm the schedule:
Speaker: Shane McGarty (ESL Instructor) Phone:(062) 226-1050, 2734
Topic: “With Mawson, Hurley and Wilkins to Email: gwangjuic@gmail.com
the South! Three Australian Antarctic
All talks take place at the GIC office.
explorers” Address: 5th Floor, Jeon-il Bldg, Geumnam-no, Dong-
gu (동구 금남로 1가 전일빌딩 5층).
March 10th
Speaker: Elaine Kim (Writer) Directions: The GIC office is located in the same
building as the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in
Topic: "Gwangju Stories: A reading from a
downtown Gwangju. The entrance is immediately
novel-in-progress "
north of the KEB on Geumnam-no street, across from
March 17th the YMCA.
Speaker: Tracey Knihnitski (Subway stop: Culture complex, Bus: 07, 09, 45, 51, 52,
(ESL Instructor of Gwangju Univ. ) 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 80, 82, 518, 1000 )
For more information about the GIC Talks go to
Topic: Travelling with the Korean Film Industry
www.gwangjuic.or.kr
March 24th
Speaker: Kurmanbaev Mirbek Call for Presenters: The GIC Talk series welcomes your
(Intl. Student in Chonnam Univ.) proposals for presentations on topics of society, culture,
Topic: Kyrgyzstan politics, science or education, or anything of interest to the
foreign community. For more information, or to submit a
March 31st proposal, please contact K i m S i n g s i n g at:
Speaker: Dr. Lee Houghjoon gwangjuic@gmail.com or call: (062)226-1050, 2734.
(Prof. Emeritus of Chonnam Univ.)
Topic: “Understanding of Korean Labor Law”
*Dates and topics are subject to change.

BEEF UP YOUR GIC Movie Night
RESUME Teacher Mr. Kim

Have you ever thought that you (2003)
would like to publish your
March 14th (Wed) 19:30
writing or photographs? Are
you willing to hone and Director: Gyu-sung Jang
improve your writing with a Starring: Seung-won Cha,
team of writers, proofreaders Hui-bong Byeon, Jiru Sung
and editors?
Subtitle: English (119 min)
How would you like to add to Genres: Drama, Comedy
your resume that you wrote
Kim Bong Doo is one of the worst teachers you can find.
several feature articles, regularly wrote news blurbs, and
He is lazy, comes to staff meetings consistently late and
proofread for an English Language magazine in South
goes the extra yard to meet his elementary student's
Korea?
single moms. Mr. Kim gets a rude awakening when a
We are developing a team of people who are willing to student's father finds out about his wrongdoings and
commit 5 to 6 hours a month toward either writing, comes to the school to give him a beating. Faced with the
researching, proofreading, or photographing. You can be option of either taking an indefinite leave or a transfer to
in any city or province in South Korea. English does not a rural school, Mr. Kim has little choice.
have to be your native language, because other writers will He soon arrives at the Elementary school and meets his
be helping you. As long as you are willing to improve your students - all five of them. Mr. Kim hates the heat, the
work and are committed to turning your work in on time, isolation, and the fact that there is nothing around him
Gwangju News has a place for you. except trees and farmland and worst of all, he hates his
job. When he finally starts to enjoy his new life and to
Gwangju News is only as good as its volunteer magazine
appreciate the innocence of the kids, a wealthy land
staff. Your writing, proofreading, and photography can developer tries to turn the school into "virtual gaming"
reach over 6000 foreigners in the Jeollanam-do region, center.
not to mention countless Korean readers. If you’d like to
be involved, write to gwangjunews@gmail.com.

GIC Cultural Tour
Suncheon, Jeollanam-do
Date: March 24 (Sat.) 2007
Itinerary
8:50 Meet by the clock tower of Gwangju Bus Terminal, U-square
9:00 Depart for Suncheon Naganeupseong Folk Village www.nagan.or.kr
10:00 Sightseeing Naganeupseong Folk Village
12:00 Depart for Cheongso village
13:00 Lunch (Bibimbab: rice mixed with vegetables)
14:00 Experience kite-making and flying
15:30 Experience bow-making and shooting
17:00 Roast sweet potatoes
17:40 Depart for Gwangju
19:00 Arrive in Gwangju (could be delayed due to traffic)
Naganeupseong Folk Village: Within the 1,410m fortress perimeter remain

well-preserved Joseon Dynasty government buildings, nine traditional
residences designated as important folk material, and other old houses.
People residing in this folk village still carry on traditional custom and
manners. Naganeupseong gives visitors a direct look at Korea's history
and traditional ways of life.
Cheongso Village: A long time ago, there was clean water and air. So
people named it Cheong (fresh) so (area) village. It is located in the high-
elevated areas of Suncheon. We will have great fun experiencing
traditional folk games deep in mountains.
Tour course: 23,000 won (GIC Ｍembers: 20,000won)

The tour includes transportation, lunch, entrance fee, and English speaking tour guide and other information in English.
Pay the tour cost in advance to Gwangju Bank 134-107-000999 (Depositor: 광주국제교류센터)
If you cancel 3 days in advance, 50% refund.
Please make a reservation before March 16th so we can arrange your travel insurance.
This tour may be canceled if less than 20 people make a reservation.
For reservation, contact GIC at 062-226-1050 or gwangjuic@gmail.com
We need the following information:

-Your contact information (email, phone number) -Your full name
-Nationality -Alien registration number (77xxxx-xxxxxxx)
2007 GIC Cultural Tour Plan Kumho

Industrial Co.
April 28th Hampyeong Butterfly Festival provides the buses
May 26th Hwasun Survival Game & Spa for GIC Cultural Trip
June 23rd Gochang Experience of foreshore, Seonwoon temple in 2007.
July 28th D.M.Z
August 25th Wando Bogil island, Sunbathing, Waterside excursion
September No tour
October 3rd Jinju Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival, Climbing Mt. Hwawang
November 17th Jeongeup Climbing Mt. Naejang
December 22nd Namwon Namwon theme park (Chunhyang)
※This schedule may be changed.

Gwangju News: March 2007

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Gwangju News

International Magazine for Gwangju and Jeollanam-do

The Gambia and Zambia:

Is it HOLI DAY or HOLIDAY??

The Two Schools of Buddhism

Come and meet the people who contribute to the magazine!

2007 GIC 2nd - Korean Language Class

2 Gwangju News March 2007

4~5 The Gambia and Zambia: Different Fruits

Technical Advisor: Chris Benham

Printed by: Hana Printing Practical Tips: Motorcycling in Korea

but also youth in all Asian countries.

GIC Cultural Tour Review: Mt. Muju Resort Day

07, 09, 45, 52,

55, 59, 61, 32~33 Goodbye Gwangju, “The City of Light”

34~35 Sports: Join - The Madness in Gwangju

36~37 Living in Cambodia: Childern in Cambodia 2

38~39 Newbie Tips: Bus Callisthenics

40~41 Restaurant Review: Jinwol Gem - Rosemary

41 Korean Recipe: Fried Tofu with Sweet Soy Sauce

Gwangju News March 2007 3

The Gambia and Zambia:

U realize the extent of the confusion between

Gwangju News March 2007 5

In the history of the The most important

6 Gwangju News March 2007

his ancestry to a man named Kunta descent with their ancestral

As well as reuniting people of African

Gwangju News March 2007 7

Francis has traveled and studied abroad

Francis began to look for a PhD

Francis felt that for his PhD he wanted

8 Gwangju News March 2007

Francis is enjoying his time here in Korea and

He feels that the school treats the students very

Sam Jameson, Journalist

Jameson went on to edit his high school and college

While this year’s visit was in association with the

10 Gwangju News March 2007

Gwangju has benefited from this lesson learned by By E. H. Kim

Gwangju News March 2007 11

The Rise and Fall of Gi-nyeo,

12 Gwangju News March 2007

Gwangju News March 2007 13

A impressed them the most; they won’t fail to

As a teenager back in India, I would count

I remember once I was suffering

14 Gwangju News March 2007

Gwangju News March 2007 15

“K horizons while learning more about the

What’s the difference between a scooter,

Hyosung Comet Hyosung GV 125 and Daelim Magma Hyosung Yamuda

16 Gwangju News March 2007

Honda CBR 125 Daelim Daystar Daelim Solution

Gwangju News March 2007 17

“Religion is a big influence in

18 Gwangju News March 2007

Gwangju News March 2007 19

Mahayana Priest in China

The Theravada or Hinayana School; found mainly in

The Mahayana School including Vajrayana sub school;

All these traditions have certain theological aspects in