Professional Documents
Culture Documents
net
Opening a communicative space between Korea and the world
November 2008 VOL. 4 NO. 11
6 12 34 48 60
6 Cover 36 People
Korea’s Autumn Festivals Korean Guitar Prodigy Rises as a Star on the Web
‘Arirang’ Played by N.K. Pianist in Washington
12 Diplomacy Diva for Homeland on New Album
President Lee’s Summit Diplomacy in ASEM
44 Travel
14 Global Korea A Classic Walk around Samcheong-dong
‘Made in Korea’ Shines in Belgium A Trip Back to Olden Times — Suncheon City
Cover photo
Hahoe Mask Dance The 50th Anniversary of Korea-Thailand Relations
Photo by Back Sung-tae
Heart Surgeries for Six Iraqi Children 52 Food
Publisher Yoo Jin-hwan Jeju’s Traditional Liquor — Omegisul
Korean Culture and Information Service
Editing & Printing Herald Media Inc.
20 National
E-mail webmaster@korea.net Presidential Archives Set to Introduce Korea to the World 54 Events
Design toga design
Seoul Design Olympiad
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be repro- 24 Science Charity Market Turns into Multicultural Festival
duced in any form without permission from Korea and the
Korean Culture and Information Service. World’s Largest Solar Power Plant The Busan Biennale
The articles published in Korea do not necessarily represent the Korea’s First Rocket Unveiled
views of the publisher. The publisher is not liable for errors or
omissions.
62 Books
Letters to the editor should include the writer’s full name and address.
26 Culture Hunminjeongeum Translated into Four Languages
Letters may be edited for clarity and/or space restrictions.
Joseon Painters Bring Crowds to Gansong Museum Chinese Ceramics at the National Museum of Korea
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Animal Paintings Symbolize Folk Belief
A downloadable PDF file of Korea and a map and glossary with common
66 Foreign Viewpoint
Korean words appearing in our text are available by clicking on the 34 Cultural Figure My Impression of Korea
thumbnail of Korea on the homepage of www.korea.net.
— Paraguayan Ambassador Ceferino Valdez
Violinist Sarah Chang
발간등록번호: 11-1110073-000016-06
26
W
ith its crisp air and crystal the Fortress Circumambulation in
blue sky, autumn is the season Gochang, Jeollabuk-do. The fortress,
most widely loved by locals called Moyangseong, was built during
Add to Korea’s Autumn Flavor vals across the nation beckon tourists
with mild temperatures. The folk festi-
vals rooted in ancient agrarian cus-
been handed down and preserved as a
unique folk custom. Oral tradition
states that if you walk around the
toms give flavor to Korea’s autumn. fortress once with a stone on your
head, all diseases will be cured. If you
Fortress Circumambulation walk around three times, you will go
in Gochang to paradise.
The annual event is generally held
One of the famous autumn festivals is in early October for five days.
The Fortress Circumambulation in Gochang A farmers’ traditional band heralds the opening of the Moyangseong Festival in Gochang
Prehistoric Culture Festival Children experience Korea’s primitive life at the Prehistoric Culture Festival in Seoul
Pampas Grass
on society. The pampas grass field at Sky Park near Seoul World Cup Stadium
Yonhap
Yonhap
President Lee Myung-bak shakes
hands with French President Nicolas
Sarkozy (center) and European
Commission President Jose Manuel
Barroso in Beijing on Oct. 25
K
orean President Lee Myung-bak rapidly changing international eco- Association of Southeast Asian
called for overhauling the roles nomic environment in general,” said Nations (ASEAN) met over breakfast in Global Economic
and functions of the International Lee. “In light of this, we hope to see in Beijing and agreed to create an Order Change
Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World discussions take place that will US$80 billion joint fund by next June
Bank in order for the world to over- strengthen the role and function of the to fight regional financial crises.
come the current financial turmoil and IMF and the World Bank, whereby we The so-called ASEAN Plus Three
prevent the recurrence of a similar cri- will have an improved mechanism countries also agreed to push for the
Speaking at the World Leaders Forum in Seoul
sis in the future. equipped with an early warning and establishment of a regional economic
on Oct. 30, Korean President Lee Myung-bak
In a keynote speech at the opening surveillance system, effectively warn- surveillance organization to ensure
called for Korea’s leading role in reshaping the
session of the Asia-Europe Meeting ing us of possible dangers.” greater financial stability in the region.
Yonhap
international economic order. The one-day fo-
(ASEM) summit in Beijing on Oct. 24, The biennial ASEM summit Before concluding the speech, Lee
rum, hosted by the South Korean government
Lee asserted that emerging Asian opened in Beijing on Oct. 24, with the expressed high expectations for the Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Francis Fukuyama of Johns Hopkins
in commemoration of its 60th founding an-
economies should be allowed to reflect global financial crisis the key focus of Group of 20 summit slated for mid- niversary, brought together scores of influen- bin Mohamad said “Korea emerged only after University said while many have talked about
their positions in the restructuring of attention among participating leaders November in Washington D.C., say- tial world leaders and prominent academics, the (1950-53) war and therefore its experi- Korea's economic miracle, there has been a
the international financial organiza- of 43 member nations and heads of ing that the upcoming summit meet- including 15 former heads of state. ence is quite new. I am quite sure Koreans re- political miracle as well. “Korea has gone from
tions. the European Commission and the ing is expected to generate “substan- “At the financial crisis summit scheduled in member the difficulties they had faced in de- a dictatorship to a functioning democracy in a
“The existing international finan- ASEAN Secretariat. ASEM nations ac- tive and productive” results through Washington on Nov. 15, I will commit myself veloping their country.” “I think South Korea single generation,” he said.
cial system did not function properly count for roughly 60 percent of the closer consultations between emerg- to promoting international cooperation on can still play this role to provide the region Former U.S. Defense Secretary William S.
because it failed to keep pace with world’s gross domestic product. ing and advanced economies. Lee is measures to reinvigorate the world economy, with a model. I am quite sure even China Cohen called on South Korea to continue
globalization, revolutions in informa- Earlier, leaders of Korea, China, scheduled to attend the Group of 20 including the reorganization of the internation- must have learned something from Korea's such efforts to weather the financial crisis and
tion and technology, as well as the Japan and 10 member states of the summit. ■ al financial system,” Lee said. development.” bring lasting peace to the peninsula. ■
Yonhap
case B-boy performances.
Twenty-five Korean films from fa-
mous directors such as Kim Ki-duk and
Lee Chang-dong screen during the event.
The Korean and Belgium govern-
ments each supported 2.1 billion and 3.2
billion won, respectively, for this event.
“There has never been an event
this big to introduce Korea to the
world,” said Yu In-chon, the minister
of culture, sports and tourism, during
the opening ceremony. “This festival
will show the world Korea’s power,
which came to be after dramatic
Visitors walk past a Korean Buddha growth during the past 60 years.”
statue installed at BOZAR
treasures and eight treasures. The event is hosted by the Ministry
“Made in Korea” concentrates on of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the
Korean culture, from traditional foods, National Museum of Korea and the
art and books to plays and perfor- Belgium BOZAR.
mances. “The Smile of Buddha” will run
“Gugak,” or Korean traditional through Jan. 18, and “Made in Korea”
Visitors take a look at a golden crown of the Silla Dynasty
music, filled the air on the opening will continue until Feb. 28. ■
‘Made in Korea’ The National Orchestra of Korea performs Gugak at the opening ceremony
Yonhap
Shines in Belgium
BY PARK MIN-YOUNG
STAFF WRITER
A
mega-size event to introduce
Yonhap
Celebration for
50th Anniversary of
Korea-Thailand Relations
Gugak performance at the Korea Festival 2008 in Siam Paragon BY PARK MIN-YOUNG
STAFF WRITER
Xing, a Korean group of singers, throw a performance
M
any Korean cultural events are being held in
Bangkok, Thailand, to celebrate the 50th anniver-
sary of friendship between the two countries.
A commemorative ceremony took place on Oct. 1 in
Bangkok in the presence of hundreds of diplomatic and Officials from 32 countries participate in training and education for the prohibition of chemical weapons
cultural officials from both countries. Thailand’s Korean
residents also took part.
“Interchanges between the two countries, which were
insignificant 50 years ago, have now rapidly increased,”
said President Lee Myung-bak during his congratulatory 2008 International Assistance and
address, which Kim Jang-sil, the vice minister of Ministry
T
Various events followed afterwards. The National he Ministry of National Defense The program focused on education
Museum of Contemporary Art ran the exhibition “Daily life in and the Organization for the for individual and collective protec-
The program
Korea” at the Queen’s Gallery in Bangkok from Oct. 2 to 21. Prohibition of Chemical tion systems in case of chemical acci- focused on
The Korean Residents Association of Thailand and the Weapons of the Chemical Weapons dents or terrorist strikes. It also
Korea Thailand Communication Center hosted “Korea Convention held the “International touched on detecting the presence of education for
Festival 2008” in Siam Paragon, a shopping center in Assistance and Protection Course” narcotics and their use. individual and
Bangkok, from Oct. 10 to 12. from Sept. 22 to 26. Many institutes in Korea — includ-
A “Hanbok” (Korean traditional costume) fashion show The course offered information on ing the National Army Chem, Bio, and collective
and “Gugak” (Korean traditional music) performances defense, materials, science and technol- Radiological Defense Command, Seoul
were put on for the audience. ogy — which could be used in case of City, National Police Agency, National
protection
Korean movie star Kim Rae-won made a visit for the terrorist strikes or chemical accidents. Emergency Management Agency, and systems in case of
“Meet a Korean celebrity” event on Oct. 11. He was the am- Korea is the first Asian country to National 119 Rescue Service — partic-
Officials pose at the Korea Festival 2008 in Siam Paragon
bassador of the festival. host this program. It normally takes ipated in the course. chemical
More fun is to be held. The national taekwondo demon- place in European countries, but the “I believe this CWC education will accidents or
stration team will perform on Nov. 12, and the Andre Kim OPCW made a request to host it in increase exchanges in the chemical
fashion show is planned for Dec. 13. Seoul in 2005, alluding to Korea’s ex- defense field between member na- terrorist strikes.
“Nanta,” a famous non-verbal performance, will be cellent chemical defense skills. It has tions,” said an official of the Ministry
staged Dec. 12 to 21. been held in Seoul for the past four of National Defense. “The Ministry of
Korea and Thailand established a bilateral relationship years. National Defense will do its best to be
on Oct. 1, 1958, based on improved ties during the 1950-53 This year, 32 officials from 23 prepared for any possible terrorist
Korean War. ■ countries participated, including strikes in the future.” ■
(Photos courtesy of KOIS) Russia, China, Iran and Australia. (Photos courtesy of Defense Ministry)
Heart Surgeries
S
ix Iraqi children returned to needed prompt treatment but could yous would not be enough, as Korea Getting ready for the big day out,
their country on Oct. 15 after not afford it. has saved my life. I feel more like a 12-year-old Sarwar Kadir expresses
for Six Iraqi having their heart-related dis-
eases cured in Korea.
They were all in serious condition
by the time they arrived in Korea. Risk
Korean than Iraqi now, since they gave
me a Korean heart.” Sana cannot wait
his excitement by running around the
hospital. He was always optimistic,
Children a Flying They arrived in Korea on Sept. 23
through the invitation of a charity
was high for 6-year-old Ranea Selah,
who suffered from a congenital mal-
to go to school and be with her friends.
For the younger ones, the moms
even on the day of his arrival, wearing
a suit and shiny shoes to commemo-
Success foundation made up of Korea Exchange
Bank and Sejong General Hospital. The
formation of the heart.
“Even doing a close examination
couldn’t wait to send them off to
kindergarten.
rate his visit to Korea.
Now that he is healthy, he is a ball Sarwar Kadir poses with his doctor
BY PARK MIN-YOUNG foundation funded the surgeries after was dangerous for her, not to mention “I never let him go outside at all be- of energy.
STAFF WRITER
Korean peacekeeping troops of the undergoing surgery,” said Dr. Kim Su- fore. But now, he can attend kinder- “Feel like you can run really fast?”
Zaytun unit in Iraq diagnosed them jin of Sejong General Hospital. garten when we go back,” said Abdulla someone asks him.
with congenital forms of heart disease. In what was likely a miracle, Najat’s mother, stroking her son’s head. “Of course!” Sarwar answers proud-
The six suffered from heart dis- Ranea survived four complex surg- “We want to thank the Korean ly with a mischievous smirk on his face
eases which can be cured when treat- eries and is rapidly recovering. So are government and the Zaytun unit for — just like any other 12-year-old. ■
ed early but can be deadly if not. They the rest of the kids. giving us this wonderful opportunity,” (Photos by The Korea Herald)
Presidential Archives
Set to Introduce Korea
to the World
BY PARK MIN-YOUNG
STAFF WRITER
T
he Presidential Archives opened of data of the former and present pres- Some documents are classified and “Korea is the first
in the Nara (National State) idents — from those of the first will not be open to the public for 15 to
Archive Center in Seongnam, President Syngman Rhee to the pre- 30 years. country to manage
Gyeonggi-do, in December 2007. sent President Lee Myung-bak’s presi- “This stops many documents from
The nine-floor — including two dential transition team. being abolished due to sensitive mat-
the ex-presidents’
basement floors — national archive, “Korea is the first country to man- ters,” explained Hong. “We will pre- archives all
equipped with ultra-modern protec- age the ex-presidents’ archives all to- serve them well and after a certain pe-
tion systems, is capable of storing 4 gether,” says Hong Won-ki, a staff riod of time the public will be able to together,” says
million volumes. It consists of a state member of the policy coordination see them. This is a better way to up- Hong Won-ki,
archive and a presidential one. team of the Presidential Archives. hold the people’s right to know.”
As a part of the state archive which Historical documents, such as the The archives are well preserved. a staff member of
holds important documents and records 14th President Kim Young-sam’s urgent Sterilization before stocking the docu- the policy
of the nation, the Presidential Archive announcement regarding the real-name ments is obligatory, and they also go
was established this April to specially accounting system and the 15th through a deoxidization process con- coordination team
manage and preserve the valuable President Kim Dae-jung’s June 15 sidering their condition of acidity.
recordings related to the presidents. South-North Joint Declaration, are A restoration team fixes damaged
of the Presidential
It holds more than 8 million pieces found there. documents of high value. It is such Archives.
20 KOREA NOVEMBER 2008 NOVEMBER 2008 KOREA 21
NATIONAL
A researcher deoxidizes documents before storing them A staff member edits a video
The solar power generation modules installed in Sinan-gun Engineers assemble the ground test vehicle, a mock-up of the KSLV-1 rocket, at KARI’s assembly complex in Goheung, Jeollanam-do
KARI
plant in Sinan-gun, Jeollanam- Tracking System,” which makes solar
do, will start operating in mid- modules automatically move toward
November. Dongyang Engineering
and Construction Corp. will hold a
the direction of the sun. ■
An aerial view of the
world’s largest solar at Naro Space Center
power plant in Sinan-gun
dedication ceremony for the power
plant with in attendance Prime
Minister Han Seong-soo and other
T
dignitaries on Nov. 15. he state-run Korea Aerospace during the second quarter of next year.
The plant generates a capacity of Research Institute (KARI) has The KSLV-1 is a carrier rocket de-
35,000MW annually on a site that is unveiled the mock-up of a rock- signed for transporting satellites. Naro
670,000 square meters, a size equiva- et designed to send a domestically Space Center also unveiled a 30-meter-
lent to 93 soccer stadiums. produced research satellite into orbit long launch pad, which is not stationary.
It can generate enough electricity next year from the country’s spaceport The space center represents Korea’s
to power more than 10,000 homes. in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. first step to become a major player in
The company invested a total of 200 A successful launch from Naro the exploration of space. The center
billion won for the construction of the Space Center would make Korea the consists of facilities for satellite con-
plant. ninth country in the world to launch trol, testing and assembly, press cen-
The size of the plant is the largest its own satellite on home soil. The ter, launch facility, electric power sta-
of its kind in Korea, and it is the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV- tion, space experience hall and land- The launch system installed at the Naro Space
world’s largest in terms of a solar 1) rocket will be launched some time ing field. ■ Center in Goheung
Bring Crowds to Gansong Museum of the currently-airing SBS drama “The Painter of
Wind,” a movie about him is slated to hit the big
BY JEAN OH screen in November and his art was the center of at-
KOREA HERALD STAFF WIRTER tention at Gansong.
“Our bestselling art poster is Hyewon’s ‘Miindo,’”
said the representative, referring to Shin by his pseu-
donym, as well as to one of his masterpieces, “Miindo
E
arly into the second day of Gansong Art (Portrait of a Beautiful Woman).”
Museum’s long-awaited fall exhibition, visitors According to him, the museum did not plan their
continue to crowd the first and second floors of exhibition around Shin Yun-bok or draw inspiration
the building. from the novel-turned-drama “The Painter of Wind.”
Eager to catch a glimpse of the works of some of In fact, both Shin and Kim’s work made up fraction of
the Joseon Dynasty’s finest artists, viewers wait pa- an exhibition brimming with painting and writing
tiently in line, peering into the wavering glass cases. that span the Joseon Dynasty.
Just four months ago on the second day of Titled, “The 70th Anniversary of Bohwagak,” the ex-
Gansong’s spring exhibition — which showcased a series hibit celebrated the rich history of Gansong, formerly
of works by famed painter Jang Seung-up and his con- called Bohwagak meaning “a house with treasures of
temporaries — the museum was comparatively empty. Joseon,” by taking stock of the research that has been
No long lines, no need to crane one’s neck to get a conducted over the years and using it to select key
look at the paintings, Gansong was a temple of peace works from the Joseon Dynasty.
and beauty. This time, however, is an entirely differ- Though the exhibition as a whole astounded with
ent story. its impressive collection of calligraphic works and el-
Choi Wan-su, representative of the museum at- egant paintings, one could not help but be drawn to
tributed the overwhelming turnout to the popularity both Shin and Kim’s art.
of late Joseon Dynasty artist Shin Yun-bok, whose art Shin’s “Miindo (Portrait of a Beautiful Woman),”
Gansong Art Museum
was on display. in particular, captivated. This portrait of a woman — Kim Hong-do’s “Masangcheongaeng” (Listening to an oriole from atop a horse)
SBS
Actors Park Shin-yang
(left) and Moon
Geun-young play the
roles of Kim Hong-do
and Shin Yun-bok,
respectively, in the
drama “The Painter of
the Wind”
New Drama
B
beads on her vest in a pensive manner. ased on the bestselling novel of the and rebellious girl struggling to make it
Fellow genre painter Kim’s work, which hung next same name, SBS-TV’s new drama in a world ruled by men.
to Shin’s, provided a stark contrast. “The Painter of the Wind” reinter- “I tried to copy my older male co-
Titled “Listening to a Chinese Oriole from Atop a
Horse,” Kim’s work left the upper half of the canvas
on Joseon’s prets and rewrites the lives of leaves of
leading Joseon Dynasty painters Kim
stars,” said Moon, 21, at the press con-
ference.
empty, subscribing to the traditional use of “void” in
pre-modern Korean painting. Legendary Hong-do and Shin Yu-bok.
While the series retains the usual el-
The precocious actress did more
than just mimic her male colleagues.
His strokes seemed hurried and blurred, soft and ements of intrigue and murder, politics She managed to convey the mischie-
without boundaries, as he captured a young scholar
on a late spring day. Kim’s work evoked the season’s
Painters and warfare take a back seat. Romance
and the essence of the late Joseon
vous and anguished nature of her char-
acter, at times playing a sweet and in-
heady charms through his subjects. Dynasty, an era of reform and cultural nocent tomboy, at others, a cocky and
Unable to withstand the sweet seduction of this renaissance, come to the forefront, im- seductive painter.
SBS
season of love, the young scholar mounted a horse and buing the period piece with a strong Though there is no evidence that the
went in search of inspiration, finding it in a singing sense of humanity and intimacy. real Shin was a woman, his talent at
oriole atop a willow tree. More importantly, the series takes an capturing the beauty of women and cre-
Through these two works, one could understand approach reminiscent of lush period ating exquisite intimate paintings re-
why both Kim Hong-do, known as Danwon, and Shin pieces like E. J-yong’s “Untold Scandal” mains undisputed.
Yun-bok a.k.a. Hyewon, were called two of the “Three (2003), by focusing on issues of sexual- While fellow genre painter Kim
Wons” of the Joseon Dynasty. ity and gender. Hong-do a.k.a. Danwon (1745-1806)
Famed for its dedication to the preservation of na- Posing the classically Shakespearian enjoyed a relatively prominent career as
tional-treasure level artifacts, documents and paintings, question: “What if the famed painter Shin an artist, painter Shin — who was ex-
Gansong opens its doors to the public twice a year. Yun-bok had been a girl pretending to be pelled from the royal painting institute,
Its exclusive exhibitions run for less than a month, a boy?” the drama — like the original nov- Dohwaseo — lived a more obscure life.
affording visitors a glimpse of the foundation’s treasures. el — toys with themes of homosexuality “The Painter of Wind” takes histori-
Established in 1938 by Jeon Hyeong-pil, Gansong and forbidden love while highlighting the cal liberties with the lives of Kim Hong-
Actress Moon Geun-young
dedicated itself to preventing the removal of Korean inequalities of a male-dominated society. do and Shin Yun-bok, depicting a full-
cultural properties by the Japanese during the colonial Actress Moon Geun-young took up blown romance between Kim, played by
period. As a result, the museum is now home to more the challenge of playing girl-turned-boy Park Shin-yang, and Moon Geun-
than 20 national treasures. ■ Shin Yun-bok. And she does a surpris- young’s character, against the backdrop
(Photos courtesy of the Gansong Art Museum) Shin Yun-bok’s “Miindo” (Portrait of a beautiful woman) ingly good job of portraying a confident of 18th century Korea. ■
Animal Paintings
Symbolize Folk Beliefs
BY SUH GONG-IM
PRESIDENT OF THE KOREAN FOLK PAINTING ASSOCIATION
P
aintings that decorated Korean
homes were not valued solely
for their artistic beauty. They
represented popular wishes to fend off
evil spirits and invoke blessings from
heaven. Across genres these pictures
often featured animals. The following
are some of the animals most often
depicted in ancient Korean folk paint-
ings and what they symbolized in the
spiritual life of Koreans.
The tiger (horang-i) was widely
believed to be a compassionate
guardian that protected humans and
even repaid their kindness. Therefore,
the tiger was usually depicted as a
gentle and docile creature rather than
a ferocious beast. Still, the underlying
belief was that it was a fearless and
valiant animal that would prevent
misfortunes such as fire, flood or
storm, and chase away evil spells.
Tiger skins or ornaments made of tiger
claws were considered to have such
mysterious powers. Tiger paintings
were put on the gate or other places
around the house on New Year’s Day
with hopes they would usher in a
blissful year.
The dragon (yong) was an imagi-
nary animal that supposedly lived in
the water before ascending to heaven.
It was worshiped as an enigmatic and
Credia
‘For Me, the Stage
is My Home’
Violinist Sarah Chang
BY LEE JI-YOON
STAFF WRITER
Sarah Chang reacts after her performance in collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 19
F
rom time to time geniuses ap- more portable.” Then she auditioned her social career, saying: “I think hav-
pear in the world of classical for the Juilliard School in New York at ing a career at such an early age kept
music — and then are easily for- 6 and was admitted into the studio of me focused. We schedule at least two
gotten. But 29-year-old violinist the late Dorothy DeLay, violin teacher to three years in advance in the classi-
Sarah Chang, who debuted as a child to some of the world’s great violinists, cal industry. I felt so grounded and so
prodigy at the age of 9, is considered including Chang’s father. grateful to already know what it was
one of the most consistent violinists At 8 she auditioned with Zubin that I wanted to do with my life.”
active in the international scene. The Mehta and Riccardo Muti, who were She is one of the most sought-af-
late violinist Yehudin Menuhin once working, respectively, with the New ter musicians in the world, perform-
called her “the most wonderful, the York Philharmonic and the ing 100 to 150 concerts per year. It is
most perfect, the most ideal violinist I Philadelphia Orchestra, and both gave a well-known story that she asked
have ever heard.” her immediate engagements. for a three-month break at 17, and
In 1980, Sarah Chang, also known She was possibly the youngest vio- took it when she was 20 after her
as Chang Young-ju in Korea, was linist ever to record — at the age of 9. agency rearranged her schedule for
born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Her first album, entitled “Debut,” quick- three years.
to Korean parents who had moved ly reached Billboard’s best-sellers. “For me, the stage is my home. I
to the United States for study one She has collaborated with most love the adrenaline rush you get from
year earlier. Both graduated from major orchestras, including the New having a live audience in front of
the Music College of Seoul York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia you,” she said in the Newsweek article.
National University, Chang Min- Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, the In 2002 she performed in
soo, her father, is a violinist and Boston Symphony, the Berlin Pyongyang with South and North
her mother Chang Myoung-jun Philharmonic and the Vienna Korean orchestras. It was an unforget-
is a composer. Philharmonic. table experience for the Korean-
Her mother put Chang on In 2006 Newsweek magazine American musician.
the piano when she was 3. named her one of the eight top achiev- “I’m so fortunate to be a musician,
But at 4 she asked for the vi- ing females in the United States. In the and at that moment (in Pyongyang), I
Her first album
olin because she wanted article accompanying the announce- genuinely felt that music is the one and “Debut” (top)
Credia
“something smaller and Violinist Sarah Chang ment, she wrote about the early start of only universal language,” she said. ■ and others
Yonhap
creased after Yoko Ono, whose late husband is John
Lennon, left a positive comment on one of Jung’s videos. Pianist Cho Sung-jin holds the awards he won at the Moscow
“I just witnessed your performance of ‘All You Need is International Frederick Chopin Competition for Young Pianists in
Love’! Thank you for a beautiful performance. John Moscow on Oct. 19
M
know much about the Beetles and Yoko Ono, I feel great iddle school student Cho Sung-jin, 14-
that his performance receives attention from a celebrity like year-old, won first prize at the 6th
her,” he said. Moscow International Frederick Chopin
“Many guitarists are sending e-mails saying they want Competition for Young Pianists, one of the most
to teach my son and to be a music partner. I hope my son prestigious music contests for children.
improves his guitar skills by communicating with various Another Korean contestant, Rhu Eun-sil, 16,
musicians,” he added. finished fifth.
Guitar prodigy Jung Sung-ha Last August Jung met Michel Haumont, a well-known A total of 36 finalists from nine countries, in-
French finger-style performer, in Paris and played with cluding five Koreans, competed for awards during
another guitarist Trace Bundy, who held a concert in the two-day competition held in Moscow on Oct.
Korea on Oct. 4. ■ 18 and 19.
Along with first prize of $5,000, Cho swept
A
Korean guitar prodigy has become a star on the Web other awards for best concerto, best polonaise,
Korean because of video clips he posted on the U.S. video-
sharing website YouTube (http://youtube.com/
Yoko Ono poses for a photo shoot youngest player and the jury prize.
“Cho is highly deserving of the first prize for
hand fingers independently in order to play the multiple uled to have a recital in Moscow in November. ■
Yonhap
T
raveling can be exciting, but it Award granted to figures who have Hebrew,” said Jo.
North Korean pianist Kim Chul-woong performs at the U.S. State Department in Washington D.C.
also has a way of making the contributed significantly to the pro- Yet Jo stuck to it because she felt it
traveler feel lonely. motion of the great Italian composer. was a good opportunity for her to get
World-renowned soprano Jo Su- She has been steadily releasing to know different countries, their cul-
O
n Oct. 6, “Arirang,” the beloved nize immediately,” he explained why Philharmonic played the American representative love songs from various sic of different colors once in a while, nature to become excited on stage.
Korean folk song, was played he chose the song to arrange for the national anthem in Pyongyang in countries, including the all-time-fa- which is like taking a vacation for “Although I’m usually not a very
in the Benjamin Franklin Room concert. February. vorite Korean nursery song “Ummaya me,” Jo said. “As long as the audience outgoing person, I really love the spot-
at the U.S. State Department in “I hope my efforts can be helpful On the day Kim gave a rendition of Nunaya (Mother, Sister).” can feel relaxed listening to my mu- light that I get on stage. It almost
Washington. The audience was over- for people to pay more attention to all four music pieces, the audience ap- “I chose to include ‘Ummaya sic, I’m happy.” makes me feel like a queen,” she said.
whelmed not only by the sad melody human rights issues in North Korea,” plauded him after every performance. Nunaya’ in the album along with nu- All the songs on the album were Jo said she plans to release more
of the song, but also by the pianist said Kim who was on concert tour He was educated at the Pyongyang merous foreign songs, to say that the recorded in their original languages, crossover albums in the near future
Kim Chul-woong, a North Korean who across the United States. Music and Dance Institute and gradu- place that I want to come back to, af- meaning Jo sang in 11 different lan- while continuing her tour.
defected and now lives in Seoul. Another striking moment occurred ated from the Tchaikovsky National ter all the long journeys, is Korea, guages. Although Jo is known for her “I just want to present some healthy
The 34-year-old pianist has be- when the pianist played “A Song of Musical Academy of Russia. From where I can see my mother,” said Jo talent in learning and speaking for- and joyful music that can appeal not
come the first North Korean defector Joy,” a popular North Korean song, 1999, he played for the Pyongyang from Italy in a phone interview with eign languages, she said it was a big only to the domestic audience, but also
to have a recital at the center of U.S. which expresses the delights of inde- National Orchestra. The Korea Herald. challenge and was quite stressful. to foreign audiences,” Jo said.
diplomacy. pendence after the Japanese colonial He crossed the border to go to The soprano is noted for her excel- “It required a lot of courage for me Jo starts her Asian tour within few
“‘Arirang’ is a song that any South rule. The Korean media compared the China in 2001 and arrived in Seoul in lence in classical repertoires, including to sing in languages I have never been months. She is set to return home for a
and North Korean person can recog- moment to when the New York 2003. ■ operas. In May, Jo received a Puccini acquainted with, like Swedish and concert in December. ■
Yonhap
Lim performs a traditional
Korean dance at the Shimogamo
Shrine in Kyoto, Japan
Kim Ki-duk’s
‘Dream’ is
Provocative,
Deep
BY YANG SUNG-JIN
KOREA HERALD STAFF WRITER Director Kim Ki-duk
Award-winning director Kim Ki-duk has built The poster for the film “Dream” subplots are utterly confusing. Jin used to
up an international reputation with his films have a girlfriend, but the relationship is now
that starkly differ from other mainstream over. But he finds himself dreaming about his
movies in Korea and elsewhere. He stands former girlfriend and he vaguely senses that he
out largely because of his provocative styles still loves her. While Jin is struggling in his
and thought-provoking themes. dreams, Ran is visiting her former boyfriend,
L
For better or worse, Kim did not pull any not in her dream but while sleeping, because im Lee-jo, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre,
punches in making his 15th feature, “Dream she is a sleepwalker. She hates the man Korean Dance captivated the eyes and minds of Japanese audiences with
(BiMong),” which was released here on Oct. 9. deeply and when she realizes what she has performances presented at Japan’s oldest shrine in Kyoto.
The movie has attracted media attention by
signing up high-profile actors — Lee Na-young
done, she gets mad at Jin, the man whose
dream goes in lockstep with her nightly visits.
Performed at During the two-day event held on Oct. 2 and 3, Lim staged tra-
ditional Korean dances including the famous “Seungmu,” which
from Korea and Joe Odagiri from Japan — but
viewers should be aware of the cinematic puz-
To resolve the situation, Jin and Ran at-
tempt to do the almost impossible: stay awake
Japan’s Oldest Shrine is performed by Buddhist monks, and “Salpuri,” a solo dance
derived from the shamanistic tradition of spiritual cleansing.
zles director Kim routinely inserts in his films, if all the time. The assumption is that if Jin does BY LEE JI-YOON Assumed to be built in the Yayoi period (4 B.C.-A.D. 3), the
they want to grasp what is really going on in not sleep, Ran does not have to walk around in STAFF WRITER
Kamomioya Shrine, better known as the Shimogamo Shrine,
this mixture of reality and fantasy. her sleep. Jin can also sleep without his much- has more than 50 treasured buildings on its grounds and was
Odagiri plays Jin, an artist who sees himself dreaded dream that generates real events
designated a world’s cultural heritage by UNESCO. It was the
in a dream causing a car crash. What he dis- when Ran is awake.
second time for the respected Japanese shrine to open its space
covers, however, is that his dream is not a Their struggle to stay awake is, as some of
to an overseas artist.
mere creation of his brain — all the details he suspect. director Kim’s fans might correctly predict,
The Japanese traditional performance “No,” which consists
witnessed while sleeping turn out to be true. The key proposition of the movie is that the depicted in a gruesome manner. Self-inflicted
of masked performers’ dances and songs, opened each day’s
Or that’s what viewers are supposed to as- two main characters are connected through torture abounds, which will make the audi-
performance.
sume, given the quirky plot turns provided by dreams in a way that blurs reality and fantasy. ence squirm.
Lim appeared on the stage and danced to music played with
director Kim, who never shies away from pur- A butterfly emerges as the core image sym- One hint regarding Kim’s message is the
poseful ambiguity and ambivalence. peculiar existence of Jin. Japanese actor
Korean traditional instruments such as a fiddle and janggu, an
bolizing the significance of dreams. In fact,
Jin encounters a woman named Ran (Lee this metaphor comes from a well-known an- Odagiri plays the role in Japanese, while all hourglass-shaped drum. His subtle and refined movements im-
Na-young), a character who has plenty of cient Chinese thinker, and its implication is the other characters speak in Korean. pressed the Japanese audience of over 1,000 who gathered at
grievances, especially concerning her shat- rather straightforward: A person may dream Strangely enough, Jin communicates perfect- the garden.
tered relationship with her ex-boyfriend. about his life and discover that it’s just a ly with other Koreans, even though he contin- Lim, 58, who celebrated 50 years of his traditional dancing
Strange as it may be, what Jin believes he has dream when he wakes up, but how can he be ues to speak in Japanese. His otherworldly life last year, is considered one of the most renowned tradi-
done in his dream is what Ran has done in re- sure about the possibility that what appears identity that transcends the language barrier tional dancers in Korea. Now leading the Seoul Dance Theatre,
ality. Although the car accident happens in as reality is also another dream? is certainly unrealistic, but Kim leaves more he has choreographed a variety of dance works and contributed
Jin’s dream, the same incident plays out in Kim’s presentation of the dream’s implica- questions than answers about his new cine- to the success of performing arts in Korea. ■
Ran’s life, with police seeing her as the prime tions, however, is far from straightforward. The matic dreamland that is so desolate. ■ (Photos by Kim Hak-ri)
Screens as backdrop for the seats of the masters of their rooms traditionally signified the
Six-Fold Screen of nature of their authority or implied their tastes. A screen of the sun, moon and five peaks
was a symbolic image of the universe which always backed the throne of the Joseon king.
The components of the painting are natural, long-living things, used as metaphors of the
the Sun, Moon and Five Peaks royal benevolence in the poem “Tianbao” and Shijing (Book of Odes). The decorative
depiction of the subjects in bright colors and the panoramic symmetry suitably present the
divinity of the regime as the perpetual nexus between the earthly and heavenly realms.
Photo courtesy of National Palace Museum of Korea
S
amcheong-dong is a sweet and The blocks from there to
old area in central Seoul. A nice Samcheong Park have become hot
afternoon walk there can make spots within the last few years for their
the rest of your day cozy. exquisite ambience. Each of the shops
It is best to start the promenade and cafes has an inimitable look, from
from Pungmoon Girls’ High School. It Korean-traditional forms with tiled
is near the No. 1 exit of Anguk sub- roofs and wooden doors to very mod-
way station. ern and artistic ones. The food and
Stroll along the stone walls, and garments are also known to be unique.
by the time you reach Jeongdok Take a look at some art pieces on the
Public Library, petit shops, art gal- way. The area recently became the new
leries, delicate cafes and restaurants art belt in Seoul for its famous art gal-
will start to peek out. leries. This fall is a good time to visit
1
1, 2 A Korean traditional style cafe
in Samcheong-dong
3 Visitors pose in an alley of
Korean-style homes
4 A flower shop
5 Visitors take pictures in front of
a unique restaurant
6 Visitors head for a toy gallery
W
hen the stress of today can be
too much, an escape to the
olden times for a day could
work as the perfect cure.
Suncheon city presents a guided
city tour this fall, starting with the
Suncheon drama set. More than 1,000
people visit the set every weekend to
see the set location of “East of Eden,”
a hit TV series on MBC.
The set, built in an old army camp
in Jorei-dong, is a very delicate recre-
ation of Seoul in the 1950s to 1980s. It
has hillside slums, markets and coal
towns.
Many other TV series and films —
“Love and Ambition,” “Once in A A drama set in Suncheon
where many TV series and
Summer,” “Mapado 2” and “Sunny” — is covered with autumn leaves, the
films including “East of Eden”
were also shot there. natural beauty is beyond description. were shot
For the next stop on the tour, one The temples hold many treasures.
can choose either Seonamsa or The tour later takes you to Nagan
Songwangsa. Situated near Jogyesan, Fortress, which is located in the western
both are Buddhist temples more than side of the city. It consists of three towns
1,200 years old. with markets, straw-roofed homes and
During this time of the year, when castles, which were built in the 1300s.
the hiking trail that connects the two The historical area preserves the
Suncheon City
BY PARK MIN-YOUNG
STAFF WRITER
Omegisul
BY LEE JI-YOON
STAFF WRITER
shallow layer on the upper part be-
comes clean liquor called “cheongju,”
which was used for special occasions
like ancestral rites, and the muddy
part on the bottom becomes omegisul
after being strained through a sieve.
People on the far island used to
drink omegisul after a hard day’s work
in the fields. As Jeju has become a pop-
T
he traditional liquor makgeolli is activity in ancient times, the soil is not ular tourist spot, the traditional liquor
an alcohol refreshment that fit for rice farming and farmers have can now be enjoyed across the nation. 5
Koreans have long enjoyed. The grown alternative crops such as millet Currently the production of
popular combination of makgeolli and and barley. Especially widely con- omegisul is mostly done by machines, stepping up efforts to preserve the To make omegisul, omegiddeok
pajeon, Korean pancakes made with sumed were steamed millet cake called and Kim Eul-jung, 84, is considered culinary legacy through tour pro- (1), traditional millet cake, is
boiled (2) and crushed (3), and
vegetable and wheat flour dough, is “omegiddeok,” which is also used for the only master of the traditional grams and tasting promotions. the mash is poured into a pot
beloved by visitors as well as Koreans. making omegisul. liquor living on the island. Visitors For more information on omegisul with malt (4) and water for
Rice is widely known as the main Ordinary millet liquor is brewed can taste and buy bottles of omegisul and other folk custom of Jeju, visit the fermentation (5)
ingredient of makgeolli, but in the from millet with malt, but the tradi- made by the master. multilingual website of Jeju Folk Village
southernmost island of Jeju-do it is tional way of making omegisul con- After designating omegisul as the Museum at www.jejufolk.com. ■
made with millet and called “omegisul.” tains a unique process. Omegiddeok is third intangible cultural property of (Photos courtesy of
Because of the island’s volcanic boiled and crushed, and the mash is Jeju in 1990, the local government is Jeju Folk Village Museum)
Yonhap
Yonhap
The entrance of Jamsil Sports Complex is decorated with recycled art works Visitors look at the creations of Zaha Hadid
Seoul Design Olympiad Running the gamut from D.I.Y. ac- Exhibitions presented by Milan,
T
he city of Seoul celebrated au- series of design conferences and exhi- turned the spotlight on the works of
Yonhap
tumn with a bang this year. bitions featuring top architects Zaha upcoming Korean and foreign de-
Having nabbed the coveted hon- Hadid, Daniel Libeskind and industrial signers.
or of World Design Capital 2010, designer Ross Lovegrove. Design and A special exhibition focusing on
Seoul highlighted its role as a hub of architecture experts Yao Ying Jia, the creations of Zaha Hadid — the first
design in a grand way. Richard Buchanan and Kazuo female to win the Pritzker Prize — and
The gala event, titled Seoul Design Sugiyama also delivered session Zaha Hadid Architects partner Patrik
Olympiad 2008, kicked off on Oct. 10 speeches. Schumacher brought the creme de la
President Lee with a special concert featuring K-pop A trio of exhibits titled “Design is creme of the design world to Seoul.
Myung-bak stars BigBang, Dynamic Duo, Solbi and AIR,” “Seoul Design Now” and “Vision More than 2 million people partic-
(right) looks Kim Gun-mo, and ended on Oct. 30. of Design Seoul” showcased the works ipated in the Olympiad, which took
around the
Fireworks, design auctions, a 4- of top notch designers and eco-friend- place in the Jamsil Sports Complex The “Design is AIR” exhibition
exhibit with
Seoul Mayor ton rice cake, fashion shows and b- ly creations, while also delving into and the Hangang Riverside Park.
Oh Se-hoon boys carried on the extensive festivi- the past, present and future of Seoul’s For more information, visit
(far left) ties throughout October. architecture. sdo.seoul.go.kr. ■
Multicultural Festival
T
he annual WeAJa Charity Over 400,000 people across the nation participated in the WeAJA Charity Market on Oct. 12 Seoul Global Center Little Travelers
Market ended on Oct. 12 with
more than 400,000 people join-
ing the event held across the nation.
The active participation of expat com-
munities turned the charity market in-
to a multicultural festival.
The Seoul International Women’s
Association, consisting of wives of
foreign ambassadors to Korea and
businessman, sold English books,
The Korea Herald
A
erialists from around the
Yonhap
world gathered in Seoul from
Oct. 2 to 4 to participate in
the Hangang High-wire World
Championship, an annual event
sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan
Government.
Twenty-seven performers from 14
countries — including four women —
competed to cross the one-kilometer-
long wire across the Han River in the
shortest time. The course is considered
the longest of its kind in the world.
Participants were walking a ten-
Yonhap
sioned wire, maintaining balance,
trying not to plunge into the murky
water beneath. The audience
watched with breathless interest.
World Tightrope There were well-known names
in the competition: Shataer
Expo Showcases Korean Ingredients
Walkers Compete on Wujiabudula, the youngest competi-
tor from China who won last year’s
A
competition; China’s Adili Wuxiuer large-scale food expo on Korean weighing 80 kilograms, the expo also
Yonhap
Hangang who has three Guinness records;
and Jade Kindar-Martin from
agricultural and fisheries prod-
ucts along with traditional dish-
aimed to demonstrate the future ad-
vancement of agricultural technology.
Sweden who also has a Guinness es was held on Oct. 13 for a week. The second exhibition hall con-
record for crossing the River The Korea Food Expo 2008 was the centrated on promoting the taste, fla-
Thames in London. first food exhibition to be organized by vor and color of Korean dishes.
Korean tightrope walker Kwon the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Inside, there was a two-meter-high
Won-tae, who led the organizing Forestry and Fisheries, aimed to pro- waterfall made out of sugar, as well as
committee, also competed with oth- mote Korea’s “safe and good quality” food art items using Korea’s tradition-
er contestants. Kwon, 41, was a products, organizers said. al cookies, cakes and breads featuring
member of Namsadang, a tradition- The event took place at the Agro- the four seasons of the country.
al entertainment troupe established Trade Exhibition Center and Citizen’s Detailed descriptions of the effica-
during the Joseon Dynasty. Forest in Yangjae-dong, southern cy of ginseng and sun-dried salt, as
The first prize of 20 million won Seoul. well as the goods that come from fer-
($16,000) went to Yakefujiang The exposition showcased products mented foods, like bean pastes and
Maimitili from China and the special of agriculture, stock farm, fisheries and kimchi were also showcased.
prize for women participants was dairy, as well as food art pieces featur- Events at Citizen’s Forest were
awarded to Yeisy Yolima Oabares ing various Korean ingredients. arranged for public participation and
Oquendo from Colombia. One of the two exhibition halls at hands-on experience.
“Korean traditional tightrope the AT Center presented changing Along with a display of 30 agricul-
walking has been modernized into trends in Korean dishes. In it, trends tural products of the highest quality,
this exciting sports event. Set from the last 40 years of Korea’s popu- participants can experience feeding
around the beautiful scenery of the lar dishes were showcased year by year. calves, milking cows and making ice
Han River, this event is expected to A food magic show and a “pojang- cream.
become a new attraction for Seoul,” macha,” (outdoor snack stall) where one Other programs included consulta-
said a city official. can get food as well as drawings as a tions on what food to eat during preg-
For more information, visit service, were offered for entertainment. nancy, a brunch concert, and face
Korean tightrope walker Kwon Won-tae crosses the one-kilometer-long wire across the Han River
www.x-highwire.org. ■ By introducing the super pumpkin painting using food items. ■
a Giant Gallery
BY HAN ARAN
KOREA.NET STAFF WRITER
A
rt is everywhere in the southeastern city of Busan as
the Busan Biennale is underway throughout the
port city.
The Busan Biennale kicked off with a large-scale exhi-
bition of contemporary art on Sept. 6, only a day after the
opening of its more internationally renowned rival, the
Gwangju Biennale.
However, unlike the Gwangju Biennale, which has no
particular theme, the Busan Biennale revolves around the
theme of “Expenditure,” which is based on the concept of
French philosopher Georges Bataille.
He argued that the process of squandering could
translate into something positive.
In simple words, the theme “expenditure” implies that
every artwork is a result of emitting and expending energy.
A total of 77 artists from 27 countries are showing
sculptures and installation works at Gwangalli Beach and
the nearby street galleries.
Twenty-three artists are displaying their works in the
Gwangalli Beach area, four at Geumryunsan Subway Oum Jeong-soon’s “Walking in Mandala” and Yang Ju-
Station, and 50 at Minlakdong Me World. hae’s art on the sand. Nightly performances will be held
The Me World exhibition will show a multitude of dis- on the beach throughout the duration of the biennale.
tinguished video works to stimulate audiences’ imagina- Making the most of its outdoor space, APEC Naru Park
tions. in Busan showcases sculpture-centered art pieces placed
At Gwangalli Beach, contemporary and eco-friendly along the lakeside and forest trails in a perfect blend of art
works of art made out of environmentally friendly mate- and nature, aimed at spreading the concept of public art.
rials invite visitors or anyone passing by to indulge and With the theme “Avant-Garden,” it shows 20 sculp-
interact, as many works displayed this year will only be tures by artists from 13 countries.
made complete through the participation of spectators. One of the interesting works in the park are “Ancestor”
This is free of charge. by American sculptor Robert Morris.
Among the works on the beach and the nearby sub- Visit www.busanbiennale.org (Korean, English) or call
Yang Ju-hae’s art on sand
way and cultural centers near Gwangalli are Thai artist (051) 888-6601 to 9. ■
Nipan Oranniwesna’s “City of Ghosts” and Korean artists (Photos courtesy of the Busan Biennale)
Hunminjeongeum
Translated into spective of linguistic study. Attached to the
Korea:
Impossible to
Possible
Publisher: Korean Culture and
Information Service
Pages: 255
Not for Sale
My Impression of Korea
I arrived in Korea the first time in June 1995 beautiful landscape of Korea’s mountains. I
with some members of the Presidential have been here only 10 months, and I have of-
Delegation of Paraguay for an official visit. ten enjoyed the natural environment of
After that, I had various opportunities to visit Samcheok, including the clean and pic-
Korea before I was appointed ambassador in turesque mountains, beaches, valleys and
this country. I also participated in the bilateral natural caves. Also, I visited many beautiful
meeting between Korea and Paraguay in cities of Korea’s countryside. I take pleasure in
2005. In all of my visits, I was always im- Korean food, such as hobak juk (pumpkin por-
pressed by the fact that Korea grew so fast in ridge), bulgogi (Korean-style barbecued beef),
many aspects of its development, and that it samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), etc.
has become one of the leading countries in I am truly fond of Korea’s seasons — the
the global economy. I am very proud of the beautiful flowers of spring, the wonderful col-
cordial relationship between my country and ors of summer, the extraordinary mixed colors
Korea. Moreover, I am truly glad that we enjoy BY CEFERINO VALDEZ of fall and the white snow of winter. Many
a strong relationship in diplomatic, economi- PARAGUAYAN AMBASSADOR TO KOREA know that it doesn’t snow in Paraguay. In the
cal, commercial and cultural fields. cultural area, I enjoy all of Korea’s traditional
A group of Korean immigrants arrived in activities. The last festival I attended was the
Paraguay in 1965. In order to reach their new health centers and public institutions.” This Aikido Festival in Cheongju with 15 members
dwelling place, they needed to leave their year, we have the first group of the of the Paraguayan government. We truly en-
home country from Busan harbor. For two Taekwondo Peace Corps. volunteers. joyed the Korean hospitality.
months, they crossed the Pacific Ocean and In Paraguay, we have Korean markets, I must express why I am so impressed with
into the Atlantic Ocean. Today, these people restaurants, karaoke rooms and even jjimjil- Koreans. When I was in Taean, I participated
have contributed substantially to the develop- bang. With all this, I truly believe that this rela- in the clean-up effort to help save the beach
ment and well-being of our society. They are tionship between the two countries will con- with my friends and colleagues. I was amazed
highly regarded in the fields of industry, poli- tinue as a permanent one. However, it is not by the spirit of cooperation and voluntarism of
tics, art, culture, religion and a variety of pro- always easy to adapt in a new country. One of the Korean people — all working together,
fessions. For example, one of the leading the difficult things is language. But with the men and women, young and old, children and
journalists in Paraguay is Yolanda Park, who help of my daughter, Adriana, it is getting families. They all had one mission: to save the
was born in Korea but grew up in Paraguay. much better. Adriana enrolled in the Korean environment.
She is one of the most famous celebrities in School and is currently part of the Korean Many students from Paraguay are now
Paraguay. Also, there are many Korean modeling academy. My wife, who is a veteri- studying in Korea. I hope that this exchange
churches helping our society. All speak the nary doctor and chairwoman of the Mymba will continue and increase with the assistance
native language of Paraguay — Guarani. Kaaguy Wild Life Rescue Center in Paraguay, and support of the KOICA programs, as well
Later on, a new wave of Koreans arrived in visited a wildlife protection center near the as programs from Korean universities such as
Paraguay. They included volunteers of organi- Demilitarized Zone. There, injured birds were Kyunghee University, Ewha University,
zations such as KOICA, IYF, IT and WTO. treated and nurtured in Cheorwon, Gangwon- Konkuk University and Kangnam University.
They are helping my people learn about do, and an exchange program with veterinary These universities have set up sisterhood re-
health, technology, commerce, sports, etc. As professors of Korea and Paraguayan veteri- lations with Paraguayan universities.
one of the volunteers of KOICA said, “For two narian staff was started. There are also pro- One of the wisest Korean traditional
years, there have been over 90 volunteers in grams with NGOs dedicated to wildlife and proverbs is “sangbu-sangjo” (the spirit of mu-
many locales of Paraguay to share and serve environment protection. tual help). I am sure that our relationship and
the Paraguayan people and their society. Paraguay is always described as a green, cooperation can grow together with this sprit.
These volunteers have helped schools, public flat country. Thus, I am always amazed by the Thank you. ■