july 2012

july 2012

An Island of Mysterious Beauty

Ulleungdo
Coming Home After 62 Years

First Remains of S. Korean Soldiers Return Home

Islets of Solitary Beauty in the East Sea

Dokdo
www.korea.net

Learn korean

Talking abouT your family

Have you ever had a picnic with your family? Here is a picture of Jun-seons family picnic. Lets talk about Jun-seons family.

A: ?

B: .

-()- makes a verb or an adjective honorific. You can use this form to show your respect for the subject of the sentence when you describe the action or condition of the subject. If the stem of the verb or the adjective end in or a vowel use -- and use - for the remaining occasions. Notice that drops when - comes after

Who is he?

He is my father.

I buneun nuguseyo?

uri abeojiseyo.

C: , ?

Then, is he your grandfather?

D: , . .

geureom, i buneun harabeojiseyo?

Yes, he is my grandfather. He is reading a book.

ne, harabeojiseyo. harabeojikkeseo chaegeul ilgeuseyo.

honorific form(informal) iseyo haseyo dameuseyo dakkeuseyo ilgeuseyo

basic form (be) ida (do) hada (put) damda (wash) dakda (read) Ikda

honorific form(fomal) ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Lets practice

Try to make a conversation with the following vocabulary.

father
abeoji

mother
eomeoni

grandfather
harabeoji

grandmother
halmeoni

younger sibling
dongsaeng

cook
yorireul hada

wash the dish

read the book

put some food in the dish

eumsigeul damda

eat the meat

gogireul meokda

geureuseul dakda chaegeul ikda

contents
july 2012 Vol.8 no.7

dokdo
Dokdo Is Full of life

Islets of Solitary Beauty in the East Sea

A Cluster of Volcanic Rocks with a Unique Ecosystem 12 Pen & brush painter Kwon Ki-soo 16 People Cho tae-kwon, promoter of hansik 18 Great Korean Gwanggaeto the Great 20 Seoul Libraries in Seoul more than Just books 24 Travel an Island of mysterious beauty Ulleungdo

Cover Story

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28 Now in Korea the battle against electricity

30 festival a new interpretation 2012 arirang Festival the arirang

34 Entertainment puchon International Fantastic Film Festival

36 Sports 30 Days to Go Readying for the London olympics

38 Global Korea mongolia establishes e-procurement

40 Special Issue First Remains of S. Korean Soldiers Return home

42 Summit diplomacy the VII G20 Leaders Summit in mexico & the Rio+20 Conference

45 flavor Subak hwachae traditional Watermelon punch

46 My Korea Crafty Seoul theres Something for every Craftsman

49 Learn Korean talking about your family

publisher Woo Jin-Yung, Korean Culture and Information Service editing the booK CompanY e-mail webmaster@korea.net printing Jeonkwang printing&Information all rights reserved. no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from KOrea and the Korean Culture and Information Service. the articles published in KOrea do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. the publisher is not liable for errors or omissions. If you want to receive a free copy of KOrea or wish to cancel a subscription, please e-mail us. A downloadable PDF file of KOrea and a map and glossary with common Korean words appearing in our text are available by clicking on the thumbnail of KOrea on the homepage of www.korea.net.

11-1110073-000016-06

Cover story

Dokdo
In the easternmost reaches of Korean territory sits a cluster of beautiful islets and reefs called Dokdo. Also referred to as the Liancourt Rocks, Dokdo is a collection of volcanic rocksbig and smallformed from cooled-down lava that gushed from two kilometers underwater between 4.6 million and 2.5 million years ago during the Pliocene Epoch. Dokdo consists of two rocky islets called Dongdo and Seodo and about 90 rocks and reefs. More than 1,000 land creatures and over 240 marine creatures inhabit Dokdo along with its residents and security guards.

Islets of Solitary Beauty in the East Sea

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Cover story

A Cluster of Volcanic Rocks with a Unique Ecosystem

two main rocky islets called Dongdo and Seodo and about 90 smaller rocks and reefs including Kokkiri Bawi (Elephant Rock), Chotdae Bawi (Candlestick Rock), and Samhyeongje Bawigul (Three Brother Rocks with Holes). When lava first gushed out to form the rocky cluster 4.6 million years ago, Dongdo and Seodo were one islet, but having been lashed and pummeled by winds and waves over the eons, the islet became what it is today. Dongdo and Seodo are united 151 meters (495.4 feet) below the water surface. Dongdo, the smaller of the two, has two major volcanic traces on its northern side and its peak is 98.6 meters (323.5 feet) above sea level. Near the eastern tip of Dongdo is a cup-shaped crater with a depth of 100 meters (328.1 feet) that contains seawater coming though two vertical caves collectively called Cheonjanggul. On the slopes

any people simply think Dokdo is a single island, but it is actually a collection of

of Dongdo grows herbage that is rooted in 20 to 30 centimeters of shallow-layered soil. Carried away by the breathtaking view, you will likely be awakened from your trance when the black-tailed gulls rudely welcome you with their droppings on your face, as Dokdo is one of the major breeding colonies of the seabird. The cone-shaped peak of Seodo is 168.5 meters (552.8 feet) above sea level and is the highest and largest of all the rocky members of Dokdo. Looking like a single steep peak, it has numerous caves on its bluffs. There is a pool of groundwater referred to as Mulgol (Water Valley) that holds the water that seeps out of the cracks between the rocks. The pool is used as a precious source of drinking water for those who live and stay on Dokdo. Fog, clouds, and wind are old friends of Dokdo. More than 160 days a year, the cluster of volcanic rocks is under the shade of the clouds, which pelt the islets with rain or snow about

DokDo Is Full oF lIFe

Dokdo is 87.4 kilometers southeast of Ulleungdo. Due to its volcanic nature and remoteness from the Korean Peninsula, Dokdo has a unique ecosystem. How changes in climate and other natural elements affect an ecosystem is well demonstrated on Dokdo. Now lets meet the inhabitants of this collection of volcanic rocks in the East Sea.
by Lee Jeong-eun and Kim Min-sun with Dr. Song Imgeun (Dokdo Ecosystem Service) / photographs by Moon Duk-gwan and Lee Jun-gi

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150 days a year. It is often so windy that you can only drop anchor on Dokdo for 60 to 70 days a year. There is even a saying that without fortune smiling upon you, you cannot enter Dokdo. CREATURES OF DOKDO Formed by underwater volcanic eruptions, Dokdo has a unique ecosystem, different from that found on the Korean Peninsula. Its sea bed steeply drops down to over two kilometers below the sea, and the species inhabiting it vary with depth. Warm and cold currents mingle in the sea off Dokdo. Sea currents have direct impact on the seawater temperatures and underwater creatures. Large and small rocks and reefs are habitats for sessile marine creatures, which live attached to hard surfaces. All these factors thoroughly explain the richness of the marine species of Dokdo. On the land located above sea level is a treasure house of biodiversity. More than 1,000 speciesanimal and plantinhabit the islets, rocks, and reefs of Dokdo. Ever since its violent creation, a wide range of plant seeds have arrived on Dokdo by wind, currents, and birds. According to the South Korean Ministry of Environment, 57 plant species inhabit Dokdo. Recently, as more outsiders have been accessing Dokdo, more non-indigenous plants such as flowering plants and cultivated species have been brought along for the ride. Steep and exposed to strong salty winds, Dokdo is not covered with thick layers of soil. Weeds with powerful adaptability tend to survive in the severe environment. Yet, this doesnt mean that all the plants growing on Dokdo are weeds, as there are also rare and
Various birds, especially black-tailed gulls inhabit the islets, rocks, and reefs of Dokdo. It might be obvious that Dokdo is an attractive place for black-tailed gulls to live.

vertical cliffs, and new species come in and take root. All these point to the vitality of Dokdo. 57 PLANT SPECIES BRAVE THE HARSH ENVIRONMENT Different parts of Dokdo have different soil conditions. The sea cliffs face gusty sea winds, and rain quickly drips from steep slopes into the ocean, resulting in dry, shallow layers of soil lacking in nutrients. Naturally, the sea cliffs have become home to colonies of Sedum oryzifolium Makino, Festuca rubra Linn, Aster spathulifolius Maxim, and Artemisia japonica var. macrocephala Pampan. In the moist cracks of the rocks are colonies of Phanerophlebia (L.F.) Copel, while gradual slopes are occupied by Agropyron tsukusiense var. transience (Hack.) Ohwi and Echinochloa crus-galli (L. Beauov). Also, colonies of Fallopia sachalinensis (F. Schmidt.) RonseDecr. are only found on Seodo. The Ministry of Environment has designated 13 species of Dokdo plants as rare and endangered. One of the 13 is Orobanche coerulescens Stephan. Found on the top and slopes of Dongdo, it has purple flowers and is an extremely endangered species with a high biological value. It is a rare class 5 endangered species. Those that are only found in certain areas on the Korean Peninsula including Ulleungdo and Dokdo are class 4 rare and endangered species. Growing on Dokdo are four class 4 species, the Lonicera Insularis Nakai, Fallopia sachalinensis (F. Schmidt.) RonseDecr., Festuca rubra Linn, and Campanula takesimana Nakai. Phanerophlebia (L.F.) Copel. is another species to note. Being the only pteridophyte that naturally grows on Dokdo, it forms colonies in the slopes of the water pool on Seodo and a section of Dongdo whose outline closely resembles the Korean Peninsula. A colony of Euonymus japonicus Thunb. (spindle trees) can be observed on the north slope of Cheonjanggul on Dongdo. Considering how steep the slope is, it was birds, not people, that gave birth to the colony. Despite the strong sea winds, rugged geography, and almost barren soil, the trees serve as a barometer as to what kinds of trees can grow on Dokdo. The most frequently spotted species are the Sedum oryzifolium Makino, Aster spathulifolius Makino, Artemisia japonica var. macrocephala Pampan, and Echinochloa crus-galli (L. Beauov.), and Rumex japonicus Houttuyn is spreading quickly these days. Dokdo dresses up with different garments in different seasons. The first plant that blossoms in spring is the Arabis stelleri de Candolle, which inhabits the gradual slopes and the parts in between Dongdo and Seodo. In May and June,
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precious plants including three species that only grow on Ulleungdo and Dokdo throughout the world. The South Korean Ministry of Environment has designated 13 floristically rare species as special protected inhabitants of Dokdo. Geographically Dokdo is not a good habitat for plants, says Dr. Song Im-geun, who monitors the biological resources of Dokdo three times a year. Yet still, spindle trees grow on

1 In May and June, the Sedum oryzifolium Makino, which is the most spread on Dokdo, is in full bloom. 2 Aster spathulifolium Maxim and Phanerophlebia (L.F) Copel, the only fern species growing wild on the island. 3 Aster spathulifolium Maxim blooms splendidly around October. 4 Sedum takesimense Nakai has yellow flowers. 5 Orobanche coerulescens Stephan has purple flowers and is an extremely endangered species with a high biological value.
(Photographs provided by Dr. Song Im-geun)

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Actinia equina and Anthopleura japonica can be spotted along the coastline, and beautiful coral reefs thrive deeper under the sea. There are more mollusks than cnidarians in the sea off Dokdo. A total of 125 species from 57 families have been recorded. The most commonly spotted types are gastropods (snails and slugs), most of which live on the surfaces of pebbles and rocks in between seeds. From April to June, the sea off Dokdo silently celebrates the mating season of mollusks. Even in the shallow sea off Dongdo, numerous veligers (mollusk larvae) and tiny young mollusks can be spotted. The sea off Dokdo is rather cool, so it is a perfect place for seaweed to grow. According to the Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI), there are more than 160 species of seaweed here. The sea is also rich with over 100 species of fish including the striped beakperch (aka rock bream; Oplegnathus fasciatus), bulgyhead wrasse (Semicossyphus reticulatus), and largescale blackfish (aka rudder fish; Girella punctata); 33 species of decapods including shrimp, hermit crab, and crab; and 32
Euonymus japonicus Thunb. On the steep cliff presents a grand sight.

creatures grow and breed better than in average seawaters. The sea off Dokdo is good for research to find how an ecosystem is affected by changes in nature such as climate change, says Chun Young-yull, head of the Dokdo Fisheries Research Center. MINERAL RESOURCES In order to be ready for the day when fossil fuels like petroleum and natural gas will be depleted, advanced countries have been trying for years to develop new resources within their own exclusive economic zones (EEZs). One of the promising alternative fuels is methane hydrate. Methane, which under normal conditions is a gas, is trapped within a crystal structure of water under low-temperature and high-pressure conditions in the deep sea that forms an ice-like solid. This solid is a highly potential energy source for the next generation.
1 Corynactis viridis glows a beautiful fluovescent light. 2 Melithaea flabellifera kkenthal adheres to the bottom face of rocks. 3 Tetraclita japonica Pilsbry is easily found on the surface of rocks under two meters deep. 4 Actinia equina Linn is commoly discovered one meter below sea level.
(Photographs provided by Drokdo Fisheries Research Center)

the Sedum oryzifolium Makino, which is the most spread pioneer plant on Dokdo, blossoms. The species grows in thin layers of soil on rocks, and fertilizes the soil as it withers and decomposes. From July to September, Artemisia japonica var. macrocephala Pampan, which usually takes root in rocky cracks, is in full bloom. The Aster spathulifolius Maxim is in blossom from July to November, but its prime is in October. A HAVEN FOR BLACK-TAILED GULLS Situated at the center of the East Sea, Dokdo serves as a pit stop for countless migratory birds that pass through Korea. Black-tailed gulls never fail to visit Dokdo during their mating season, embroidering Dongdo with their blackand-white presence. Up to 23,700 black-tailed gulls reportedly visit Dokdo to breed. So far, 40 species from 20 different families of birds have been observed on Dokdo. For this reason, the Ministry of Environment designated Dokdo as Specific Island No. 1, and the South Korean Cultural Heritage Administration

designated Dokdo as Natural Monument No. 336 as it is a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls (Larus cassirostris), Swinhoes fork-tailed petrels (Oceanodroma monorhi), and streaked shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas). Dokdo is a habitat for a wide variety of birds including endangered species such as peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and honey buzzards (Pernis apivorus). MARINE CREATURES LIVING ON STEEP SLOPES Marine creatures are not as easily spotted as flowers, trees, and birds are, but a rich assortment of marine creatures still live together with the residents and fishermen around the wharfs and lodging areas. Noteworthy among them are the invertebrates. Forty-four species from 23 families of the phylum of cnidarians have been observed. Recently swarms of Nomuras jellyfish appear from time to time, due to having been swept by waves toward the coastline. Moreover, sea anemones such as

species of tube worms including Serpula watsoni and Ditrupa arietina. The microorganisms of Dokdo are also noteworthy resources. In 2005, a research team led by Dr. Yoon Jung-hoon and Dr. Oh Tae-kwang of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) extracted four new genera and 31 new species of microorganisms from samples they collected from Dokdo. One of the four genera was Donghaeana dokdonensis Yoon, and the germ travelled to outer space with Koreas first astronaut, Dr. Lee So-yeon. Last June, the Dokdo Fisheries Research Center of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) announced its research findings on the marine resources of the sea off Dokdo, which focused on the longterm changes in the underwater ecosystem of Dokdo using the two edible marine brown algae of Eisenia bicyclis and Ecklonia cava as indicator species. The research found that the sea off Dokdo is a stable ecosystem where
2 3 4 1

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Cover story

Dubbed burning ice, when trapped methane is released by heating, it bursts into flames. When 1 m3 of methane hydrate decomposes, 172 m3 of methane gas is released, therefore making methane hydrate a very efficient source of energy. Furthermore, it emits much less carbon dioxide than gasoline and natural gas when it burns, and the volume of deposits is also enormous. In 1992, South Korean and Russia conducted a joint geophysical investigation in the East Sea and confirmed a possible presence of methane hydrate deposits. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) surveyed the worldwide distribution of methane hydrate deposits for years and found that the seabed around Dokdo is a link that connects methane hydratebearing layers in the Pacific Rim. Three offshore basins around the Korean Peninsulathe Jeju Basin, Ulleung Basin, and Japan Basinare all connected to a belt of methane hydrate deposits, which passes through the Kuril Islands and the Bering Sea to reach Canada, the US, and Chile. The Ulleung Basin is a link between the Kuril Islands and the East China Sea, and at the center of the link is Dokdo. This belt of deposits passes through the Ulleung and Jeju Basins and reaches the sea near Taiwan. It is not a surprise that enormous volumes of marine methane hydrate deposits are being discovered around Dokdo. A South Korea gas hydrate project team discovered about 600 million metric tons of marine methane hydrate 100 kilometers south of Ulleungdo in 2005. The volume amounts to a 30year gas supply for South Korea. The development of techniques to prevent methane emissions during drilling is one of the challenges to overcome in order to tap into this potential clean energy source of the 21st century. Methane hydrate produces only water and carbon dioxide when it burns, says Dr. Park Jang-jun, a principal research scientist at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). In that sense, it is a clean energy source, but if methane is released into the air in the process of drilling for it, it might have a tremendous influence on global warming.
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talk & talk

Dr. song Im-geun, a researcher of the Dokdo ecosystem service

interview

Dokdo Is Not Reefs But a Home

The flora of Dokdo is gradually changing

Have there been any changes in the flora of Dokdo since the first monitoring activity began? There have been no drastic changes over those four years. Dokdo was formed long ago, but only tiny parts are exposed above the sea, limiting the plants that can thrive on the island. However, we can feel gradual changes are occurring through our continued monitoring. Orobanche coerulescens Stephan, Sedum takesimenes Nakai, Campanula takesimana Nakai, and Fallopia sachalinensis are only found in certain areas on the Korean Peninsula including Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and have a high biological values. One of them, Orobanche coerulescens Stephan, which has purple flowers, is an extremely endangered species. We havent discovered any plants that are unique to Dokdo, but over time, we expect that such plants will eventually exist through evolution.

Mr. and Mrs. Kim

The environment isnt very welcoming to human beings, but the island has been inhabited for over 20 years. Lets listen to a coupleMr. Kim Seong-do and Mrs. Kim Sin-yeol, who plan to live on Dokdo until they die and be buried in the sea off Dokdo.
by Lee Jeong-eun / photographs by Lee Jun-gi

Life on Dokdo has never been easy or comfortable. The hardest moments were when they missed their children, who lived on Ulleungdo. Since the children had to go to school, they had no choice but to leave Dokdo, adds Mrs. Kim. Back then, boats didnt shuttle between Ulleungdo and Dokdo as regularly as they do now, so we met our children once or twice a month. I begged my husband to move out to Ulleungdo, but he was as steady as a rock. Now, they both married and come here with their childrenour grandchildren every summer vacation. Their health wasnt good, perhaps because of their hard lives on Dokdo. Mr. Kim had her gall bladder removed in

What are the characteristics of the flora of Dokdo? Since Dokdo is windy and dry, big plants cannot grow very well. Most of the plants on Dokdo are short. Much of the landscape is steep, so the depth of soil layers usually ranges from 5 to 10 centimeters. In addition, birds dig up the already thin layers of soil to nest or make space for breeding, which causes soil loss.

Notice A Special Exhibition, Dokdo, Korean Land, and Its Creatures The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) of the Ministry of Environment holds a special exhibition intended to promote the biodiversity of Dokdo and its academic value until September 30. Entitled Dokdo, Korean Land, and Its Creatures, the exhibition also shows the beautiful scenery of Dokdo. On display are materials about the value and biodiversity of Dokdo and photos of rare biological resources. The venue has a special exhibition hall on the first floor of the Exhibition and Education Building at the NIBR premises in Incheon. Should you have any inquiry, please visit the NIBR homepage at www.nibr.go.kr or call at 82-32590-7000.

Info The Obsolete Habitant of Dokdo Gangchi, or Sea Lion Sea lions, known as gangchi or gaji in Korean, are creatures that have inhabited Dokdo, Ulleungdo, the coastal areas of the East Sea, and the sea of Hokkaido, Japan for hundreds of years. However, beginning in 1903 the population drastically decreased due to ruthless overhunting by the Japanese, who sought out their skin. Back then their skin was used to make premium bags or bowls for tea drinking. The number of sea lions that the Japanese Takeshima Fishing and Hunting Company hunted from 1904 to 1913 surpassed 14,000. (Sea Lion Restoration Data Book of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province). Later in 1974, one sea lion was captured alive near Hokkaido, Japan, and that was the last sea lion that has been spotted since.

rainy, or snowy at least 300 days a year. To add to its hostility, it is almost always draped with sea fog. Yet, it has permanent residents, who made their home on this unwelcoming place in the East Sea in 1991. They are the only two residents of Dokdo, Mr. and Mrs. Kim. They arent the first residents of this rocky place. The late Choe Jong-deok was first. He built a house on Dokdo in 1965, frequenting it as if it had been his home to catch sea cucumbers and abalones together with female divers called haenyeo (incredibly skilled Korean traditional female divers with a long history), and eventually in 1981 he officially registered as a resident of Dokdo and lived there for 6 years. It was just after he was released from

1997, while Mrs. Kim had brain surgery his military service that Kim Seong-do first came to Dokdo in order to work with Choe in the 1970s. He was a meoguri (a Korean traditional male diver) and knew the underwater world like the back of his hand, so he managed the haenyeo. Kim Sin-yeol, a haenyeo from Jeju, the largest island of Korea, came to Ulleungdo on a business trip and met Kim Seong-do, and the rest we say is history. WISH TO LIVE ON DOKDO AND BE BURIED IN ITS SEA Choe passed away in 1987, and Mr. and Mrs. Kim moved to Dokdo, feeling responsible for safeguarding it. I laid the 998-step stairway from Mulgol (a natural pool of groundwater) to the house with these two hands of mine, let alone the wharfs and the lodgings, recalls Mr. Kim. in 1995. Even though they werent young and energetic anymore, they came back to Dokdo after they were released from the hospital. For Dokdo is their home, a sweet home to rest in. Their children suggested that they move to Ulleungdo or Pohang, a port city in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, where life is comfortable, but Mr. and Mrs. Kim say that they want to live on Dokdo until they breathe their last and be buried in the sea off Dokdo. Ulleung-gun appointed Seong-do the ijang of Dokdo, a title given to the leader of a ri-level village, in a way to declare that Dokdo belongs to Ulleung-gun, a permanent part of Korean territory. Whether they are sick or healthy, whether it is windy, rainy, snowy, or sunny, the Kims occupy Dokdo. They are residents of Dokdo.
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okdo has never been very hospitable to its human habitants. It is windy,

PEN & BRUSH

An Artist Who Talks to You Through the Character Dongguri

Painter Kwon Ki-soo

Dongguri, a character with a round face and spiky hair, is almost synonymous with the name Kwon Ki-soo. Rooted in traditional Oriental painting, his works tell stories of today and stir the emotions of audiences of different nationalities and races. Naturally enough, more than half of his works are sold overseas. His growth as an artist seems to know no limits. by Im Sang-beom / photographs by Lee Min-hee

black ink) and created half-painting, halfinstallation works for three to four years. However, Kwon felt frustrated by his own limits and wanted to go beyond the realms of Oriental painting. He felt limited in expressing the stories of today through the use of meok and desired a breakthrough. He started training himself in a manner to complete a drawing before a three-to-four-minute piece of music finishes. This training went on for two to three years. Before then Kwon thought too much and didnt know what he should do. He would only have to tell his stories through his works. Philosophy influences art, but it is not what art is all about, says Kwon. Without thinking and calculating, I simply focused on finishing a drawing before the music ended, which brought me such joy. My touches became different. Things inside me came out through the tip of the brush and meok without any conscious effort. That is how the people I drew took an

won Ki-soo majored in Oriental painting. He drew with meok (Korean traditional

increasingly abstract form. The theme Kwon primarily explores is not something very noble and grandiose, but stories about peopleincluding himself and those who are affected by him. ACCIDENTAL BUT INEVITABLE BIRTH OF DONGGURI An exhibition marked a turning point in Kwon Ki-soos career as an artist. He felt the exhibits prepared would not fit the exhibition space, so for a change, he drew on top of an exhibit. What came out of it was a very simple human form. Without thinking very much, he named it Dongguri. This is how the character Dongguri the figure in Kwon Ki-soos workscame into being in the summer of 2002. The round shape of his face came out of the fingertips of none other than Kwon, but he himself didnt expect that it would be that cute. People commented that it looked like a cartoon character or pop art. Despite such commentaries, the main theme was a clown, recalls Kwon. Before I created

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PEN & BRUSH

Dongguri, I used to draw people who were suffering from the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, more specifically how they looked from behind. They all looked like clowns dancing to the tune of big financiers and political forces. Dongguri also did many clownish things in my works, too. One day a middle school student emailed me, saying Dongguri was like his father. This encouraged me because I felt that my works communicated well with my audience. Later he graduated from his resistance against colors, which enriched his works. His works often feature a variety of objects including flowers, rainbows, and bamboo. Whenever he paints, he attempts novel combinations of objects in order to convey a new message. Dongguri signifies human beings, and the puppy symbolizes your animal companions, friends, or life partners, explains the artist. Through them, you can look at yourself objectively. The flowers are to express something beautiful and ideal. Consisting of circles and lines, my works take on geometrical forms. The rainbow is a vessel to contain fancy and ideal stories and also symbolizes a bridge leading to paradise, much like a narrow log bridge seen in an Oriental landscape painting. Oddly shaped rocks that are typically featured in Oriental paintings are expressed through the shape of cubes that are supposed to represent apartment buildings or sometimes a
1 1 Kwon Ki-soo is grinning, surrounded by Dongguri in various poses. 2 A work that is created through a modern interpretation of clay dolls (tou) from the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE 935 CE), an ancient kingdom of Korea 3 Time, which uses various colors. 2008. Acrylic on canvas. 227 cm x 540 cm 4 Balloon, an eight-meter work that was on exhibit in 2005 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Shanghai 2 3

meok. He cuts out shapes of adhesive tape with a knife, does patchwork, and also works with assistants. Although he uses contemporary techniques, it is evident that he is still deeply rooted in Oriental painting. He grew up in the analogue era, but works in the digital era. Kwon fermented this dual experience into a unique artistic sensibility. DRAWING ANOTHER FUTURE THROUGH THE PAST Kwon Ki-soos messages with an Oriental tinge have been highly acclaimed abroad, especially in Southeast Asian countries. He has held exhibitions in Jakarta, Dubai, Paris, and other cities around the world. In 2008, when Google collaborated with almost 70 leading artists from around the world to create new themes for iGoogle, Kwon was one of them. The others included the celebrated American pop artist Jeff Koons and such prestigious fashion brand names such as Dolce & Gabbana. Kwon states that through this experience, he felt honored and was able to find an answer to how an artist from the Far East could have such global appeal. Three large works he created using lenticular printing were on display at the special exhibition Future Passfrom Asia to the World at the

54th Venice Biennale 2011. Following its debut at the 54th International Art Exhibition in Venice, Future Pass has been travelling to cities all around the world including an exhibition in Taiwan from May to July. The next stop for Future Pass will be Beijing in October 2012. Besides Future Pass, Kwons schedule for the second half of this year is already packed, starting with an exhibition that marks the 20th anniversary of the Gwangju Museum of Art, followed by an exhibition at the Whanki Museum in downtown Seoul and another one in Taiwan. Nowadays, Kwon explores new themes. Last year he looked back on his life and works through the theme of reflection, frequently featuring images reflected in water. This year he attempts to use new techniques to show how his works are createdor where they came from. With these new techniques, he will show his past and build a new future on where he stands today. It is us, his audience, who awaits the future he will draw out.
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digitized world. Multiple Dongguri in a bamboo forest are parallel to Zh lnQiXin(the so-called Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove who turned their back on the corrupt political machine in the third century of China). Dongguri lying on a cube leisurely looking down at the water is a representation of the painting Gosagwansudo: A Seonbi Overlooking Water by Kang Hui-an, a Korean painter from the 15th century. Now Kwon uses more than just brushes and

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PEOPLE

uisine says a lot about a country. It encapsulates every aspect of the

Youve been engaged in a variety of activities to globalize Hansik. For example, you threw a Hansik banquet in Los Angeles earlier this year. How was it received? The globalization of Hansik is about applying science to Korean cuisine. In order to serve it on dinner tables around the world in a more attractive and beneficial fashion, Hansik also incorporates Koreas economic, social, cultural, and political elements. I have held many events to raise the worlds awareness of the benefits of Hansik. I held the first Beautiful Korean Dinner Tables exhibition in 1998 and have since held five more. I threw a Hansik banquet in Napa Valley, California in 2007 for 60 diners, and another Hansik dinner party in Los Angeles this year. I have invited people from various fields to Hansik dinners at my house in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul quite regularly for more than six years. All these dinners are intended to help opinion leaders in different fields and the general public better understand Hansik and learn about Koreas beautiful culture. I felt extremely rewarded when I saw both Korean-American and foreign gourmets taste and praise Hansik during the dinner party in Los Angeles earlier this year. After all, food is first experienced, communicated, and shared, and then spread throughout society. Once a society-wide understanding about a certain food is forged, experts use their imaginations and creativity to develop new food, ceramics, liquor, craftwork, and accordingly interior designs. Thus, a whole new culture surrounding cuisine is established. You always emphasize that food is culture. What do you mean by that? Culture of a society is clothing, food, and housing that the members of the society enjoy and use. These three elements tell much about a community or a nation, and showcase the nations culture and intangible assets. So-called cuisine culture is about more than food, but table etiquette, tableware (ceramics, craftwork, and other artistic items), and interior design and

architecture that create a space and atmosphere for dining. Food is more than just a meal to fill your hunger, but a product of cultural and economic activities that satisfy your five senses. In other words, a culture in the 21st century is an economy. What is your favorite Hansik dish? Kimchi jjigae. From time to time, I buy jokbal (pig feet) to make kimchi jjigae my own way. I also occasionally make jeon (Korean pancake) with pork, kimchi, and a bit of cheese. Throughout the interview, Cho emphasizes that food is a culture and an economy. He expects the global food service market to reach KRW 5,000 trillion by 2030. He believes if Korea reinterprets and recreates its 5,000year history and tradition, it will be competitive in the market. He believes that if Hanok (Joseon-style Korean housing), and traditional Korean interior design, costumes, ceramics, craftwork, foods, and liquor are recreated for the 21st century with the assistance of world-renowned experts, it will make an excellent cultural set. Cho also expects and is convinced that the day will come when people around the world will enjoy Hansik in their everyday lives. We look forward to his next creative step to enriching Hansik culture following the steps he has already taken from tableware to food to liquor.
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countrys life style and culture and enriches its culture in every respect. Metaphorically speaking, Hansik is a vessel of Korean culture, and Koreans should be proud of it. Cho Tae-kwon, chairman of GwangJuYo, lavishes in praise of Hansik. GwangJuYo is a maker of premium ceramic tableware. The companys roots are in Gwangju Gwanyo, which made ceramics for the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty (1932-1910). GwangJuYo adds to the dignity of the Hansik dining table by offering classy tableware with a royal touch. What motivated you to help globalize Hansik? Ceramics have been my family business for generations. When I inherited it, I suddenly felt a tremendous sense of responsibility and gained a new perspective as a producer of cultural products. I became interested in the cultural value of ceramics, and began to see a bigger picture, which encompasses ceramics, food, liquor, and ultimately cuisine. A range of everyday items associated with cuisine came into the big picture. I knew that all of them would help make Korea better known worldwide. This prompted me to take the lead in the globalization of Hansik. How is Hansik good? How is it different? Hansik requires high-quality ingredients seasonally acquired not only from fields but also from the mountains, rivers, and seas of Korea. This is very much a result of Koreas four distinct seasons and its extremely varied topography of fields, mountains, rivers, and the sea. Hansik is unlike any other cuisine in that it includes numerous different fermented foods, which Alvin Toffler, a renowned writer and futurist, reportedly dubbed the flavor of the future. I also think Hansik is generally very healthy: many dishes are actually slow foods, which people all around the globe increasingly

Hansik Benefits from Global Interest in Slow and Fermented Foods

Cho Tae-kwon, PromoTer of hansik

by Kim Min-seon / photographs provided by GwangJuYo

2 1 Cho Tae-kwon is taking the lead in the globalization of Hansik with Korean traditional ceramic tableware. 2 Korean cuisine cultures include the importance of etiquette and proprieties.

Cho Tae-kwon is so proud of Hansik, or Korean food, and for good reason. Chairman Cho of GwangJuYo is convinced that Hansik is healthy for everyone around the world, and the timing could not be any better than now since the world is becoming aware of the value of slow and fermented food.

demand.

16 korea july 2012

GREAT KOREAN

The King Who Ruled the Vastest Territory

founded in 371 by King Sosurim, the 17th king of Goguryeo. RECONQUERING TERRITORY Gwanggaeto the Great prepared step by step to reclaim swathes of land lost under preceding kings to enemies. The year following his ascension, this valiant and shrewd king fixed his eyes on the Baekje Kingdom. His attack was a resounding success, and he then turned his eyes to Silla and infiltrators from Japan. He also moved troops to central Manchuria to strike and conquer the Khitan tribes that had crossed the northern border of Goguryeo and afflicted loss of life and misery on Goguryeo civilians. When Gwanggaeto the Great went southward to protect Silla from Baekje raids, the Later Yan Kingdom in China attacked Goguryeo with a force of 30,000 troops. The two fortresses of Sinseong and Namsoseong fell into Yan hands, and tens of thousands of Goguryeo people were taken as captives. Gwanggaeto the Great lost no time recapturing both fortresses and went further to recapture Liaodong. The Liaodong Peninsula had been conquered by his father but was later lost to Murong Chui, the founding emperor of Later Yan. As a child, Gwanggaeto the Great would gaze over the vast area of land that had been lost, and as king, he reincorporated it into Goguryeo. With one victory after another through all these campaigns, the realm of Goguryeo eventually reached west of the Liaohe River in China and the Nakdonggang River and Joryeong to the south, where the kingdom bordered the Silla Kingdom. Dongbuyeo (86 BCE 410 CE, an ancient Korean kingdom) and parts of the Russian Maritime province also fell under the control of Goguryeo. His glory did not last long. His health deteriorated, possibly because of the extreme
In cooperation with Guri City Hall

STElE TO GWaNGGaETO ERECTEd IN HIS MEMORY His feats are inscribed on the Gwanggaeto Stele, a monument erected in 414 by his son, King Jangsu, in what is Jian, Jilin Province, China today. This is where Crown Prince Damdeok was coronated. The stele is 6.39 meters tall, roughly the height of a three-story building. It is the largest stele in Korean history, which itself gives us some insight into the culture of Goguryeo. The inscriptions on the Gwanggaeto Stele state that Gwanggaeto the Great captured 64 fortresses and 1,400 villages, and the stele gives us significant information on the relations between Koreas Three Kingdoms. A total of 1,755 characters are inscribed in 44 lines. About 140 of the characters are now illegible. About 200 meters from the stele is the tomb of Gwanggaeto the Great, and in its vicinity are many other tombs of Goguryeo. On the walls of the tombs are murals that tell us much about the lives of the Goguryeo people. One of the tombs is called Muyongchong (Tomb of Dancers). Inside is a mural called Muyongchong Suryeopdo (Painting of Hunting Scenes). It depicts Goguryeo people hunting with vivid dynamism. Any one of the hunters shown must have been much like Gwanggaeto the Great riding a horse over a vast field.
1 The statue of Gwanggaeto the Great in Guri City of the province of Gyeonggi-do 2 The stele of Gwanggaeto the Great in Jian, Jilin Province

GwanGGaeto the Great

Gwanggaeto the Great expanded the Goguryeo Kingdom deep into Asia. Never before nor since had the Korean nation controlled such a vast territory. Lets turn the clock back more than 1,600 years to witness the adventurous and progressive spirit of Gwanggaeto the Great, dubbed Koreas Napoleon. by Kim Min-seon

territory in Korean history. He was born in 374 to a prince of Goguryeo who reigned from 384 to 391 as the kingdoms 18th monarch and was posthumously titled King Gogugyang. Goguryeo was an ancient Korean kingdom (37 BCE 668 CE) founded by Jumong, a prince from Buyeo. It was the first of the three kingdoms that thrived during the Three Kingdoms Period of Korea, the other two being Baekje and Silla. Goguryeo occupied the rugged mountainous northern part of the peninsula and much of what is Manchuria today. While Gwanggaeto the Great was crown prince, he travelled extensively throughout Goguryeo. He declared, Before I become king, I will look around the territory. I will not only observe how my people live, but focus on the kingdoms geography in order to be ready for enemy attacks. Upon ascending the throne as the 19th monarch of Goguryeo in 391, he named the era of his reign Yeongnak, which means everlasting joy. Goguryeo had previously used Chinas era name, and his own designation of an era name was a clear declaration to the world that Goguryeo was an independent kingdom free from Chinese interference. He then instituted policies that specifically benefited the people and sternly punished officials and influential figures who committed irregularities. He also showed keen interest in education. To educate the best and brightest young people of the kingdom, he improved Taehak, which
1

o introduction to Gwanggaeto the Great fails to note that the king ruled the vastest

rigors of his many campaigns. He died an untimely death of an unknown illness in 413, the 23rd year of his reign. He was posthumously granted the title Gwanggaeto the Great, which literally means The Great King of Vast Territory Expansion.
2

was Koreas first-ever public education system

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19

SEOUL

he National Library of Korea is the countrys largest library, housing a rich depository

of books and historical publications. From old and rare books and documents, including those that are designated as National Treasures, to documents and records on North Korea, the extensive library serves as the countrys treasure house of records and literature. The library adds more than 500,000 new items to its collections every year. In 2009, the National Digital Library was built right next to the main building of the library. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the digital library provides digital and multimedia services. Visitors with library cards are free to use the computers and digital meeting rooms found all over the three floors of the library or visit the Multimedia Zone to see the latest inhouse movie. The Creative Zone houses the UCC Studio, Video/Audio Studio, and the Digital Editing Zone with all the equipment and space necessary to record and produce video and audio materials. NAMSAN PUBLIC LIBRARY The area of Namsan is popular among tourists and foreigners for its various attractions and places to see. Located in the center of downtown Seoul, Namsan is very accessible from Itaewon, Namdaemun Market, and Myeong-dong. Attractions such as N Seoul Tower, Namsan Park, and the Namsan Cable Car are frequented by locals and foreigners alike. Many foreign embassies and residences are also situated in the slopes of Namsan. The locational advantage and nearby attractions of Namsan Public

1 1 Visitors are free to use the computers with Internet access in the Digital Library. 2 The Digital Library seen from the main road.

Library make it the most popular library among foreigners living in Korea. Foreigners residing in the area are regular visitors to the library. To better accommodate its foreign readers, the library provides access to over 67,000 Asian books (mostly Chinese and Japanese) and 13,000 English books. The Multicultural Corner is also found on the fourth floor, in which shelves are packed with English books and materials about Korea and learning Korean.

Libraries in seouL
More Than Just Books
There are over 100 public libraries throughout the greater Seoul area, all of which are open to foreigners residing in the city. A summer day spent at these libraries will give you more than just books but also hidden treasures of fun.
by Chung Da-young / photographs by Kang Min-gu
20 korea july 2012

The Squirrel Library is another facility that

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SEOUL

readers love to visit. It is an outdoor mini library setup where readers can enjoy a good book and nature while squirrels scurry up and down the thick tree trunks. JEONGDOK PUBLIC LIBRARY The quaint and trendy area of Hwa-dong, east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, buzzes with tourists and young people all day long. The small cafs, womens shoe shops, and boutiques are just a few of the things that attract thousands of people every week, but there is another place in this trendsetting area that cannot be missed. Jeongdok Public Library is a hidden jewel in Hwa-dong, offering more than just shelves full of books. The library, almost obscured from the main road, is high up on a hillside next to a small alley leading to the main shopping area of Hwa-dong. The library has an old educational historical background as it was the original grounds for Gyeonggi High School, the first high school in Korea, which was founded by an order of Emperor Gojong in 1900. In 1977, the library was built over the high school. Jeongdok Public Library houses over 500,000 books, local historical documents, and more than 10,000 foreign books. The library is more popularly visited by locals for its quiet study halls and peaceful reading area surrounding the fountain on the library lawn. In the summer, the library grounds are green with lush trees and plants including a 300-year-old locust tree. A relaxing, quiet hour spent reading at the library followed by a delicious dinner in
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a Day at the nationaL Library of Korea

Lena arrived in Korea with her husband Brian last August. She has explored many popular attractions and areas in Seoul, but she had not yet visited the National Library of Korea. Here is a glimpse into Lenas first day at the library.

Lena sigs up for a library card on the first floor of the main building. Good thing she didnt forget to bring her passport!

S h e s e a r c h e s f o r b o ok s using a computer. Then she goes to the pickup desk where the books she has chosen are already wait i ng for her to be checked out just like magic.

Lena is informed that any visitor is free to look at old and rare books on the sixth floor. Intrigued, she goes up to the sixth floor for a rare opportunity to take photos of manuscripts from rare books of the Joseon Dynasty.

Com i ng dow n st a i rs, she drops by the Map Room on the fifth floor. Voila! Her eyes roam over atlases and maps of every corner of the world.

Walking out from the main building, Lena spots a new bu i ld i ng n a me d D ig it a l Library. She tries the IPTV Zone i n side, a n area for watching Internet television and visual material.

It daw n s on her t hat she ne eds to c he c k a n ema i l from her mother who is back home. She uses a computer in the lobby of the Digital Library. Her library card is the only thing required for Internet access.

Samcheong-dong will make a perfect Saturday afternoon.

1 There are over 270,000 old and rare books at the National Library available to the public. 2 The Namsan Public Library is the perfect place to enjoy a good read in the open air. 3 The Jeongdok Public Library at Hwa-dong, Seoul.

S h e w a n t s t o c e l e b r at e her first visit to her host countrys national library, so she goes to the Library Gift Shop. It is a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts with traditional and modern Korean designs.

8
Feeling accomplished, Lena sits down at the Book Caf with the books she checked out. She opens one of the books while sipping a glass of ice coffee. What a cool way to end a day at this wonderful library!

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travel

An Island of Mysterious Beauty

UlleUngdo
by Lee Jeong-eun /photographs by Moon Duk-gwan

Ulleungdo is a volcanic island located to the east of the Korean Peninsula. Enshrined in lush primeval forests and armed with perilously sheer cliffs, the island doesnt grant outsiders easy access. Lets travel to this island of mysterious beauty that sits in the transparent, emerald-green waters of the East Sea.

he name Ulleungdo means hill-like island with dense primeval forests. The prospect

village famous for its dried squid), and Cheonbu Maeul (the most remote village of Ulleungdo). From May to June, the island generously grants easier access to outsiders and you will spot more tourists than residents on the island. There are two primary ways to enjoy the island. You may want to travel along the seashore or climb Seonginbong (Holy Hill), a peak more than 984 meters (approx. 3,230 feet) above sea level. CLEAR, EMERALD-GREEN SEA Lets first stroll along the coastline. One of the best seashore walking trails stretches from Dodonghang to Chotdae Bawi (Candlestick Rock) in Jeodong. The trail bends along the meandering rocky coastline with cliffs of bizarre shapes and natural caves. When a series of volcanic eruptions created the island Ulleungdo, they carved out wonderful shapes on the rocks. Amazed, exclamations come out of your mouth that cannot be held in. You wade into the crystal-clear seawater and enjoy the waves as they splash against your calves. Before you reach Chotdae Bawi, you will come to Dodong Lighthouse. If you are tired, you can end your walk here. Once you are back at your lodging, you will find that two hours have flown by. Another beautiful seashore trail leads you to the Naesujeon
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of a trip to Ulleungdo can make your heart flutter not only because of its matchless beauty but also because of its arrogant inaccessibility. Weather permitting, you can set foot on the island within three hours after your departure by ship, but due to strong winds and heavy waves, there are many days in which not even a single ship to Ulleungdo will heave up anchor and leave dock. Soon after embarking on a boat heading to Ulleungdo, the flutter that started in your heart goes down to your guts. Even if the boat is a large high-speed ferry, it navigates no better than a tiny leaf on the high waves. Overcome by seasickness, you become oblivious to the expectations you had. However, the moment you set foot on the island, your heart once again flutters. Wherever your eyes fall there is breathtaking scenerythe turquoise sea, thick forests, and rocks of all sorts of odd shapes and sizes. You soon convince yourself that there must be nothing like them anywhere else. Besides the main island, Ulleungdo has 44 islands and islets, and is inhabited by some 10,000 residents. They mostly live in Dodonghang (the largest port of Ulleungdo), Jeodonghang (a multipurpose port with

a range of facilities), Taeha Maeul (a small fishing

24 korea july 2012

construction for the past 50 years, and roughly 4.4 kilometers are left to be paved yet. SEONGINBONG COVERED IN PRIMEVAL FORESTS The various treks leading to Seonginbong (984 m) are all narrow cuts through thick natural forests preserved from ancient days. When Lonely Planet, the worlds largest publisher of travel guide books, dubbed Ulleungdo one of the worlds best kept secret islands in 2011, it mentioned Seonginbong in its short introduction of the island. Walking a steep hillside for more than two hours, you are then greeted by a thick virgin forest filled with camellia, silver magnolia, hemlock spruce, island linden, and mountain ash trees. The closer you get to the summit, the more Korean beech trees there are, which grow
1

Linn), bujikkaengi namul (Erysimum aurantiacum Maxim), osmund, and goatsbeard. In particular, myeongi namul (an herb that helps sustain life during elderly years) grows through piles of snow in early spring. DOKDO MUSEUM
4 1 Various ferns form a colony and homlock spruces, beechtrees, and rowan trees grow around Seonginbong. 2 Scenery of Dodong, on the way to Seonginbong. 3 Bongnae Falls is a source of drinking water for Ulleungdo. 4 Squid fishing boats are anchored at the dock.

Dodong is the most bustling area of Ulleungdo. More than half of the population lives here, and its narrow alleys are lined with restaurants and lodgings. A port and public offices are also found in this area. It is also in Dodong where the Dokdo Museum is located. The museum exhibits historical materials that support Koreas claim that Dokdo, also known as the Liancourt Rocks, is part of Korean territory. Items here also show the lifestyle and natural environment of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Next to the museum is a cable car railway that carries people to the peak, Manghyangbong (Peak of Nostalgia). If the weather is good, you will be able to see Dokdo (which is just 87.4 kilometers away) with your naked eye.

exclusively on Ulleungdo. Coming down from the peak toward the north, you reach Nari Bunji, a basin that is the only flatland on Ulleungdo. Having been born as a volcanic island, Ulleungdo experienced two major volcanic eruptions. The crater from the first eruption, Nari Bunji, is unlike typical craters as it holds no water. Covered with volcanic ash, Nari Bunji is unable to retain enough moisture in its soil for farming. In addition, it is covered with up to three meters of snow during winter, which does not start thawing until April. This harsh natural environment gave rise to unique housing styles such as tumak jip and neowa jip, which are made of log walls surrounded by ground-toeave outer walls of cornstalks or silver grass. Despite this unwelcoming natural environment, 16 households still inhabit Nari Bunji, and many of them rent out rooms or run restaurants as the number of tourists that visit the basin is steadily increasing. One of the nicknames of Ulleungdo is the heaven of herbs and wild greens. All greens that sprout from the earth in the mountains and fields of Ulleungdo are edible, some of which are even medicinal herbs. Famous among them are myeongi namul (Allium victorialis

Sunrise Observatory from where you can see Jukdo (the largest island belonging to Ulleunggun behind Ulleungdo) and its picturesque surroundings unfolding before your eyes. Driving along the coastal road is an excellent way to look around the entire island. The coastal ring road starts at Waoksa in Sadong. From the car window, you can gaze upon the pebbly seashore and the clear seawater through which you can even see the dancing seaweed underwater. Along the road are beautiful rocks with interesting namesGeobuk Bawi (Turtle Rock), Tugu Bong (Helmet Peak), and Saja Bawi (Lion Rock).

Pull your car over at Taehahang (Taeha Port) where there is a monorail that will bring you up to a natural forest of cedars. When ascending to the top of the mountain, oddly shaped rocks and green cedar woods come into view, and when descending, your eyes will take in the magnificent sea west of Ulleungdo. Lets drive further clockwise. A 452-meter-high, pointy peak called Songgotbong (Awl Peak) that extrudes from Seonginbong (Holy Hill) grabs your attention, followed by Gwaneumdo (an island belonging to Ulleungdo with a pair of twin natural caves), Samseonam (Three Angel Rocks), and Gongam (Elephant scenic views of Ulleungdo. At some point you have to turn your car
2 3

travel information
what to eat Once you are on Ulleungdo, dont miss the opportunity to eat honghap bap (seasoned rice with mussels), myeongi namul, and yakso bulgogi made from cattle that feed on herbs and wild greens including bujikkaengi namul (Erysimum aurantiacum Maxim) and kudzu (wild arrowroot). Yakso is less fatty and more delicious than regular beef. Honghap bap is a sort of special flavor bibimbap in which rice is cooked with mussels and then mixed with soy sauce and sesame oil. Myeongi namul is often pickled in soy sauce and has a sweet and sour, and bitter taste. However, do take caution as pickled myeongi namul will stimulate your appetite so much that you will end up eating much more than a normal portion of rice. how to get there Ship Weather permitting, high-speed ferries depart from Gangneung, Mukho, and Pohang once a day during the weekdays and twice a day on the weekends. Travel time is roughly two and a half to three hours.

Gangneung

Seoul

Mukho

Rock), which are called the three mysterious

Pohang

around. The coastal ring road has been under

26 korea july 2012

27

now in korea

At the same time, the government has plans to raise electricity charges. The state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), provider of 90% of the nations electricity, has recently called for a hike in electricity prices citing the current low price as the main source of its widening deficit. Experts expect higher electricity charges will curb the demand for electricity. Cool-Biz CAmpAign In line with the temperature ban, government agencies and private firms have started to adopt the Cool-Biz campaign. A compound of cool and business, Cool-Biz refers to an energy conservation initiative launched in Japan in 2004 that advised workers to dress lightly and casually rather than in heavy suits or formal clothing to enable air conditioners to be turned
1

change for the company since its establishment in 1987. Financial institutions including Samsung Securities, Woori Securities, and Daishin Securities also allow a no-tie, no-jacket dress code for their employees until September. This is an exceptional case for Daishin Securities which was known to have a strict formal dress code, checking employees attires before and after work hours. lEAding To A ChAngE in dAily livEs The governments energy conservation efforts have started to have an impact on citizens as well. Realizing the importance of energy consumption, consumers have started to show interest in power-efficient electronic goods. Customers always ask about the power efficiency when looking at electronic goods these days. They are more cautious about energy consumption than before, says Lee Sung-bum, the store manager of an electronic goods store in Heukseok-dong. The government hopes the energy conservation campaign will not be a one-off compulsory event, but one that will lead to a fundamental change in the nations power consumption habits.
1 A staff member of Lotte Mart, a large supermarket in Korea, checks the indoor temperature of the store. 2 Light clothing of Coolmaepsi campaign reduces the sensible temperature by 2, and it causes decreasing the annual use of air conditioner. It can cut down 1.97 million tons of CO2 emission. 3 Fans are used at public offices to stay cool and save energy. 2

down. Koreas Ministry of Environment launched a similar campaign in 2009 under the name Coolmaepsi, a combination of cool and the Korean word maepsi meaning style. From June to August, public servants of the Seoul Metropolitan Government will have the option of wearing shorts and sandals to City Hall. The customer and client-facing departments, however, are encouraged to dress formally. Suwon City Government will participate in the Cool-Biz movement by wearing T-shirts to the office. High-ranking bureaucrats are also taking part in the Cool-Biz movement. On June 12,

The Battle Against Electricity

The unprecedented blackout in mid-September 2011 amid an unseasonable heatwave affected over 2 million households and businesses, stranding people in elevators, causing traffic accidents at intersections, and disrupting factory operations. In fear of another electricity shortage, the Korean government and companies have stepped in to combat excessive electricity consumption before the peak summer season.
by Julianna Chung

to approximately six months, from early May to mid October. Tropical night weather of over 25C is no longer a surprise. As a result, the countrys reliance on air conditioning in the summer is extraordinary. As a country solely dependent on imported oil, the government has put forth measures to prevent another nationwide blackout before one of the hottest summer seasons expected in recent years. 26 And 28 dEgrEEs CElsius One of the energy-saving measures set forth by the government is enduring indoor
28 korea july 2012

orea is no exception to global warming. The summer season has recently expanded

temperatures above 26C in large private buildings and above 28C in public offices between June and September. Private buildings using more than 100 kilowatts of electricity per hour are subject to the temperature limit as well as businesses that use more than 2,000 tons of oil equivalent (TOE) of energy per year.
In cooperation with Minstry of Environment

President Lee Myung-bak and ministers attended a Cabinet meeting in short sleeves in an effort to save energy. Companies are no exception. KT&G, Koreas largest cigarette maker, has liberalized workplace dress codes by permitting employees to wear shorts and sandals. This is the first dress code policy

Violators will be subject to a fine of up to 3 million won. Department stores, franchise coffee shops, clothing stores, cosmetics shops, banks, and insurance company branches that turn on air conditioners with their doors open will also be subject to a fine. The names of public offices and departments that do not observe the rule will be made public.

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festival

folk song that embodies the sorrows and happiness of the Korean people. The song originated from the countryside of the province of Gangwon-do, where villagers sang while cutting trees, planting rice, weeding dry fields, or simply for entertainment. The song reflected the personal lives and emotions of the people and played an instrumental role in overcoming the harshness of reality while acting as a media tool for the lower classes. In the end of the 19th century, Arirang became popular throughout the country, resulting in the formation of many regional variations. THE FESTIVAL Often played at international sports competitions, the song inspires patriotism among athletes and Korean residents abroad. While it is a song that every Korean is familiar with, Arirang is often considered a somber old folk song. In an effort to position it as a friendly song to all generations and raise the national and international awareness of Arirang, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted a one-ofa-kind festival: the 2012 Arirang Festival The
1

rirang, the song that resonates in the heart of every Korean, is a Korean traditional

provided people the opportunity to touch, feel, and experience Arirang. THE CONCERTS Two concerts were featured at the Festival: Smiling Arirang on June 16 and Sharing Arirang on June 17. The former concert, one of the highlights of the festival, reinterpreted the traditional folk song in a faster and more cheerful version through collaborations with K-pop artists. Children and adults from all generations enjoyed the concert with enthusiasm as K-pop idol groups Sistar and Teen Top, R&B diva Insooni, a capella group Sweet Sorrow, and choreography team Nana School who work with Girls Generation, IU, and Rain each performed a modern interpretation of Arirang. Park Soon-hye, who attended the concert with her 12 and ten-year-old daughters, was

Arirang. The three-day free event held at the National Museum of Korea from June 15 to 17,
2

A new interpretation

The ArirAng
by Julianna Chung / photographs by Moon Duk-gwan

2012 Arirang Festival

In cooperation with 2012 ARIRANG FESTIVAL

1 Koreas R&B diva Insooni sings Arirang with the audience. 2 K-pop girl group Sistar sings a modern interpretation 3 K-pop idol group Teen Top performs at the Smiling Arirang concert.

Arirang, the unofficial second national anthem of Korea and the song that resonates in the heart of every Korean, was given the spotlight at the 2012 Arirang Festival, The Arirang. From the origins to the modern interpretation, Koreans are rediscovering the Korean traditional folk treasure.

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festival

performance Go! Go! Arirang! was run twice at the festival. Theater group Kkocdusoeh dynamically introduced local variations of Arirang through masquerade dances, folk dances, and pungmul (instruments for Korean traditional percussion music) performances. Arirang is a song my grandmother likes and I always heard her hum it alone, but I can sing with her now! says Kim Sojin coming out of the theater. Young participants also had the chance to experience and play with Arirang at 12 booths prepared in front of the museum. The booths included Singing the various Arirang beats, Arirang puzzle booth, Tasting Korean traditional food, and Arirang Singing Competition. Through these hands-on activities, children and adults alike had the chance to learn about Arirang and embrace the national treasure as their own. AN ACAdEmIC REVIEW
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Interview

Oh Jung Hae

Pansori Singer and Actress

Pansori (a genre of Gugak) singer and actress Oh Jung Hae hosted the Smiling Arirang concert. Oh is most famous for her performance in director Im Kwon-taeks 1993 Pansorithemed movie Seopyeonje. In an interview with KOREA, Oh expressed her passion for Arirang.

WHAT dId yOu THINk AbOuT THE SmILINg ARIRANg CONCERT? I think its wonderful to have a concert like this but it also feels like the festivities around Arirang started too late in Korea. As Arirang is a song that runs in the blood of every Korean, we must have more concerts and festivals like this to share and embrace our traditional music with all generations and the international community. HOW dO yOu FEEL AbOuT THE mOdERN REINTERpRETATIONS OF ARIRANg? It is a natural outcome. As time changes, different singing methods, lyrics, and tempos are requested by the public. As you can see in todays concert, Arirang is no longer old traditional folk music but something that is one with hip-hop and contemporary music. We must continue to showcase this side of Arirang to the public. WHAT dOES ARIRANg mEAN TO OH JuNg HAE? Arirang is like the nametag of Korea. When one tries to introduce Korea to foreigners, there is a limit to how much can be expressed in words or text. The folk song Arirang, however, delicately displays the history, thoughts and daily sentiment of the people in all regions very easily. HOW WOuLd yOu INTROduCE ARIRANg TO FOREIgNERS? I would just let them hear the music. Instead of trying to translate, explain, and convey the meaning of the song, I would let them listen and feel the history of Korea to let the song move them itself. Once they ask questions after listening to the song, I would give them explanations about the history and meaning of Arirang.
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A symposium was also held under the theme Arirang in Culture, Arirang in the World, in which 24 speakers presented on the origins and diffusion of Arirang, Arirang in contemporary literature, comparative studies on foreign folk songs and Arirang, and Arirang in Korean pop culture. The symposium provided an opportunity for scholars and the mass public alike to speculate on the future path of the song.
participants story tristan Geiller from france (23)
Tristan, who has been living in Korea for one year, found out about the Arirang Festival through a friend. Participating in the Arirang Singing Competition, he won the Popularity Award by singing his favorite Korean song Good Day by IU. I chose this song because it is the easiest K-pop song for me. I am going to practice more and participate in the competition again next year!

1 Theater group Kkocdusoeh performs at the childrens theatrical performance Go! Go! Arirang! 2 Gugak (Korean traditional music) performer Lee Choonhee performs with her young disciple at Smiling Arirang. 3 Children enjoy the handson activity booths prepared in front of the museum.

extremely pleased with the concert. It is great to see my kids listen to Gugak. They are only interested in K-pop, but since their favorite K-pop singer is singing Arirang, I am sure they will become interested in it now. The latter concert focused on the themes of tradition, family, and Asia. Traditional musicians including the triplet group IS (Infinity of Sound) and the Millennium Symphony Orchestra played different regional arrangements of Arirang, such as Jeongseon Arirang from the province of Gangwon-do, Jindo Arirang from the province of Jeollanam-do, and Miryang Arirang from the province of Gyeongsangnamdo. The Asian Music Ensembles performance of Arirang with traditional musical instruments from Vietnam and Mongolia was indeed a unique experience for the audience. ACTIVITIES FOR CHILdREN For children to become more familiar with Arirang and its legacies, the theatrical
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32 korea july 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

1 King Kelly by the American film producer, Andrew Neel, will be featured at the Puchon Choice section. 2 Spellbound by Hwang Inho, will be featured at the World Fantastic Cinema section. 3 Horror Stories is the opening film for this years PiFan festival.

as smartphones have been submitted. Most of these films have imaginative storylines of the kind that are rare in commercial films. The producer in charge of the initial screening, Han Sun-hee, stated, We selected films that have fantasy and imaginative storylines aligned with the festivals message. They all clearly depict human nature. The 36 short films will be shown in the Fantastic Short Films and Puchon Choice section. These films will compete for USD 13,000 in cash prizes for the four awards of the Puchon Choice section. At last years PiFan festival, Dead on Time by Greek film director Kostas Skiftas The festival has garnered increasing support over the years from fans and cinema gurus alike. PiFan earned its reputation as the most dynamic and energetic film festival in Asia. The festival also closely collaborates with the Yubari Fantastic Film Festival in Japan and the European Fantastic Film Federation for cinematic projects, and now has a major presence in the world of cinema as the biggest gala of Asian genre films. From July 19 to 29, the 16th edition of PiFan will showcase more than 210 films from 40 countries. For the Korean short film section, 630 short films were submitted for initial screening. The competition was tough and the review was rigorous. Ultimately, 38 films made the cut and were selected for the festival. This year, interesting films created with new media such SPOTLIGHT ON INDONESIAN FILMS The Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) will also be held during the festival. NAFF is a genre project market that was established as part of PiFan to promote and support Asian genre films in such respects as film development, coproduction, financing, and post-production. NAFF 2012 is celebrating its 5th anniversary from July 22 to 25 at the PiFan venues. This year, NAFF will showcase Indonesian films in its Project Spotlight: Indonesian Selections. The films include won the prize for Best Short Film and The Adults Flesh by Jeong Ki-jeong won for the Best Korean Short Film.

Curious Grandma: The Murder of Annet Van Houten by Lucky Kuswandi, vampire love story Blue Blood by Billy Christian, and Paul Agustas Beautiful Beast, inspired by a classical Indonesian horror film. The selection conveys not only a faithful genre convention, but also characteristic features based on deeply rooted Indonesian traditions, said NAFF organizers. Previous NAFF Project Spotlights have focused on the films of China (2008), Singapore (2009), Taiwan (2010), and Japan (2011). Come to the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival this month and enjoy a wide range of films. The horror films and dream-like stories will send chills up and down your spine and tickle your imagination, a great way to forget the summer heat.
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Fantastic Films at

Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival

The 16th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival is ready to shock audiences with fantastic blood-curdling films by international filmmakers.
by Chung Da-young / photographs provided by PiFan

he Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) began in 1997 in Bucheon,

PiFan InFormatIon
Date July 19 - 29 Place Korea Manhwa Contents Agency, Bucheon Tickets Tickets for the opening and closing features and regular features can be purchased online at www.pifan.com. How to get there Subway Get off at Songnae Station, Seoul Subway Line 1. Exit towards the North Square and take Bus 37 or 87. Get off at the Korea Manhwa Museum. Bus From Seoul Station Bus 1200; From Yeongdeungpo Station Bus 905

a metropolitan city in the province of Gyeonggido. Ensconced between Incheon and Seoul, the city receives heavy business and government support for filmmaking and the visual arts. The city gradually became a mecca of South Korean visual arts including animation, games, and films. The PiFan festival committee chose this city in 1997 to feature a specific genre of films full of fresh new creativity and imagination and to address topics that are too unique or risqu for mainstream cinema. Since then, the festival has showcased hundreds of new South Korean and international horror, thriller, mystery, and fantasy films, with a particular focus on East Asian and Southeast Asian cinema.

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sports

Olympic event) at the 2008 Olympics. So, it isnt too ambitious of a goal to win at least ten gold medals and rank 10th or higher at the London Olympics this summer. Experts predict that the goal could be achieved with a big margin. S. KOREA TARGETS TEN GOLD MEDALS TO LAND IN TOP TEN South Korea plans to send more than 260 athletes to compete in 26 sports at the London Olympics this summer. The
1 2

want gold, but its not my goal. What I want is a world record. The Korean Olympic Committee and the Taereung Training Center are almost done with their preparation for the London Olympics. The strategies they have used are to select sports that South Korean athletes can perform well in, focus on them, resort to science in planning the training regimes, operate training camps in London, and create a stable training environment. The number of training days the national team members spent at the Taereung Training Center and the Jincheon Training Center were increased from 210 to 240, and more trainers have been provided. Overseas and customized special training has been offered, as well. The Korean Olympic Committee aims for 10 place with at least ten gold medals, says
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Korean Olympic Committee expects at least two gold medals in each of the events of archery, taekwondo, and judoin which the country

30 Days to Go

has been strongand at least one in each of the events of swimming, badminton, gymnastics, shooting, fencing, and wrestling. There are athletes that hope to continue their gold medal streak following their success at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, such as Park Tae-hwan (a swimmer who won gold in the 400-meter freestyle), Lee Yong-dae (a badminton player who won gold in mixed doubles), and Jang Miran (a weightlifter who won gold in the +75

Readying for the London Olympics

The 30th Summer Olympics in London is only a month away. South Korea aims to win ten gold medals and rank at least tenth, as it did at the preceding two Summer Olympic events. Korea is ready to start. by Kim Min-seon

3 1 Park Tae-hwan swimming mightily towards his second Olympic medal 2 South Korean athletes cheer for victory at the Olympic inaugural ceremony. 2 Shooter Jin Jong-oh in the mens 10 m air pistol competition is strongly expected to win the gold medal.

he 2012 London Olympics, the largest sporting event of this year, is within

the first Olympics South Korea first participated in. At the 1948 Olympics, 67 Korean athletes competed in basketball, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling, and cycling and won two bronze medals. Since then, the country has sent teams of men and women athletes to every Summer Olympics so far, barring only the 1980 Moscow Olympicsall 15 Summer Olympic events including the 1948 London Olympics. The Korean Olympic Committee announced that South Korea aims to rank 10th or higher for three consecutive Olympic events following the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics. The country was ranked 9 with
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kg category). In addition, the men and women archery teams, who are the undisputable world leaders, expect at least two out of four gold medals in archery. Jang Mi-ran says that she will be more flexible when faced with a crisis because she has become more experienced and skilled. Park Tae-hwan, nicknamed Marine Boy, looks more confident than before. When he was training overseas, he participated in the Mel Jajac Jr. International Meet in Vancouver to see what kind of shape he was in and won in the mens 200 and 400 freestyle. With 50 days left until the start of the London Olympics, Park said that he places top priority on how he manages his race. My practice focuses on records and races. I

sight, and the South Korean athletes who will represent the country in the event are more determined than ever to do their best, sweating hard with last-minute preparations. The London Olympics is going to be a global festival where more than 10,000 athletes from around world will fiercely compete in 26 sports for a total of 302 gold medals. The number of gold medals is the same as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but baseball and softball are no longer on the list of official competitions. London, the venue of the 2012 Summer Olympics, is a city with special meaning to Koreans when it comes to the Olympics. The 14 Olympics hosted by London in 1948 were
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Park Jong-gil, director of the Taereung Training Center. I believe our athletes will win up to 13 gold medals. Im sure they will. The only thing left for all the athletes participating in the London Olympics is for them to do their best and play fair in keeping with the spirit of the Olympics.
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nine gold medals at the 2004 Olympics and 7th with 13 gold medals (the most gold medals South Korea has ever won in a single Summer

36 korea july 2012

global Korea

Korea Helps Mongolia Establish E-Procurement

The Mongolian Ministry of Finance implemented an electronic procurement system with a grant from the South Korean government last May. An adaption of the Korea Online E-Procurement System (KONEPS) of the South Korean Public Procurement Service, the system is expected to help the Mongolian government achieve transparent public procurement. by Im Sang-beom / photographs provided by the Korean Public Procurement Service

transparent e-procurement system, which is a core part of its e-Mongolia policy, will boost the international perception of the country.

SECOND TIME HELPING WITH AN E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM IN ASIA This wasnt the first time for the Korean government to export its e-procurement system in Asia, as Vietnam was the first Asian country to import the Korean-style e-procurement system. The first step of the project was taken when the South Korean and Mongolian governments inked an agreement in June 2007. The National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) of South Korea conducted a feasibility study in November 2007, and KOICA performed another feasibility study in March 2010, which was followed by the signing of an agreement between KOICA and Samsung SDS in September the same year. The development took off with a project launch ceremony in January 2011, and Korean experts in law, institutions, and unit price contracts flew to Mongolia in February. The last month of last year saw a pilot testing of the system, and finally an opening ceremony last May marked the roll-out of the Mongolian governments first-ever e-procurement system. The four agencies of the Mongolian Ministry ECOMONIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS Mongolia anticipates the many benefits the system will bring. First, the e-procurement system will advance the transparency and efficiency of public administration, which will boost the credibility of the Mongolian government. Second, the transaction costs associated with procurement, especially in the bidding phase, will decrease. Third, the public and private sector will enjoy more bidding opportunities and be able to acquire bidding information quickly, leading to higher competitiveness and ultimately economic and social advances in Mongolia. Director Gantsogt Khurelbaatar of the Procurement Policy and Coordination Department at the Mongolian Ministry of Finance states that the shift from the submission of paper bidding documents to online documents marks the greatest innovation in the history of government procurement in Mongolia. He also expressed his deep gratitude toward the South Korean governments help with the implementation of the e-procurement system. KOICA and Samsung SDS will build a collaboration network and continue to provide support for the maintenance of the system. The Korean Studies Program (KSP), which aimed at providing policy consulting based on South Koreas experience, also promised to provide multifaceted cooperation for the successful operation of the system by providing training local resources in electronic
2 1 The first step of the project was taken when the South Korean and Mongolian governments inked an agreement in June 2007. 2 KOICA and Samsung SDS will build a collaboration network and continue to provide support for the maintenance of the system. 3 The Mongolian e-procurement website 3

Korea online e-Procurement SyStem (KonePS)

South Korea digitalized the entire process of government procurementfrom the invitation of tenders to the payment of the pricein 2001, dramatically improving the transparency and efficiency of its procurement process. Since its roll-out, it has been further upgraded and is recognized as one of the worlds best electronic procurement systems. Total transactions KRW 64 trillion in 2011 Users 44,000 public agencies, 228,000 businesses Importers Vietnam, Costa Rica, Mongolia, and Tunisia at a total of KRW 24.2 billion

of Finance, Civil Aviation Authority, General Customs Office, and Tax Administration now invite tenders through this e-procurement

ongolia has been on a rapid growth track in recent years thanks to the development

This prompted the Mongolian government to strengthen its control of corruption, which is still very weak, in order to improve the efficiency and transparency of its public administration. The Mongolian government hoped to benchmark South Koreas advanced public electronic procurement system, dubbed the Korea Online E-Procurement System (KONEPS), and the South Korean government decided to help its Mongolian counterpart as a grant project of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The implementation of the system was completed last May. The Mongolian government expects that this efficient and

system.

of natural resources. The Mongolian economy grew at a rate of 17.3 percent last year and is predicted to grow by 15 percent this year. This trend is anticipated to continue for a while, but the economic landscape of Mongolia is not all bright. The Corruption Perceptions Index announced by Transparency International (TI) ranks Mongolia 116 among the 180
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countries it scores in terms of transparency. The transparency score for this landlocked, vast country in East and Central Asia ranges from 2.7 to 3.0 on a ten-point scale.
38 korea july 2012

procurement as well as consulting.

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SPECIAL ISSUE

salute one more time toward the wagon loaded with the remains. He reportedly had commanded that the best possible honor be paid to the South Korean soldiers who lost their lives defending the country. Before the remains arrived at the airport, President Lee met the bereaved families and praised the soldiers as men of the greatest national merit who died for their country. He also said, The first thing we should do if the nation is reunited is to find the remains of those who lost their lives defending the country. BROTHER, YOU PROTECT THE FAMILY. ILL GO FIGHT FOR THE COUNTRY. It has been confirmed that the 12 soldiers were killed during the famous Jangjinho Battle (please see the NOTICE section), and two of them have been identified as Privates First Class Kim Yong-su and Lee Gap-su, who were deployed to the US Armys 7 Infantry Division 15 Tank
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English, so they were active both as combatants and secret agents for the US Army. The remains of the 12 soldiers were discovered by an American excavation team together with North Koreans searching for the remains of those who were killed in action during the Korean War in the North. From 2000 to 2005 the American team recovered 226 sets of remains from the Jangjinho battlefield and then moved them to the Joint Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Accounting Command (JPAC) in Hawaii for identification. During the DNA fingerprinting process, 12 sets of remains were determined to be Asian. This news was sent to the remains recovery team of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense in August last year. It was later determined that they were South Korean soldiers and the US and Korea undertook a joint precise identification process.
1 President Lee Myungbak, military officials, and bereaved families follow the remains of South Korean soldiers. 2 A soldier leads the procession holding the portrait of the deceased.

Battalion. Born in Busan in 1933, Kim volunteered to be a student soldier when he was only 17 years old. His older brother Kim Yong-hwan, determined to find the remains of his younger brother,
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provided his blood for DNA profiling to the South Korean Ministry of National Defense in 2009 and passed away last year. As he hoped, the remains that were identified as his younger brother are now back home. Lee Gap-su, born in Changnyeong in 1916, left behind his wife and two young children when he enlisted at the rather old age of 34. He was killed in action in Hagaru, near Jangjinho. K-WARRIORS The 12 South Korean soldiers including Kim and Lee belonged to the Korean Augmentation To the United States Army (KATUSA) during the Korean War. The KATUSA program, which was instated in July 1950 at a very early stage of the Korean War, was comprised of South Korean soldiers enlisted to supplement the US Army. Back then, KATUSA soldiers, whose military serial numbers started with a K, knew the Korean situation very well and were fluent in

Coming Home After 62 Years

First Remains of S. Korean Soldiers Return Home
The remains of 12 South Korean soldiers killed in North Korea during the Korean War were repatriated on a C-130 transport aircraft, landing at Seoul Airport on May 25. The South Korean government greeted them with utmost honor. by Lee Jeong-eun

Historical fact
A BLoody 17-dAy ComBAt, thE BAttLE of JAngJInho
The Battle of Jangjinho, better known as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign overseas, is one of the legendary battles of US war history. During the Korean War, the 12,000 troops of the 1st Marine Division of the US X Corps, who charged northward toward Gaema Heights in the province of Hamgyeongnam-do in November 1950, were driven to the verge of annihilation, surrounded by 120,000 Chinese troops. In the bitter cold the arrow on the thermometer read -40C (-40F). The soldiers engaged in a life-anddeath battle with the Chinese troops in the course of retreating, losing more than 7,000 men. However, thanks to the sacrifices of those young lives, the Chinese troops took more than two weeks to reach Hamheung, and the South Korean and United Nations troops stationed in Hamheung as well as over 200,000 civilians were able to successfully evacuate the town. Back then, Newsweek called this Americas worst military licking since the Battle of the Bulge and maybe even Pearl Harbor. The first-ever 3D war film 17 Days of Winter (director: Eric Brevig), which will premier around the end of this year, focuses on the Battle of Jangjinho.

Airport in Seongnam, just outside of Seoul, with the remains of 12 South Korean soldiers who were killed in North Korea during the Korean War. It was the first such repatriation since the 1953 armistice. In front of the military airport building were lines of people standing at
40 korea july 2012

ay 25, 2012, a South Korean Air Force C-130 transport aircraft landed at Seoul

attention and staring at the approaching aircraft. Among them were South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, National Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin, and Army Chief of Staff Kim Sangki, as well as General James Thurman, the Commander of the US Forces in South Korea. When the wagon departed for the National Cemetery, President Lee performed a hand

In cooperation with Minstry of National Defense

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summit DiPLOmACY

to expire next year, will be valid until 2014.

South Korean President Attends the VII G20 Leaders Summit in Mexico
At the VII G20 Leaders Summit, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak urges Europe to undertake massive restructuring measures and stresses the importance of free trade to world leaders. by Julianna Chung

At the summit, G20 members supported a boost to the financing capacity of the International Monetary Fund(IMF) as part of measures to counter the global economic crisis. China pledged USD 43 billion to the fund, while India, Mexico, Brazil, and Russia contributed USD 10 billion each, increasing the organizations lending capacity to USD 456 billion. Korea had pledged USD 15 billion at the G20 finance ministers meeting held in Washington in April earlier this year On the sidelines of the summit, President Lee met with Mexican President Felipe Caldern and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and agreed to resume bilateral free trade agreement negotiations with both countries within the year. The G20 is the premier forum for international cooperation on the most important aspects of the international economic and financial agenda. The G20 includes 19 country members and the European Union, which together represent around 90% of the global GDP, 80% of global trade, and two-thirds of the worlds population. The summit is also attended by the managing director of the IMF and the president of the World Bank, plus the chairs of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and Development Committee of the IMF and World Bank.
2 2 President Lee Myung-bak takes his seat at the G20 summit. 3 President Lee addresses the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

1 Heads of the G20 leading economies pose for the camera at the VII G20 Leaders Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.

19, for the VII G20 Leaders Summit. With major European economies on the brink of collapse, the main focus of the summit was tackling the eurozone debt crisis and stabilizing the global recovery. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak raised many issues throughout the summit. In the first session of the summit, President Lee urged eurozone nations to carry out concrete fundamental restructuring measures. Along with leaders of the United Kingdom and Germany, South Korea voiced the need for budget cuts. Referring to how Korea overcame the Asian Financial crisis in 1997, the president remarked, The countries in crisis will have to find measures that might be painful and politically unpopular in the short term, but nonetheless they must pursue this path.

eaders of the Group of Twenty (G20) convened in Los Cabos, Mexico, on June 18-

The high unemployment rate is another issue that the South Korean president highlighted as one of the biggest problems of the eurozone crisis. Creating jobs is a task that must be accomplished in order to overcome the crisis in the short-term and also recover market confidence and achieve sustainable growth, he said. The leaders also agreed with Lee that green growth is an important strategy for longterm balanced growth. During a working lunch on the second day of the summit, President Lee led the discussion on rising instances of protectionism around the world. Lee urged world leaders to renew their commitment against protectionism, stressing free trade as critical to global economic recovery. With the support of pro-trade nations, the G20 leaders agreed to extend the standstill agreement against trade protectionist policies by another year. The agreement, which was set

South Korea Promotes Green Growth as a Solution to Global Challenges

At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, also known as Rio+20, South Korea raises its green overseas development aid and transforms Seoul-based Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) into an international organization. by Julianna Chung

ver 100 heads of state and government, along with thousands of parliamentarians,

mayors, UN officials, chief executive officers, and civil society leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 20 to 22, 2012, to discuss green economy in the context of poverty reduction and sustainable global development. The largest UN summit ever organized, Rio+20 comes 20 years after the original Rio Earth summit in 1992. At the opening plenary session of the summit, President Lee Myung-bak announced that Korea would raise its green overseas
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summit DiPLOmACY

FLAVOR

Subak Hwachae
Traditional Watermelon Punch
summer day. There are several recipes for making subak hwachae. The most popular way to serve it is to first cut the watermelon into cubes without its rind. A flower-shaped cutter can also be used to create different-shaped pieces. Next, place the pieces into a small bowl with sugar or honey water. Small ice cubes can also be added to look and taste cooler. A more fun way to present this drink is to use the entire outer rind as the punch bowl. The stalk end of the watermelon should be carved into a round lid, and the juicy flesh scooped out with a spoon. In the process, the seeds of course should be removed. Then, fill the development aid (ODA) under the name of the Global Green Growth Partnership. President Lee also pledged that South Korea will spend more than USD 5 billion in ODA by 2020 to help developing nations pursue eco-friendly growth. We need green growth in order to realize sustainable development in response to global challenges, including the economic crisis, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and climate change, President Lee said. Green growth has been one of President Lees trademark policies since 2008, with the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop clean energy technology as growth engines. The governments strong commitment towards achieving a green economy is evident in many initiatives, such as the enactment of the LowCarbon Green Growth and Emissions Trading Scheme Basic Act, the adoption of a 30 percent reduction target in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and the decision to invest 2 percent of GDP into green growth. On the sidelines of the summit, President Lee attended a signing event with 14 other countries, transforming the Seoul-based Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) into an international organization.
44 korea july 2012

Subak hwachae made with seasonal watermelon is a longtime favorite summer beverage for Koreans. Watermelon cools down the body, making it the perfect drink for a hot

The GGGI, the think and act tank for green growth established in Seoul in June 2010, partners up with developing and emerging countries to develop green growth strategies that promote job creation, poverty reduction, and social inclusion in an environmentally sustainable way. A GGGI country program consists of a green growth plan (GGP) analysis and design, domestic capacity building, and public-private partnership to support GGP implementation. Within a time span of two years, the organization has opened two regional offices in Denmark and the United Arab Emirates, and is providing tailored green growth strategies for more than ten developing countries including Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, and Cambodia. The GGGI is the first international organization established by South Korea. To provoke worldwide participation in the green growth campaign, President Lee appealed to the tens of thousands in the audience by saying, The best way to predict the future is to make the future as we want. The future we want lies in our hands... It is us that is stopping us and it is us that is moving us to the future we want.

President Lee Myung-bak (center, front row) and other leaders and representatives pose after signing a treaty turning the Global Green Growth Institute into an international organization.

hollow rind with sugar water mixed with scooped sliced watermelon pieces and watermelon juice. Finally, place the lid back onto the punch bowl and serve with a small ladle into individual bowls.
by Chung Da-young / photographs by Lee Jin-ha food and style by Kim Young-bin with assistance from Noh Shin-young

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MY KOREA

Theres Something for Every Craftsman

Jin from San Francisco explores the world of crafts in the heart of Seoul, searching for inspiration and creativity. by Jin Chon

Crafty Seoul

he Far East has always conjured images of brightly colored silks in pinks and greens,

metal-work jewelry, and hand-painted shoes. One of my favorite vendors, Gina Lee, sells plush dolls in the shapes of Korean food staplessamgyeopsal, gimbap, mandu, and my favorite, beondaegi (silkworm larvae). The Free Market is a good first stop in the world of crafts because theres something for every level of craftera place to buy for the aficionado, a place to get inspiration for the novice, and if youre brave enough, a place to sell! After being inspired by the Hongdae Free Market the next stop is Dongdaemun. Dongdaemun is 24-hour mass-producing market mayhem where you can buy everything from pet supplies to those same-looking dresses previously mentioned. The craft building is like a microcosm in Dongdaemun, a bustling world dedicated to every type of craft. A place where you can go to get the raw materials to make your crafts, or to buy items from people giving life to bows and hair accessories which are made by the thousands in an assembly line of workers crouched in their cubicles, hot-glue gun in hand, in preparation for their journey to stores all around Seoul. It can be a little overwhelming to say the least and its good to have an idea of what you want to buy before you go. Think of Dongdaemun as the equivalent of an American craft store on steroids. If you dont have a clear idea of what you want to buy its easy to get lost amidst the thousands of booths, buying little bits of embroidery here, a button there, enough to make just a fraction of a handful of different projects.

decorative temple paintings and skillfully hand embroidered kimonos and tapestries. With this vision in mind I was ready to be inspired by the ancient culture-meets-contemporary young DIYs. Being from San Francisco I was exposed to a DIY movement that included hand-made everything from Burning Maninspired steampunk clothing to hand-pickled local organic vegetables of every variety. I was excited to come to Korea for a new perspective and a chance to see what the crafters and makers of Korea were up to while somehow finding a way to contribute something of my own. I was at first disappointed with the homogeneity of the culture that extended to styles and trends but in my search to find my outlet and inspiration have been moved by the overlooked yet humble craft scene thriving amidst the ever-growing, fast-paced, modern city that is Seoul. It took me nine months, but I even worked up the courage and tried my hand at selling something homemade on the streets. The first stop on my voyage into Koreas craft world was Hongdae Free Market. Located in a park within walking distance from Hongik University, or Hongdae, is an area best known for its late-night party environment, urban arts scene, and overall young, hip, and free-spirited feel. At the free market, you can find a wide array of hand-made items ranging from fine-art-based paintings and portraits, to more craft-based goods such as leather bookmarks,

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MY KOREA

The craft building of Dongdaemun consists of six floors. It is massive 54,000 square meters of crafting goodness. Each level is dedicated to a different type of crafting. In the basement, there is yarn for the knitters and crocheters, from cheap acrylics to high end cashmere. It is here where you can experience an unexpected community of craft. In most of these tiny yarn booths you will find several ladies deeply engaged in their knitting circle, laughing and helping each other, pausing during the lunch hour to eat their family meal of jjigae (Korean stew) and banchan (side dishes). The next three
ABOUT THE WRITER
Jin Chon is a KoreanAmerican who has been teaching English in Korea since August 2011. Before coming to Korea to teach English she lived in San Francisco where she enjoyed crafting, painting, bicycle riding, cooking, and soaking in all that San Francisco has to offer. When shes not teaching, you can find Jin immersing herself in Korean culture: checking out museums around Seoul, searching for flea markets and craft fairs, and trying new and exotic foods.

become along with the community of an older generation taking advantage of their resources and good company. In the hip and artsy Hongdae Market I found the pulse of a younger generation using their fine-arts backgrounds to creatively produce their own individual marketable products. I also came across some friends in Hapjeong area who were starting their own art platform, Channel 1969a creative venue which was part coffee shop and bookstore, part music venue, part space where they could hold monthly meetings where friends and acquaintances could get together to share and sell music, crafts, and used goods to guests and people wandering in from the street. I have discovered a community of crafters and creators just below the surface of what seems to be a plain and non-diverse culture perfectly content with mass-produced goods. The inspiration I found in the gems of the city is what will continue to nag me to pick up my needle and thread, plug in my hot glue gun and put my own personal interpretation into a beautifully crafted work of art that will be appreciated by someone else.

floors are for fabrics and everything sewing related. On the top two floors of the building there are buttons, beads, and items to make your own hair accessories. Materials at Dongdaemun are amazingly cheap, a fraction of the cost of what youd find in the States, and available in large quantities. It makes both crafting for personal enjoyment, or for an attempt to sell, well worth it. I found my inspiration in many places. In the depths of Dongdaemun Craft Building I felt the sheer scale of what my crafting could

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