Professional Documents
Culture Documents
11
NOVEMBER
ISSN: 2005-2162
2009
www.korea.net
NOVEMBER 2009
CONTENTS VOL. 15 / NO. 11
06 16 28 50 54
Publisher
Kim He-beom,
Korean Culture and
Information Service
06 Cover Story – Korea at the G-20
•A New Era of Leadership 28 Culture
•S aving Korea’s Living Culture 52 Korea through the Lens
• Colossal Sea Link...
• L ee: Grand Bargain Is ‘Only Path’ for North • 1 00 Years of Pride in Korean Culture
Chief Editor
Ko Hye-ryun
12 News in Focus
•P
•S
lay It Again, Yon-sama: Winter Sonata
easide Cheers for Asian Film 54 Travel
• The Majesty of Autumn in the Waving Pam-
Editing & Printing •A
s Emotional Reunions End, Their Future Is Still in •C heongju, Korea’s City of Craft pas Grass
JoongAng Daily
Doubt •B rotherly Folktale in U.S. Text •K orea’s Taste Masters –Join Top Chef at His
Cover Photo E-mail ‘Zen Hideaway’
16 44
The Incheon Bridge webmaster@korea.net
opened last month, Diplomacy Korean Literature •M aking Korea No Longer Asia’s Best Kept
Design
linking Incheon Inter-
JoongAng Daily •L
ee’s Asian Diplomatic Push • Trapped in Tranquil Domesticity: Secret
national Airport and
the city of Songdo. Oh Jung-hee
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. 20 Global Korea
•T o Fix Brand, Help the Needy
•P oetry – The Wind’s Private Life
62 People
•K
orean Design Makes a Splash in London
•S eoul Centers Are Oases for Expat Residents
48
The articles published in Korea do not necessarily rep-
resent the views of the publisher. The publisher is not Korean Artist • T he Gift of Communication
liable for errors or omissions. • T aking Korean Flavors Home • I taly Honors Devoted Violinist and Concert
66
Letters to the editor should include the writer’s full name • Team Rushes to Help Victims of Earthquakes in Master for His ‘Life of Music’: Kim Min Foreign viewpoints
and address. Letters may be edited for clarity and/or
space restrictions. Indonesia
• In
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26 50 Sports
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cancel a subscription, please e-mail us. Green Growth Brother Anthony
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sary with common Korean words appearing in our text • E nvironment Reporters Visit, Praise Korea’s Green • Out of the Park, Times Twenty
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the homepage of www.korea.net. Policies • U-20 Team Hits Quarterfinals, But Can’t Top
발간등록번호: 11-1110073-000016-06 African Champs
F
ollowing an agreement between leaders India and Brazil as well as Korea.
of the world’s major economies to insti- “Today, leaders endorsed the G-20 as the
tutionalize the Group of 20 as a perma- premier forum for international economic
nent council on global economic coop- cooperation,” the White House said in a state-
eration, Korea was selected to host a summit in ment. “This decision brings to the table the
November next year. countries needed to build a stronger, more bal-
The leaders of the world’s 20 largest econo- anced global economy, reform the financial
mies will meet in Canada in June and Korea in system and lift the lives of the poorest.”
November for economic policy coordination, Upon returning home, President Lee
President Lee Myung-bak and Canadian Prime arranged a special press conference and encour-
Minister Stephen Harper announced in a joint aged Koreans to view their country as a central
press conference in Pittsburgh, the United member of the global order. In a media event
States, broadcast live on Sept. 25. televised live around the nation on Sept. 30, Lee
“First, let me inform disclosed a vision for a greater Korea.
our citizens that it was Noting that Korea’s hosting of the Group of
decided to hold the 2010 20 Summit in November next year would be an
G-20 summit in Korea in opportunity to upgrade the country’s position
November,” the Korean in the global community, Lee said Koreans
L
my. Korea has experienced the world’s fastest
recovery and has taken a leading role in setting ast month’s meeting of G-20 political alliance that encompasses economic, social,
an agenda that includes green development leaders in Pittsburgh was cause for both cultural, educational, scientific, and techno-
and anti-protectionism. optimism and responsibility to sustain logical cooperation.” This suggests that Lee
“Diplomatically, Korea’s hosting of the G-20 early signs of a global recovery. Follow- conceives the success of South Korea’s G20
next year is a big deal,” he said. “Korean policy up measures of the summit will fall primarily leadership as directly tied to expanded alli-
tion of Korean Industries and the Korea Cham- summit, and Korea’s hosting of the G-20 in the First Lady Kim Yoon-ok to set world policy, it must present a robust Korea’s successful
ber of Commerce and Industry. same month will serve the busy schedules of stewardship of the
Next year’s G-20 summit schedules are also state heads best. By Kim Soo-ae
and U.S. First Lady Mi-
chelle Obama.
agenda during its chairmanship next year. G-20 and Congressio-
nal ratification of the
can provide effective global leadership. KORUS FTA should go hand-in-hand, ulti-
Korea championed global coordination to mately to enhance the U.S.-Korea strategic
Lee: Grand Bargain Is ‘Only Path’ for North promote a macroeconomic stimulus that will
provide $5 trillion for the next two years, and
lead on global economic issues.
Korea’s great challenge and opportunity is
P
resident Lee Myung-bak has proposed a “grand bar- later said China, Russia and Japan also supported Lee. promoted $1.1 trillion through international to show that the G-20 can remain effective
gain” in which North Korea will swap dismantlement During his visit to Seoul on Oct. 9, Japanese Prime financial institutions to counteract the effects even as the crisis subsides and to ensure that
of core parts of its nuclear arms programs for secu- Minister Yukio Hatoyama made public his backing for of the global financial crisis on developing this is not a “crisis wasted.”
rity assurances and international economic aid, and the Lee’s “grand bargain.” During the South Korea-China- countries. Korea has also stood against pro- Mo Jong-ryn of Yonsei University argues
plan has won global support, including that of the United Japan summit in Beijing on Oct. 10, Lee sought China’s tectionist tendencies, sponsoring “standstill” that the rise of the G-20 — and South Korea’s
States and Japan, Cheong Wa Dae said. support for his proposal, and the three nations agreed to and “rollback” pledges among G-20 countries, assumption of leadership in it — is an oppor-
The proposal was made during Lee’s recent trip to the cooperate to bring the North back to the stalled talks. as G-20 Summit Coordinating Committee tunity to redress Asia’s past underrepresenta-
United States, in a speech at the U.S. Council on Foreign A Lee aide explained the proposal seeks to seal an over- Chairman Sakong Il explained in the Center tion and its economic weight in the interna-
Relations in New York on Sept. 21. Lee said it was time to all deal because past step-by-step approaches have proven for U.S.-Korea Policy’s May newsletter. tional community. But such an opportunity
stop rewarding the North for bad behavior, and a grand inefficient. The official also said the previous “comprehen- As a former CEO, Korean President Lee will be wasted unless Asians themselves deliv-
bargain must be pushed forward by Seoul, Washington, sive package deal” was more focused on what to give the Myung-bak is well-qualified to promote mea- er in providing a distinctive and effective
Beijing, Tokyo and Moscow. The five nations must consult North, while Lee’s proposal is based on reciprocity. sures for an early exit from the crisis. Under agenda.
each other, clearly agree on the final route to disarming “Five countries of the six-nation talks except for the Lee’s leadership, Korea’s own efforts to pro- Korea must infuse its G-20 chairmanship
Pyongyang and create an action plan, Lee said. North have reached a consensus on the overall deal, and mote economic recovery are strongly in line with effective leadership if the group is to
“We need an integrated approach to fundamentally we are currently discussing the specifics of the negotia- with those of the Obama administration, in no cement its role as the main venue for expand-
resolve the North Korea nuclear issue,” Lee said. “Through tions with the North,” he added. small part because Lee conceives of U.S.-Korea ed economic coordination. Korea’s handling
the six-nation talks, we need to push forward a ‘grand During his New York speech, Lee stressed the North economic coordination as an opportunity to of its G-20 chairmanship is a make or break
bargain’ to dismantle the core parts of the North’s nuclear must not feel the process is a threat to its regime. “By giving expand the two countries’ alliance. opportunity on many different levels. The
arms programs, and, at the same time, to provide security up its nuclear programs, the North will be able to form new In his speech to the Council on Foreign country needs to show that it can live up to the
assurances and international assistance to the North.” relationships with the United States and the international Relations in New York, Lee emphasized that task by catalyzing global coordination of exit
Lee said his government has already consulted with the community, and that will be the only path for the North’s he and President Obama have “agreed that strategies from the crisis and by addressing
United States about the plan. Cheong Wa Dae officials survival and development,” Lee said. By Kim Soo-ae this alliance will no longer just be about ensur- global imbalances between developing and
ing security,” but “a comprehensive strategic industrialized countries. By Scott Snyder
F
or hundreds of Koreans from either side of the
border, the time flew by far too fast.
From Sept. 26 to 28, 97 South Koreans were
briefly reunited with 233 family members living
on the opposite side of the border, followed by a second
reunion from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 of 98 North Koreans and
428 of their relatives from the South. Most had been
separated during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953,
while some others had been captured as prisoners of war
or when they inadvertantly crossed the border.
As in past reunions, emotional farewells dominated the
final moments. Hands helplessly reached out through the
windows of the bus leaving Mount Geumgangsan, where
the reunions took place, as families touched each other
Separated families bid their emotional fare- for what could easily have been their last encounter.
well at the end of their reunion at Mount This was the 17th reunion of separated families since the
Geumgangsan on Sept. 28. conclusion of the Korean War, and it was the culmination
of a sudden series of conciliatory gestures by North Korea,
which first broached the idea in August.
According to the Unification Ministry, which handles
inter-Korean affairs in Seoul, more than 20,000 family
members had been reunited in the previous 16 meetings.
The first session was held in 1985. But the next reunion
didn’t come until 2000, the year of the first inter-Korean
summit between South Korean President Kim Dae-jung
As Emotional Reunions End, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. From then on,
families met at least once each year until 2007.
Under the conservative Lee Myung-bak administration,
[KPPA]
inter-Korean summit between then South Korean Presi-
Red Cross representatives from the two Koreas meet to discuss future dent Roh Moo-hyun and Kim. Families have also been
Time is running out, as many on the waiting list have already passed away. family reunions. able to take part in seven remote video conferences.
As North Korea grew more and more provocative, con-
ducting nuclear and missile tests, severing inter-Korean
military communication lines and restricting cross-bor-
12 korea November 2009 November 2009 korea 13
News in Focus
Age breakdown for South Koreans waiting for ian spirit, [that] better inter-Korean rela-
tions would be a boon to family reunions,”
family reunions (through August 2009) Unit : persons
Yoo told South Korean pool reporters at or older
90 years 7,755
Mount Geumgangsan at the time. “We 80 ~ 89 28,207
want more of the reunions regardless of 70 ~ 79 33,235
the ups and downs of political relations.” 60 ~ 69 13,244
Officials in the South offered mixed59reac-
years or younger 3,911
tions to the North’s request for aid.
Won Sei-hoon, head of the National Intel-
ligence Service in Seoul, said that he would
consider appropriate measures for North
Korea in response to the ongoing family
reunions. He told a National Assembly
committee on intelligence that he would
90 years or older 7,755
Source: The Unification Ministry consult with relevant government depart-
ments regarding aid and would consider 80~89 years 28,207
providing it as long as strategic materials
der land passage for South Koreans, it seemed unlikely were not involved. 70~79 years 33,235
[YONHAP]
earlier this year that another reunion could be held in But others were hesitant. Vice Unification
60~69 years 13,244
2009. Minister Hong Yang-ho said, “Our basic
But North Korea changed its tune in the summer. On position is that we don’t link inter-Korean 59 years or younger 3,911 Families shed tears of joy upon meeting long-
Aug. 17, Kim Jong-il sat down with Hyun Jeong-eun, exchange or aid to North Korea with the lost relatives, top and above. The gathering at
chairwoman of the Hyundai Group, which handles inter- family reunions.” Mount Geumgangsan also included some time
Korean exchange projects, and agreed to set up a reunion Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Sun- outdoors at the resort, left.
of the families around the Chuseok holidays at Mount kyoo echoed the sentiment, though he
Geumgangsan. Those holidays fell on the first weekend qualified his remarks by saying, “When it
of October.
Four days later, South Korea’s National Red Cross, which
is deemed necessary, the South Korean
government will provide humanitarian
sometimes with tragic consequences. One 75-year-old
South Korean man took a fatal leap in front of a train after
The random family reunions at Mount Geumgangsan
part of “definite changes and improve-
organizes the reunions, officially proposed the Chuseok aid. But we’re already supplying medicine he wasn’t chosen for the reunion. selection ment.”
reunion to its North Korean counterpart. After briefly
wrangling over the dates of the meetings, the two sides
for infants and seniors.”
After the tears dried, other questions arose
Critics also say the South Korean government should
consider age and the availability of direct family members
process for the He also stressed that rice and fertilizer aid
is directly related to the livelihood of the
agreed to bring the families together. from the latest reunion meetings. Yoo, the on the other side of the border. The Red Cross has been reunions is North Koreans, and supplying these prod-
A computer randomly selected 300 candidates for the
reunion, and the South Korean Red Cross chose the final
Red Cross head in Seoul, said he pressed
Jang, his North Korean counterpart, to
using random computer lotteries to ensure fairness. The
selection is preceded by the Red Cross’s compiling of a list
somewhat ucts is necessary so that North Korea
“would continuously engage in dia-
list of 100 based on age and condition. Three pulled out come up with a regular schedule for the of 300 individuals after checking their health and their controversial. logue.”
at the last minute citing health issues. reunions so that more could meet their willingness to travel to Mount Geumgangsan. But the In recent months, North Korea has alter-
The latest round of reunions was expected to provide a lost relatives. But the Koreas didn’t follow lottery process rules out consideration of age and doesn’t nated between a moderate stance and a
breakthrough in inter-Korean relations. In the early part up on that discussion at the conclusion of account for whether the individuals’ direct family mem- hostile one. It has released detained
of the meetings, North Korea even asked the South to the reunions, and no date for the next bers are even alive in the North. American and South Korean citizens and
extend “a goodwill measure” since the North went out of round has been set. An official at the Ministry of Unification acknowledged lifted border restrictions for South Kore-
its way to help resume family reunions. According to the Ministry of Unification, that some South Koreans only meet their distant relatives ans, even while claiming its uranium
The Lee administration in Seoul has halted uncondi- nearly 130,000 South Koreans had placed because their parents or siblings have all already passed enrichment program for nuclear weapons
[JoongAng Ilbo]
tional supplies of rice and fertilizer to the North, instead their names on the waiting list for family away. development had entered its final phase
linking aid to denuclearization efforts. Yoo Chong-ha, reunions as of August this year, but 50,000 As critics and the government debate what to do with and saying the United States has to change
the South Korean Red Cross chief, said Jang Jae-on, his have already passed away. Of the survi- future reunions, a senior South Korean government offi- its hostile policy on Pyeongyang before
North Korean counterpart, didn’t specify whether vors, more than seven out of 10 were in cial urged the Lee administration to provide humanitar- the North could consider dismantling its
Pyongyang wanted rice or something else. Seoul’s stance
The South has their 70s or 80s. ian aid without preconditions to encourage the North to nuclear programs.
on rice and fertilizer, however, had been that this aid proposed On average, there have been fewer than continue engagement. Against this backdrop, the Koreas man-
should be based on a government-level agreement, since two reunions per year in the past nine Kim Deog-ryong, the president’s special advisor for aged to reunite separated families for the
it may be too costly for NGOs, which are busy providing
regular years and only a limited number from national unity, said at an academic forum in Seoul on first time in two years. But whether these
medication for the elderly and children. reunions, but each side can take part. While logistical Oct. 7 that the South shouldn’t tie humanitarian issues meetings will be held on a regular basis,
Yoo also relayed that he and Jang were at least on the same problems would make it difficult to satisfy with politics. and whether they will help improve inter-
page on the spirit of the reunions.
the North has every one of the separated families, cap- “Fortunately, North Korea appears to be seeking to Korean relations, remains to be seen.
“He said he agrees with the idea, based on the humanitar- yet to respond. ping the number at 100 falls well short, improve [inter-Korean] relations,” Kim said, calling the By Yoo Jee-ho
[YONHAP]
Three Emergency Rice Reserve will be realized as soon as possible and
gave Korea’s commitment of 150,000 tons of rice for the program,” Kim
East Asian leaders join hands at the fourth East Asia summit, part of the 15th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit and related meet- said.
ings, held in Cha-Am in Hua Hin district, southern Thailand,on Oct 25. Lee’s trip to Southeast Asia was seen as a successful implementa-
tion of his “New Asia Initiative” to engage the region, the South Kore-
an presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said. Announced in March
this year, Lee’s goal under his initiative is to cooperate with Asian
nations and advocate for Asia in the international community. Kim,
Lee’s Asian Diplomatic Push Lee’s spokeswoman, said the plan gained momentum over the past
seven months after Lee attended the ASEAN Plus Three summit in
Thailand in April, visited Central Asia in May and hosted the Korea-
ASEAN special summit in June.
President flies across region to meet with leaders from Japan, China and ASEAN “With his visits to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, Lee expand-
[NEWSIS]
ed Korea’s diplomatic horizons to the member countries of ASEAN to
P
President Lee Myung-bak (far left) smiles while sharing an promote his New Asia Initiative,” she said.
resident Lee Myung-bak for Cheong Wa Dae. Following their sum- ised at the summit,” Kim Eun-hye, Lee’s opinion with New Zealand Prime Minister John Philip Key, President Lee also attended two summits with Korea’s Northeast
cemented Korea’s ties with mit, a joint statement was issued and the spokeswoman, said. center, and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the East Asian neighbors earlier in the month, the first with Japanese Prime
Southeast Asian nations as he two leaders held a press conference. On Oct. 22, Lee met with Cambodia’s Asia summit in Thailand. Minister Yukio Hatoyama in Seoul, followed by the second Korea-
toured Vietnam, Cambodia and Since Korea opened diplomatic rela- Prime Minister Hun Sen and signed a China-Japan trilateral meeting in Beijing between the two heads of
Thailand and attended a series of bilateral tions with Vietnam in 1992, economic series of economic cooperation agree- state and Premier Wen Jiabao of China.
and regional summits in October. exchange has expanded rapidly. Noting ments that include a large-scale forestation At the trilateral meeting Oct. 10, Wen said the North’s leader Kim
During Lee’s stay in Hanoi, Vietnam, that bilateral trade volume has grown from project and a mineral resources develop- Jong-il expressed his wish to thaw frozen inter-Korean ties
Lee sat down for a summit with his coun- $500 million in 1992 to $10 billion in 2008, ment program. “North Korea wants to improve ties not only with the United States
terpart Nguyen Minh Triet on Oct. 21 and Lee and Triet agreed their countries would Following normalization of diplomat- but also South Korea and Japan,” said the Chinese leader at a joint press
agreed to upgrade the Korea-Vietnam try to reach $20 billion by 2015. ic ties in 1997, Korea has become Cambo- conference after meeting with President Lee Myung-bak and Japanese
relationship to a strategic cooperative part- The two leaders also endorsed a joint dia’s second-largest foreign investor and Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in Beijing.
nership to accommodate not only rapidly project to develop Vietnam’s Hong River as No. 7 trade partner. Kim also asked Wen to deliver his “willingness” to improve rela-
expanding economic and cultural a symbol of cooperation between the two Lee and Hun Sen agreed that Korea tions between the North and the South to Lee, which the Chinese
exchanges but also political and security capitals. The program, expected to cost $7 will help Cambodia create a national eco- prime minister did at a separate meeting with Lee in the afternoon,
ties. A broad range of topics were addressed billion, will take over a decade. “Korean nomic development plan. Kim said Korea according to Lee’s spokeswoman Kim in a press briefing.
during the 50-minute meeting, said Lee companies’ participation in the $9 billion will play the role of incubator for the In response, Lee was quoted as saying, “I can meet [Kim Jong-il]
Dong-kwan, public affairs senior secretary high-speed train project was also prom- Southeast Asian country’s development, at any time if North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons program.”
16 korea November 2009 November 2009 korea 17
Diplomacy
Wen was in Pyongyang from Oct. 4 to issue and conditions for such a deal.” North climate change, financial risks, energy ministers’ meeting in Korea, the sixth min-
6 for talks with Kim, in the first visit by a Korea walked away from the talks aimed security, public health, natural disasters, isterial meeting in China and the fourth
Chinese premier to North Korea in 18 at ending its nuclear ambitions last Decem- terrorism, arms control, disarmament and friendly youth exchange meeting in China
years. He reportedly spent 10 hours with ber and said in April that the six-nation non-proliferation, and UN reform,” their are also scheduled for next year.
Kim, and the longest conversation lasted talks between the two Koreas, China, statement read. Ahead of the summit in Beijing, how-
four hours. Japan, the United States and Russia were They also promised to help enact a ever, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio
China’s Xinhua News Agency report- no longer viable. new climate change accord in December Hatoyama visited Seoul on Oct. 9 and met
ed last week that Kim Jong-il had informed The three leaders, whose countries in Copenhagen to replace the Kyoto Pro- with President Lee, forming a united front
tocol. Hatoyama has set climate change as to pressure North Korea to return to the
a focus of his administration, vowing to cut six-party talks and discussing measures to
Lee’s travels are part of his New Asia Initiative Japan’s carbon emissions by 25 percent improve bilateral relations.
to strengthen ties with Korea’s neighbors. from 1990 levels by 2020. The three also
vowed to cooperate for the success of the
The visit by Japan’s new prime minister
is significant because he chose Korea as his
fifth G-20 summit to be hosted by Korea first overseas travel destination for a bilat-
Wen that North Korea was “willing to accounted for 16 percent of the gross world in November 2010. eral summit. “This means the Hatoyama
attend multilateral talks, including the six- product last year, vowed at the summit to According to a key official at Cheong administration attaches great importance
party talks,” depending on the progress in pursue the “grand bargain” proposal that Wa Dae, the three leaders agreed that the to Korea-Japan ties,” a statement issued by
anticipated discussions with the United Lee made in the United States in Septem- countries may start discussing lower barri- Cheong Wa Dae read.
States. ber. Under the plan, North Korea would ers to trade through a trilateral trade pact, Lee and Hatoyama had met in Korea
The first freestanding summit between dismantle the key parts of its nuclear arms “although the three countries have a differ- in June, when Hatoyama was leader of the
[KPPA]
the Northeast Asian neighbors was held program in exchange for security assur- ent stance on an FTA.” Japanese opposition Democratic Party but
last December in Fukuoka, Japan, while ances and aid, the end of sanctions and China is Korea’s No. 1 trading partner, not yet prime minister. On Sept. 23, the President Lee Myung-bak and first lady Kim Yoon-ok, right, enjoy teatime at the Sangchunjae
the first-ever three-way talks between the tension sparked by the nuclear test in with Korea China’s third-largest trade two also held a bilateral summit in New (Spring House) in the Cheong Wa Dae compound in Seoul Oct. 9, with visiting Japanese Prime
nations were held in 1999 on the sidelines May. partner. Korea and Japan have already York on the sidelines of the United Nations Minister Yukio Hatoyama and his wife Miyuki Hatoyama, left.
of an ASEAN summit. “Impending issues [for Japan] not only begun negotiations for a bilateral FTA, General Assembly.
“We will make joint efforts with other include North Korea’s nuclear weapons though they have been stalled since Following their summit in Seoul, Lee
parties for an early resumption of the six- and missiles but also the abduction [of November 2004. Before then, six rounds of and Hatoyama held a joint press confer- addressed as part of the package deal, and 1995. The statement has become Tokyo’s
party talks, so as to safeguard peace and Japanese by the North],” said Hatoyama, talks had taken place. ence and made public their strengthened he appreciated Lee’s support for including official stance on its military past.
stability in Northeast Asia, and thereby who took office last month. “Japan intends On the sidelines of the bilateral talks cooperation in resolving the North Korea the issue in his comprehensive package Shortly after Hatoyama took office,
build an Asia of peace, harmony, openness to resolve those issues comprehensively, between Lee and Wen, the neighboring nuclear crisis, promoting a one-step solu- solution. Lee expressed hope that Korea and Japan
and prosperity,” the statement read. and this is certainly related to Lee’s grand nations also signed an agreement on eco- tion to end the pattern of rewarding the Japan’s new leader also emphasized will move beyond their troubled history.
Lee said at the joint press conference, bargain.” nomic cooperation that calls for doubling communist regime for bad behavior. once again his government’s willingness to Hatoyama also said his government is
“Now is a good time for North Korea to The leaders also pledged to respond to their annual bilateral trade to $300 billion “We agreed that a fundamental change face up to the nation’s military past. ready to face up to his country’s wartime
give up its nuclear ambitions, and there other global issues. “We will strengthen by 2015. in North Korea’s attitude is crucial to Hatoyama took the office on Sept. 16 and acts and improve ties between the two
will be good results if we can offer a pro- communication and consultation on The next trilateral summit will be held resolve the nuclear crisis,” Lee said. “To expectations have been high in Korea that Asian neighbors when he met Lee in Sep-
posal for a one-step solution of the nuclear regional and international affairs such as in Korea next year. The fourth foreign facilitate the change, we agreed to imple- the two countries will move beyond their tember in New York.
ment the UN Security Council resolution troubled past under his liberal leadership. While Lee and Hatoyama were hold-
while leaving the door for dialogue open
and continuing diplomatic efforts to per-
suade the North to return to the six-nation Hopes are high Japan’s new leader will work
talks.”
Lee also said he and Hatoyama agreed
to improve long-neglected Korean relations.
to consult closely with China, Russia and
the United States to advance his “grand “It is important that each and every ing summit talks, Korea’s first lady, Kim
bargain” proposal. person in the government and the people Yoon-ok, and the Japanese first lady, Miyu-
Hatoyama backed Lee’s proposal. “I of Japan understand the Murayama state- ki Hatoyama, paid a visit to the Institute of
think the president’s grand bargain plan is ment,” Hatoyama said at the press confer- Traditional Korean Food in Seoul and par-
precise and proper,” the Japanese leader ence. “This is a matter where emotions can ticipated in kimchi making. The Japanese
said. “The idea is that we need to grasp the easily prevail. It will take some time to seek first lady is known as a great fan of Korean
North Korea issues comprehensively, the understanding of the Japanese, and I cuisine and pop culture.
including nuclear and missile develop- hope Koreans can also understand such a The first couples also had a luncheon
ment, and no economic cooperation situation.” after the summit, and Kim Eun-hye, Pres-
should be provided unless the North’s will- Admitting that Japan’s colonial rule ident Lee’s spokeswoman, said the Japa-
[YONHAP]
ingness to change is seen.” and aggression caused tremendous dam- nese guests enjoyed the traditional Korean
A triangle of tables, each representing one of the three sides, is the setting for the trilateral summit between Korea, Japan and China in Hatoyama said North Korea’s past age to Asia, then-Japanese Prime Minister meals and drinks served for the event.
Beijing Oct. 10. The next trilateral summit will be held in Korea next year. abductions of Japanese civilians must be Tomiichi Murayama issued an apology in By Kim Soo-ae, Seo Ji-eun
transforming the image of the Seoul Scholarships Korea’s obligation, increasingly required by the inter-
institution from a traditional “makge- national community that once helped us.”
olli-drinking” school into a “wine- and a job fair That idea was behind Vietnam-Korea Week, an
drinking” school. The massive English- eight-day festival held to promote friendship between
only lecturing program he implement- were part of the two countries last month in Vietnam. Featuring
ed across curriculums from 2003 to the eight-day around 40 economic, diplomatic, and cultural sub-
2006 has made Korea University one of events, the festival marked the biggest national
the most globalized campuses in the friendship friendship event sponsored by a foreign country in
country, as reflected by several local Vietnam.
college rankings. week in Most of the events, organized by the council in
And he is taking a similar approach Vietnam. cooperation with the Vietnamese government, were
in his new job, Euh admits. He hopes to aimed at benefiting the Vietnamese, including schol-
increase the English-language signage arships and a job fair for young people. An economic
and literature on Korea as council forum and a CEO forum, both aimed at passing on
chairman. After all, the council was Korea’s economic development formula to Vietnam,
founded to help foreigners stay on the were other key events.
cutting edge of Korean business and “We hope this Vietnam-Korea Week will provide
culture. momentum for Korea and Vietnam to share a future
But Euh said that is still secondary vision and accelerate the opening of a mutually pros-
To Fix Brand, Help the Needy the world last year, in part due to its
insufficient foreign aid relative to its
gross domestic product.
Korea’s official development aid, or
W
ODA, as a percentage of GDP was 0.09
hat is the best way to ent angle. percent last year, much lower than the
e n hanc e Kore a’s Offering a helping hand to coun- United Nations target for advanced
national brand? tries in need will make Korea more countries, 0.7 percent.
Some say further popular than anything else could, Euh During his two-year stint as council
development of the information tech- says. chairman, which started in January,
nology industry, an area in which this “That is the most important thing Euh says he will try to lift Korea’s
once agricultural country has gained in raising a nation’s brand,” Euh remarks Anholt index ranking to 15th by 2013.
an edge over many advanced countries during an interview last month at his In the interview, Euh stresses that
over a short period of time. Others office in the central Seoul building that raising international aid could help lift
point to Hallyu, the wave of Korean houses the council. “Without giving Korea’s ranking, but that the acclaim
pop culture that spread across Asia and love, you cannot receive it.” would be a secondary goal.
[YONHAP]
is lapping at the shores of the rest of the That might be a somewhat unex- “Korea becoming a country that
world. pected answer from a person who built helps others is a goal in and of itself,
But Euh Yoon-dae, chairman of the his reputation as a bureaucratic bull- much more important than raising its Euh Yoon-dae, chairman of the Presidential Council on Nation Branding, addresses about strategies
Presidential Council on Nation Brand- dozer on reform. Euh, a former presi- branding ranking,” Euh says. “Taking to boost the competitiveness of Korean companies through improving Korea’s nation branding at a
ing, looks at the question from a differ- dent of Korea University, is known for care of less developed countries is lecture held at a Seoul hotel on Oct. 15.
B
tions in our center are for help with accommo- details such as reading Korean manuals for elec-
Seoul Centers
efore the Seoul Global Center and its Seoul Global village centers dations when they tour Korea and when they tronics products.”
Global Village Center branches kicked off last offer foreign residents book tickets for upcoming concerts and exhibi- Center heads treat each question equally,
year, many expats in Korea still had trouble opportunities to expe- tions. There are still plenty of Web sites that do but some are funnier than others.
Expat Residents
The only way to answer these questions was to con- Korean films. diplomat ID cards.” father believed it distracted him from his school
sult a close colleague who settled in Korea earlier, but Alan Timblick, a British native who came to work,” said Allirol. “He asked our staff to write
sometimes this information could be unreliable — and Korea in 1977 and heads the Seoul Global Cen- a letter in Korean asking the PC room owners
an expat facing a situation their friend hadn’t faced was ter, said he receives many inquiries from expat not to let his son visit. His son’s photo and full
out of luck. businessmen who want to set up small compa- name was attached to each letter, and he visited
No longer forced to trust unreliable But then the Seoul Global Center was established at nies in Korea. every PC room that his son went to to hand
the Seoul Press Center on Jan. 23, 2008, with five “glob- The center also tackles larger problems. them to the owners.”
Web information, foreign residents al village” centers opening in neighborhoods densely “We’re proud [of our work on] a problem that The staff agree other regions in Korea should
can now find help just down the street populated with foreign residents: Yeonnam, Yeoksam, rose to a head a couple of years ago, when Kore- establish similar centers.
Hannam-Itaewon, Ichon and Seorae Village. an banks stopped letting foreign customers use “I’m aware that it will take some time to
Each center offers helpful information and tips for their ATM cards overseas,” Timblick said. “We make such expat help centers nationwide,” Alli-
foreigners registering for a cell phone, paying utility found a solution, the Foreign Ministry changed rol said. “The Seorae center sends a newsletter
bills, learning the Korean language and more. Heads of its regulations and banks were able to resume to French expats in Ulsan about concerts and
the centers are all foreigners who have lived for at least that service [in June last year]. I’m very happy other cultural events in Korea. We also helped a
three years in Korea, so they share the difficulties expats about that.” French expat in Daegu with Internet and cable
experience coming to Korea for the first time. Cristina Confalonieri, an Italian native who TV. We were glad we were able to help someone
Because the neighborhoods that host the village heads the Yeoksam Global Village Center, is a who lives far from Seoul, but our role is limited
centers are home to different ethnic groups, staff have familiar face in Korea, appearing on the popular because of the staff and other factors. More cen-
tailored programs to specific nationalities. KBS-TV show Minyeodeuleui suda (Beauties ters are needed.” By Kim Mi-ju
A
d evastating earthquake and leaving many homeless. Incheon International Airport on Oct. 1
struck Indonesia in late Sep- “Korea has a responsibility to pro- and arrived at an airport in Jakarta.
tember, but Korea has been vide humanitarian aid as a member of “After Indonesia was hit by the
there to offer a helping hand, the international community,” read a earthquake, we examined the situation
according to the Foreign Ministry. release by the Foreign Ministry in closely and prepared to offer help,” said
A day after the powerful temblor, response. an official from the National Emergency
which measured 7.6 on the Richter The Korean government dispatched Management Agency. “And as soon as
scale, hit the western island of Sumatra, a 43-member relief team, with two staff the Indonesian government accepted
members from the Korea International our offer to dispatch rescue workers, we
Members of the group Friends It wasn’t the first Cooperation Agency, or KOICA, and 41 took off.”
Provided by KOICA
from the National Emergency Manage- The team was equipped with some
of Korea attend a Korean
cooking class in El Salvador
mission abroad for the ment Agency. They brought with them hundreds of pieces of cutting-edge
on Sept. 29. Korean rescue team. emergency relief items including blan- equipment to help them sniff out and
kets and medicine to help panicking help survivors. It was the relief group’s
trapping thousands of Indonesians residents and foreign tourists caught up eighth dispatch to a neighboring coun-
A
ment would do all it could to help earth- and that what it needed most were doc- airplane crash and to Phuket, Thailand
great country serves great “Members still have good memories Some took notes on the recipes, while quake victims, providing emergency aid tors and paramedics. In response, 14 after a large tsunami.
food. And the Korea Inter- of their stays in Korea and were truly others wrote down the chef ’s advice. worth about $500,000. countries including Switzerland, Aus- “Our active role offering relief aid
national Cooperation fascinated with Korean food, so we “I am not going to taste Korean food The situation grew even more des- tralia and Japan also sent relief teams to allows us to strengthen friendship ties
Agency is traveling halfway decided to ask the El Salvador Overseas just for my own satisfaction,” said Jessica perate when a second quake followed help find survivors trapped under col- and also reshape Korea’s national image
across the world to prove it deserves that Office under KOICA to teach us how to Castro, who earned her master’s degree the first last month, triggering disas- lapsed buildings. based on humanitarianism,” the NEMA
status, holding a Korean cooking class cook it,” said Milton Magana, leader of in international development from the trous fires, destroying infrastructure The Korean rescue workers left official said. By Lee Eun-joo
for 20 members of the group Friends of the group and a senior official in charge Graduate School of International Stud-
Korea and their families at a restaurant of Asia-Africa affairs at the El Salvador- ies at Korea University in 2008. “I want
in El Salvador Sept. 29. an Foreign Ministry. take advantage of this cooking class to
“I was able to deeply learn how to cook Korean food on my
The Salvadoran would-be understand the delicacy own so that my neighbors can eat it as
of Korean-style cooking. well.”
chefs are perfect ambassadors It was a great opportunity After the lecture was finished, group
for Korean culture, Koica said. for not just me but the members tried out cooking the dishes
rest of the members to themselves, then tasted the results.
Friends of Korea is a 200-member understand Korean food,” Magana said. While they cooked, some shared their
group of El Salvadoran public officials “The cooking course cannot teach us experiences in Korea. When the western
who trained at various ministries and about overall Korean culture, but we “We rely on these local Salvadorans, Indonesian island
universities in Korea thanks to grant aid look forward to learning more about who have tasted Korean food during of Sumatra was hit
from KOICA. Korea through many activities. I think their time in Korea, to popularize Kore- hard by an earth-
The cooking course was created at we are going to love Korea more.” an food, culture and, ultimately, the quake measuring
the request of the group, because they Members listened attentively to Korean national brand as ambassadors,” 7.6 on the Richter
Provided by KOICA
said they wanted to remember and instructions from the restaurant’s head said Kim Eun-seob, head of the El Sal- scale, Korea sent in
relive the tastes they experienced while chef as they tried their hands at classics vador Overseas Office of KOICA. help and $500,000
staying here. such as kimchi, bibimbap and gimbap. By Lee Min-yong in emergency aid.
Cheoyongmu
The Cheoyongmu is a dance performed in the mask and costume of
the mystical character Cheoyong, featured in a ninth century Korean
legend. According to the story, Cheoyong, son of the dragon king, entered
the human world, arriving at Gaeunpo Port in Ulsan during the reign of
the Silla Dynasty’s King Heongang. After making it to the capital, he
married a beautiful woman and won an official rank. On moonlit nights,
he would wander the city, and one night, when he returned home, he
found a smallpox spirit in bed with his wife and dispelled it with singing
and dancing.
This legend gave birth to the folk belief that an image of Cheoyong
on one’s gate would prevent the evil spirit from entering the house. It also
led to the tradition of the Cheoyongmu, which was performed at royal
O
n Nov. 1, 1909, Emperor it went through two other names before
Sunjong officially opened becoming, in 1969, the National Muse-
the grounds of Chang- um of Korea. Today it occupies a beau-
gyeonggung Palace to the tiful modern complex in Yongsan-gu,
public for the first time. With a new just north of the Hangang River in
botanical garden and zoo, one of the Seoul.
main attractions of the palace grounds This year, to celebrate the museum’s
was the Jesil Museum, the first modern 100th birthday, a special exhibition is
museum in the country, which show- being held until Nov. 8, named after the
cased cultural assets such as Buddhist aphorism that led to its existence: “Yeo-
paintings and porcelain pieces from the minhaerak.” The event brings together
Goryeo Dynasty. The emperor’s phi- some of the most impressive pieces of
losophy was encapsulated in the phrase Korean cultural heritage. In fact, among
yeominhaerak, or, “A good leader shares the 150 exhibits on display, 55 have
his enjoyments with the people.” been designated national treasures.
This event at the close of the Joseon The special exhibition consists of
Dynasty, with Japanese colonial forces two parts — historical artifacts related
closing in, is considered by some to be to the museum’s centennial and Korean
Korea’s symbolic point of transition relics collected from overseas. A visitor points to an infrared
from kingdom to modern society. The first section of the exhibition photo of Cheonmado, “painting
The Joseon Dynasty ended in 1910 includes about 120 pieces from the of heavenly horse,” presumed
and Emperor Sunjong died in 1926, but original royal museum. The exhibition to have been created in the 6th
the museum remained. The Japanese also showcases the museum’s activities
[YONHAP]
century.
renamed it the Yi Royal Museum, and and evolution through the Japanese
32 korea November 2009 November 2009 korea 33
Culture
[YONHAP]
some experts believe that the creature is formances inspired by the history and
not a horse but a girin, a mythical crea- cultural heritage of the museum, was
ture whose appearance was thought to held. “The Island of Time” will look
signal the arrival of a holy man. Visitors back on the 100-year history of the
The only extant painting colonial period (1910-1945), after painting was designated a Japanese had a chance to judge for themselves by museum as a place where the past, pres-
national liberation and even during the national treasure in 1939 and was pur- gazing at the piece through an infrared ent and future collide.
from the Silla Dynasty is Korean War of 1950 to 1953. chased by the university when it was camera at the exhibit, with a resolution On the academic side, an interna-
The second section contains 30 put up for sale in the early 1950s. At the of 1.2 million pixels. tional forum is scheduled for Nov. 3,
part of the museum’s pieces, including national treasures and time, with war ravaging the country, no Though Cheonmado is part of the with some 10 directors invited from
collection, but has only artifacts collected by other countries. Korean buyer could afford the painting, National Museum’s permanent collec- museums around the world.
One of the exhibit’s most important which cost several thousand dollars. tion, it is usually kept in a special stor- A symbolic traditional pavilion Below left, museum visitors stand in long
been exhibited twice since pieces — which unfortunately was tak- The other exhibits have also trav- age area because of the fragility of the topped with green celadon roofing tiles lines for their chance to glimpse the ex-
en off display early on Oct. 7 — is eled across sea and land to take part in birch bark. It has been displayed to the has also been built as a symbol of the hibit’s star attractions. Below right, visitors
1973. undoubtedly the original of Mongyudo- the exhibition. Suweolgwaneumdo, a public only twice before since 1973. museum and is set to open to the public view green celadon pieces dating back to
wondo, the oldest Joseon-era (1392- painting of the Buddhist Goddess of For those interested in the real-life on Nov. 1. By Lim Ji-su the Goryeo Dynasty.
1910) painting still intact. Created by Mercy, owned by the Metropolitan words of a Joseon king, 66 letters writ-
Ahn Gyeon, a painter who flourished Museum of Art in New York, and ten by 18th century King Jeongjo are
This painting of the Buddist Goddess of during the cultural heyday of King Chiseonggwangyeorae, another depic- also on display. King Jeongjo was known
Mercy, Suweolgwanumdo, was also on its Sejong’s rule (1418-1450), the work was tion of Buddha, owned by the Museum to be meticulous and thoughtful, and
first outing to Korea. shown to the Korean public for the first of Fine Arts in Boston, are both on their savvy in dealing with people.
time. The piece depicts an idyllic para- first outings in Korea. Also from the The letters are divided into two cat-
dise that Prince Anpyeong, King Boston institution comes a gilt-silver egories: “jeongjosinhan,” letters sent to
Sejong’s third son, described to the art- ewer and basin from the Goryeo his minister Sim Hwan-ji discussing
ist from a dream of his. The artwork is Dynasty, among the finest of their kind state affairs, and “jeongjoeopil,” letters
accompanied by poetry written in cal- remaining today. The narrow mouth sent to his uncle Hong Nak-im, usually
ligraphy by the prince and about 20 of and cover decorated with an animal- concerning family matters.
the most renowned poets of the time. shaped ornament are unique to this Just as Emperor Sunjong opened
While An strongly influenced Korean 12th-cenutry vessel. the palace to the people, the museum is
traditional art for ages to come, the Another star artifact was Cheon- making this special exhibition accessi-
poems, written out by hand by the poets mado, the only painting still in exis- ble to the public for free.
themselves, also hold a significant place tence from the Silla Kingdom, which But this isn’t the only event held to
in the history of local literature and cal- was on display until Oct 11. Cheonma- celebrate the 100th anniversary. A
ligraphy. do, or Painting of Heavenly Horse, is museum expo was held at various sites
Mongyudowondo was on loan from presumed to have been created in the around the museum, including the
the central library of Japan’s Tenri Uni- 6th century. Though it’s called a “paint- main gate, plaza and reflecting pool,
versity. Its whereabouts became unclear ing,” the canvas is somewhat unusual from Oct. 10 to 18 with the participa-
after 1453, when Prince Anpyeong was — part of a saddle flap made out of tion of 600 museums and art galleries
slain by his older brother Suyang. But it birch bark. It was found in a tumulus, a from 15 regions around the country.
turned up in 1893 in Japan, in the pos- tomb for an unknown king, located in At the main gate, booths introduced
session of the Shimazu family from Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Prov- the participating institutions, while at
Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu. The ince, that was excavated in 1973, and it the plaza, visitors enjoyed cultural pro-
34 korea November 2009 November 2009 korea 35
Culture
Play It Again,
S
ome say Hallyu, the Korean wave, the party. It has been seven years since the two met.
has reached its peak, and is now The fans, mainly from Japan and other parts of Asia,
gradually losing its special appeal had emotional reactions to the event celebrating the ani-
Winter Sonata
In late September, 45,000 people made eye contact with his fans, they seemed to be over-
swarmed Tokyo Dome hoping to catch a whelmed.
glimpse of the Korean star, known affection- About 5,000 lucky fans celebrated the launch together
ately there as Yon-sama. Bae was in Japan to outside the Tokyo Dome as the premiere aired live in 24
celebrate the production of the animated cinemas around the country.
Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon, version of the Korean TV drama Winter A press conference earlier in the day was equally ram-
his popularity in Japan unflagging, Sonata, in which he starred. Though the bunctious. More than 300 journalists from countries
event started at 6 p.m. fans arrived before including Korea, Japan and Taiwan, were present for the
lends his voice to new animation sunrise, and the dome was soon surrounded first public appearance by the two stars of Winter Sonata
by a line 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long. together in Japan.
Bae and the actress Choi Ji-woo, who The conference was aired on news channels including
played the female lead, both lent their voices NHK, Fuji TV and TBS.
to the animated series, and were on hand for “The press conference today showed the unchanging
popularity of Bae,” said one of the journalists who was
present. “It’s often the case that fewer than 100 journalists
attend a conference for a Japanese popular star, but today,
some 300 attended, which is unbelievable.”
A member of the animation production team said,
“The attention given to the [Winter Sonata] animation has
been huge in Japan.”
At the conference, Bae said, “By participating in the
animation, lending my voice, I was able once again to feel
the passion and warm emotions I felt when I was shooting
the drama.”
With the sustained popularity of the program, which
Bae Yong-joon & Choi Ji-woo
first aired in 2002, the Korean media company Key East
signed an agreement with the Japanese entertainment
company Total Promotion to coproduce an animation
based on it. The drama helped launch the “Korean Wave”
in Japan after it aired on the NHK public television net-
work in 2004. Since then, Bae has become a superstar
among Japanese female viewers.
The drama revolves around the story of two child-
hood friends — played by Bae and Choi — and the trag-
edy that follows them in the years to come.
The first season of the animation started airing in
mid-October on Japan’s cable channels DATV and Sky
Perfect TV.
Meanwhile, Bae also introduced to Japanese fans his
[YONHAP]
Winter Sonata latest book, Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty, a compila-
tion of essays about traditional Korean culture, playing
Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, far left, and actress Choi Ji-woo, the role of a Korean cultural ambassador. Among the
sitting next to him, attend a press conference in Tokyo, crowds at the event was Miyuki Hatoyama, wife of Japan’s
Japan, dedicated to the release of the Winter Sonata anima- new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, as well as leading
tion based on the popular Korean TV drama with the same Japanese political and government figures.
name. Reporters from all around Asia were present. By Lee Eun-joo
has attracted more than 8 million view- tary Old Partner were sold during the
ers. four-day film market in Busan, scoring an
There were also four retrospectives of estimated $2 million in total sales, the
classic Korean cinema. The first spot- organizers said. Two major distributors,
lighted the late Korean director Ha Kil- Korea’s CJ Entertainment and Japan’s
chong, who was an icon for local intel- T-Joy, also announced the launch of a
lectuals in the 1970s, while others were joint venture at the market, which is
dedicated to director Yu Hyun-mok and expected to boost cooperation between
actress Jang Jin-young, both of whom the two countries’ film industries.
passed away this year. The final retrospec- The wide selection of films at PIFF
tive, titled “Archaeology of Korean Cine- was accompanied by various special
ma,” was an outgrowth of a program that events such as Open Talk, where fans met
works to restore Korean films, and fea- and talked with actors and directors, and
tured three Korean movies rarely screened outdoor concerts every night during the
for general audiences. festival, giving festivalgoers the unforget-
The other attention-grabber of the table memory of music and movies under
The spectacular display of fireworks festival was I Come with the Rain, which the starlit Busan autumn sky.
celebrates the opening of the 14th Pusan In- was screened in the festival’s Gala Presen- By Park Sun-young
ternational Film Festival on the night of Oct. tation section. Directed by Vietnamese-
[Yonhap, PIFF]
8 at the Busan Yachting Center Outdoor French filmmaker Tran Anh Hung, it
Theater. starred three heartthrobs — Lee Byung- From right to left, actors Josh Hartnett, Lee
hun from Korea, Josh Hartnett from the Byung-hun and Takuya Kimura pose for a
U.S. and Takuya Kimura from Japan — photo during Open Talk at PIFF Village during
and was the talk of the town throughout the film festival. The trio starred in I Come with
Seaside Cheers for Asian Film Forward” section, which turned com-
petitive for the first time this year.
The 14th PIFF also screened more
the festival as all three leads were in town,
meeting with fans in events, including
one at Haeundae Beach, the center of the
the Rain, which was screened at the festival’s
Gala Presentation.
This year saw the most films ever screened: 355, including 98 world premieres. Korean films, old and new, than ever live activities during the festival.
before. The opening film was a Korean The Asian Film Market, a
E
comedy, Good Morning President by venue for promising filmmakers
very autumn, Korea’s southern premieres (films that are shown for the among the world’s most prestigious inter- director Jang Jin, known for the sharp and producers to meet with
port city of Busan turns into an first time outside of their home country), national festivals. Event director Kim humor of Welcome to Dongmakgol, which potential investors,
Asian Hollywoood, with the reflecting the festival’s growing impor- Dong-ho said, “When there are interna- he penned. The new film stars Korean along with the
arrival of one of the region’s tance. tional film industry meetings with only Wave star Jang Dong-gun and veteran Pusan Promotion
most influential film events. But what made this year the biggest eight to 10 film festival directors invited, I actors Lee Soon-jae and Ko Doo-shim, Plan, was also a
This year, about 200,000 people, from ever for the festival was not only the films am now included on the guest list, which and touches upon the lives of three fic- success this year.
simple movie buffs to renowned actors screened, but also the number of glamor- seems to be a sign of the festival’s growing tional Korean presidents, each trapped The Asian Film
and directors, swarmed into the city for ous guests who put in appearances. influence.” between political and moral choices. Market has become a
the Pusan International Film Festival, The festival’s grand opening at the Korea’s biggest film fest is well-known A number of other first-run Korean key marketplace for the
which retains the host city’s old spelling in Busan Yachting Center on Oct. 8 was for its traditional focus on Asian cinema, films were also shown during the festival, film business since its
its name. attended by more than 5,000 people, and on the discovery of young and prom- helping promote the country’s revitalized inception in 2006, draw-
This year’s PIFF, now in its 14th year, among them a slew of local and foreign ising Asian filmmakers through “New movie industry. Behind the resurgence ing 75 participating com-
was held from Oct. 8 to 16 and included movie stars, including Jeon Do-yeon, Currents,” the main competition section. are the blockbusters Haeundae, which panies this year. More
the biggest lineup ever, with a record 355 Kim Yun-jin, Lee Byung-hun and Josh But this year the scope of the festival was was shot in Busan and topped 10 million than 20 films including
films from 70 countries, including 98 Hartnett. broader, featuring films and directors moviegoers in Korea in just over a month, Korea’s Death Bell and the
world premieres and 46 international PIFF has grown over the years to rank from non-Asian regions in the “Flash and the sports dramedy Take Off, which award-winning documen-
38 korea November 2009 November 2009 korea 39
Culture
I
n 1377, a group of These works incorporated
monks in Cheongju, performance art, music,
now part of Chung- theater, dance, film, poetry
cheongbuk-do Prov- and prose. Korean painter Huh Yoo-mi
ince, rolled ink across a set Perhaps the festival’s has contributed illustrations
[YONHAP]
of moveable metal type, and most different section, The for editions of many Korean
history was made. Today, River Within Us, The Sea stories in English.
every two years, artisans All Around Us was more
gather in this city to push than an exhibit — it played
the envelope just like those
monks of old as part of the
Cheongju International
out in spaces around the city
of Cheongju, breaking out
of the boundaries of the gal-
Brotherly Folktale in U.S. Text
Craft Biennale. lery and onto the street.
This year’s event, which Among the most talked-
Illustrated story of Heungbu and Nolbu shows up in American reader
runs until Nov. 1 at the about items was a couch
K
Choengju Arts Center and Above, Korean designer Yee designed by the Campanas.
various locations around Soo-kyung’s Translated Vase, The piece grafted cutting- orean folktales haven’t reached the same level of children’s stories published in English in the United States,
the city, is the sixth since the on display at the Cheong- edge technology onto pure global familiarity as Aesop’s fables or the Brothers including “The Green Frogs,” “The Rabbit’s Escape,” “The
biennale began in 1999, and ju biennale’s “Dissolving Brazilian craft techniques, Grimm’s stories. But one is now featured in an Rabbit’s Judgment,” “Father’s Rubber Shoes” and “One Sun-
organizers hope it will be Views” exhibition. Left, using materials ranging American elementary school day Morning.”
the first to draw real global Fabela Chair by the world- from plastics to abandoned textbook, with illustrations by a Korean Huh came to New York in 1989 to
attention. The competition renowned Brazilian designers dolls to produce a surpris- painter — a fine first step. study at the School of Visual Arts.
is stiff, with similar biannual the Campana Brothers. It ingly attractive piece. Ahn Mi-hyang, a Korean housewife “After getting my master’s degree
events taking place in was designed with comfort A variety of special pro- in Denton, Texas, was recently surprised from SVA, I started drawing illustrations
Provided by the organizer
Gwangju and Busan, but and art in mind. grams were held during the to open her second-grade son’s textbook for English versions of Korean folktales,”
this year Cheongju packs fair, including an exhibit by to see a familiar story. “Heungbu and Huh said in a telephone interview with
more prominent artists than this year’s spotlight country, Nolbu” is one every Korean knows. It’s a Yonhap News. “In the United States,
ever. Canada; an international tale of two brothers: Heungbu, the young- Korean folktales are popular and the
More than 158 artists academic symposium and er, poor and good-hearted, and Nolbu, books have been sold to schools, librar-
from 25 countries partici- arts forum; educational pro- the older, rich and selfish. It was titled ies and bookstores across the country.”
pated under the theme, tions, “Pressing Matter” and designer David Trubridge grams, and citizen partici- “The Swallow’s Gift” in the English text. The Korean folktale “Heungbu and Nolbu” According to Huh, “The Green
“Outside the Box,” with art- “Dissolving Views,” along from New Zealand, who pation projects. “I think it is very meaningful that a now appears in an American elementary Frogs,” a story about a frog who always
ists hoping to re-establish with the community arts uses only natural materials, Dr. Lee hopes to bring Korean folktale is being included in a school textbook under the name, “The Swal- does the exact opposite of what his
connections between art, program, “The River Within Belgian ceramics maker and Cheongju into the main- regular course book for reading compre- low’s Gift.” mother tells him to, is one of the most
design, technology and the Us, The Sea All Around designer Piet Stockmans, stream art and culture world, hension, not in supplemental material,” popular stories among her work. “Amer-
environment. Us.” Dutch designer Hella Jonge- helping people gain a deeper Ahn said. “Most Korean residents in Denton are families of ican children like frogs and I think they relate to the frog
Director Dr. Lee Ihn- Pressing Matter, curated rius and the world’s most understanding of artistic students at nearby universities, including the University of always disobeying his mother,” said Huh.
bum wanted to make the by Elaine Kim, deputy direc- famous Brazilian designers, value and spreading the joy North Texas, and we all welcome the textbook since our chil- Huh was pleased to hear the news that “Swallow’s Gift”
Cheongju biennale unique tor of the World Jewelry the Campana Brothers. of craft across the world, dren don’t usually get to read Korean folk tales. American was featured in a textbook. “The story was published about
by focusing not just on Museum, Seoul, gathered a Organized by Kim Ju- while at the same time show- children also seem to like the story.” 10 years ago. Like Aesop’s Fables, the story is about encourag-
Korean artists but on under- peculiar array of crafts made won, Dissolving Views took ing how these artists deal More than 20 pages in the textbook, Literacy Place 2.3, ing good deeds and punishing evil. I think that’s why they
appreciated foreigners too. of different materials from viewers beyond the concept with politics, economics, are devoted to the story, with illustrations depicting the picked the story for the textbook.”
Biennales are always full all over the world. Among of art as an object and sociology and history in characters wearing traditional Korean hanbok. These were Huh, currently a lecturer at SVA, is now planning to publish
of variety. This one is divid- the foreign artists at this towards “the idea of craft as their often complex work. created by Huh Yoo-mi, a Korean painter. Huh, 44, has con- books introducing readers to kimchi and Korean palaces with
ed into two main exhibi- exhibition were furniture a living human impulse.” By Yim Seung-hye tributed illustrations for 25 books of Korean folktales and her illustrations. By Kim Soe-jung
oh Jung-hee
Trapped in tranquil domesticity
O
h Jung-hee (born 1947) is one of the mid-1970s, the author shifted her focus to the Major works
most important woman writers in tedium of everyday life within the safe but suf- River of Fire
Korea. Recipient of the 1980 Yi Sang focating enclosure of family and marriage. The (Bul-ui gang, 1977)
Literature Prize, the 1983 Dongin protagonists of Oh’s later stories are mostly mid-
Garden of Childhood
Literary Prize and the 1996 O Yeongsu Litera- dle-aged married women who long to escape (Yuneon-ui tteul, 1981)
ture Prize, Oh explores the chaotic, often terrify- from their socially defined roles in order to find
ing landscape of the feminine psyche, hidden a truer, more fundamental existence. At times, Spirit of the Wind
(Baram-ui neogs,1986)
under a veneer of tranquility, with chilling they manage to escape, but only for a brief time,
detachment, elegance and lyrical beauty. and they inevitably return to the drudgery of Evening Party
An important motif in her early stories is the their daily life with disillusionment. Among her (Yahoi, 1990)
suppressed emotions of alienated individuals. stories from this period are “Chinatown,” “Gar- Old Well
Unable to achieve harmonious relationships den of Childhood,” “Words of Farewell,” “Way- (Yet umul, 1994)
with others, the characters in Oh’s stories lead farer” and “Spirit of the Wind.” The coming-of-
Fireworks
emotionally detached lives, often manifesting age stories “Chinatown” and “Garden of Child- (Bulkkotnoli, 1995)
their loneliness and self-hatred through destruc- hood” suggest that the author’s pessimistic per-
tive behaviors directed at themselves and others. spective toward life is in part shaped by her Bird
(Sae, 1996)
In stories such as “The Misty Levee,” “Dawn” experience of the Korean War. But her collection
and “River of Fire,” their violent urges are encap- of children’s stories, Songi, It’s Morning Outside
sulated in physical deformity and allowed the Door, suggests that the author is now engaged
[JoongAng Ilbo]
Source: Korea Literature
expression only in perverse or sterile sex. In the in shaping a new literary vision for herself. Translation Institute
Garden of Childhood
(Yunyeonui tteul)
despair, disillusionment and household in his father’s night with the ailing father who
A Literary Talent
Born at a Young Age
dispossession they experience absence, does little to fulfill lives with her. A suffocating
within the confines of Korean paternal responsibilities but sense of stagnation, sterility and
society. simply rules over the family, shapeless doom pervades their
Set in the period immedi- often turning violent. Fearful of lives as they wait for the wom-
ately before and after the Kore- his authoritative presence, the an’s vanished brother.
an War, the title story “Garden girl’s older sister often stays out After the father goes to bed, Sometimes called Korea’s Virginia Woolf, Oh Jung-hee wrote
of Childhood” tells the story of late into the night. The subtle the woman often sneaks out of
a seven-year-old girl, “Yellow shades of pain and hatred that the house for a rendezvous with
her first prize-winning story while still in high school
Eye.” Her father is away in the color the family interactions are a man. But the cold, mechanical
O
The eight stories collected army, and her mother supports observed through the eyes of sex she has with him at an aban-
in this volume present a clear the family by doing odd jobs at this young girl. doned construction site proves h Jung-hee (born 1947) is one of the most beginning of her career.
picture of Oh Jung-hee’s literary the village market late into the In “Evening Game,” an ane- to be almost sadistic in nature, accomplished writers of short fiction in a Oh’s command of language is formidable — her
world, which revolves around night. The girl’s older brother, mic spinster plays a game of an exercise in self-hatred rather country that is justly proud of its accom- vocabulary impressive, her word choices deliberate
women and the feelings of who is in effect the head of the hwatu (Korean cards) every than the escape she seeks. plishments in this literary genre. She is one of the few and suggestive. Stories such as “The Cookout” and
authors to have captured both the Yi Sang and the “Morning Star” reveal a good ear for dialog. Flash-
Dongin awards — Korea’s two most prestigious priz- backs, stream-of-consciousness technique, and inte-
The Soul of Wind es for short fiction — and translations of her works
into Japanese, English, French and other languages
rior monologues constitute much of Oh’s narratives.
Long paragraphs juxtaposing images and points of
(Baramui neog) have won her a small but growing international rep- view of family members past and present are not
utation. English translations of her works have won uncommon.
it as well as the problem of band, who can no longer endure visit is canceled, however, and her comparisons with such writers as America’s Joyce “Words of Farewell,” which depicts separate but
death. her frequent absences and asks instead a young waterworks Carol Oates, Canada’s Alice Munro and England’s parallel spiritual journeys by a woman and her lost
Though they all focus on the to separate. Moving in with her employee, who reminds her of Virginia Woolf. husband, is a striking example. This concern with the
female psyche, these stories are mother, Eun-su learns she is not her dead son, comes to read the Oh was just out of her teens when she burst onto interior landscape of the characters is for Oh a means
narrated by men or from a male her mother’s biological daugh- water meter. As a way of pro- the literary scene by winning a competition for aspir- for dealing with her characteristic themes of aban-
perspective. The narrator of ter. With this revelation, Eun-su longing his stay, she offers him donment and loneliness. Heightening
“The Soul of Wind” is a 30-year- begins a long journey into the noodles. Her kindness and Oh’s best stories are powerful portraits of the impact of these themes is the author's
old bank employee. He is able to abyss of her lost memories to attention make the young man typically dispassionate narrative tone,
find an amount of satisfaction in reconstruct the truth of her exis- uncomfortable and angers her families strained by suppressed emotions. which in her earlier stories takes the
his ordinary, uneventful life, but tence. husband. The old man turns his form of a nameless first-person narrator
his wife Eun-su is suffocated by “A Bronze Mirror” is the attention to a bratty girl playing ing writers sponsored by the JoongAng Ilbo, a Seoul (every story in River of Fire is told in this manner).
Including the Dongin Liter- their lives together. She takes story of an old couple who lead in the yard. Through these mun- daily, in 1968. The prize-winning story, “The Toy- These nameless narrators become Everywoman and
ary prize-winner “A Bronze every opportunity to leave home a quiet, lonely life after the death dane details, the story provides a shop Woman,” concerns a high school girl’s descent Everyman (some of her narrators are male), strug-
Mirror,” the nine stories in this and wander about. One day, of their only son. Expecting visi- keen psychological portrait of into madness punctuated by kleptomania and an gling in an emotionally parched landscape.
volume explore the desire for while hiking alone, she is raped tors from church, the old woman the death and sorrow that lurk obsession with the crippled owner of a toyshop. That Oh has been fascinated with family relationships
escape from dysfunctional real- by three men. Returning home, prepares dough for fresh noo- behind the tranquil façade of this highly original debut story was being written ever since her literary debut. Her best stories are
ity and the fear that accompanies she is confronted by her hus- dles she intends to serve. The their lives. while the author herself was in high school suggested powerful yet sensitive portraits of families strained to
the arrival of a gifted literary talent. the breaking point by suppressed emotions and
Oh has since published some four dozen stories invisible external forces. In these works, Oh pene-
Published translations and novellas. It is an oeuvre of consistently high qual- trates the surface of seemingly pedestrian lives to
Book Title Year of publication Genre Language ity, consisting of provocative, densely textured sto- reveal nightmarish family constellations warped by
ries, many of them infused with a restrained inten- divorce, insanity, abandonment, abuse and death.
오정희 단편소설선 /Miłosc zeszłej jesieni I inne opowiadania 2009 Novel Polish
sity that is unsettling, sometimes shocking. Not until Darkness is prominent in these stories, representing
옛우물 /老井 2007 Novel Chinese
1977 did Oh publish her first collection of short fic- among other things these family nightmares. In “The
중국인 거리 /Chinatown 2004 Novel English tion, River of Fire. There followed an especially pro- Toyshop Woman,” “The Cookout,” “The Bronze
유년의 뜰 / Der Hof meiner Kindheit 2001 Novel German ductive period in which many of her most memo- Mirror” and elsewhere, darkness creeps upon the
옛우물 /金色の鯉の夢 1997 Novel Japanese rable stories were composed. Oh's production since scene like a sinister beast, unleashing black memo-
바람의 넋 / L’Ame du vent 1991 Novel French the 1990s has been more sporadic, but works such as ries among the characters.
"The Old Well" (Yet umul, 1994), and The Bird reflect By Bruce Fulton
List of Oh's translated works the high standards she set for herself at the very professor, University of British Columbia
Chinatown
Some people called our neighborhood Seashore Vil- 내 손에 뜨거운 피가 밸 것 같다 it seems hot blood will well from my hands.
lage, others called it Chinatown. The coal dust carried by
the north wind all winter long covered the area like a 처음엔 햇빛이 생겼으나 눈빛이 생겼을 것이고 At first sunlight appeared but then eyes’ light would also
shadow, and the sun hung faint in the blackened sky, look- appear,
가슴이 생겼으나 심정이 생겨났을 것이다.
The two excerpts below showcase Oh’s ing more like the moon. the breast would appear, feelings would appear.
한 사내가 두 사내가 되고
The wind’s habit, turning one man into two,
formidable use of language (2) 열 사내를 스물, 백, 천의 사내로 번지게 하고 불살
ten men into twenty, a hundred, a thousand,
Although we had no direct contact with the Chinese 랐던 then commits them to the flames,
in the two-story houses on the hill, they were the yeast of 바람의 습관들
our infinite imagination and curiosity. Smugglers, opium devouring that wind as I look back,
(1) addicts, coolies who squirreled away gold inside every 되돌아보면 그 바람을 받아먹고 making the blood circulate in my tree and branches,
Railroad tracks ran west through the heart of the city, panel of their ragged quilted clothing, mounted bandits 내 나무에 가지에 피를 돌게 하여 is what has made the millennia flow heedlessly past before
ending abruptly near a flour mill at the north end of the who swept over the frozen earth to the beat of their hors- 무심히 당신 앞을 수천년을 흘렀던 것이다 you.
front gate, we would walk in, help ourselves to a handful From Chinatown by Oh Jung-hee
V
iolinist Kim Min, 67, received many on a DAAD scholarship and per-
the “Una Vita per la Musica” formed while he studied. In 1979, he
(“a life of music”) certificate returned to Korea and was appointed con-
and medal from Italian Presi- certmaster of the Korean Philharmonic
dent Giorgio Napolitano at the Ventidio Orchestra and the KBS Symphony Orches-
Basso Theatre, becoming the first South tra. He also took over leadership of the
Korean recipient of the honor. The honors Korean Chamber Orchestra and was
are presented to the musician of the year appointed to the faculty of Seoul National
selected by the Ascoli Piceno Festival University as a violin professor.
committee, whose chairperson, Gaetano Kim Min, left, receives the “A Life of Music” In his capacity as music director and
Rinaldi, presented the award on behalf of certificate from the Ascoli Piceno Festival concertmaster, Kim led the Korean Cham-
the president.
“Of course it is a big honor for me and
Committee. ber Orchestra to become one of the coun-
try’s most prominent music groups, bring-
It was only when his family went
a vote of confidence in Korea’s music equally and try to open their hearts to ing them world attention with successful bankrupt that Kim
world, which is being acknowledged at an
international level,” Kim said. “But I am
deliver the joy of life through my music,
my violin.”
international tours.
In 2010, the Korean Chamber Orches-
realized that music was his life.
most thankful to the Korean Chamber For Kim, who described his violin as tra will celebrate its 45th anniversary —
Orchestra members, as they made it pos- more important to him than anything and it will go on its 100th international
sible for all of us to be here in this honored else, “A Life of Music” seems a suitable tour. In this meaningful year, Kim said he
place.” label. But it wasn’t always that way. hopes to develop a uniquely Korean clas-
Kim was referring to his 30 years of “I have not come from a straight road. sical music series by finding and support-
traveling and playing through excitement I have taken the other path, wandering ing talented composers with a distinctive
and anxiety together with the Korean around. I was interested in so many differ- local sound, while broadening his orches-
Chamber Orchestra, which has held more ent fields like painting, photography and tra’s repertory, building a better recording
than 700 performances in countries across owning a business, so there were times system and, of course, going on global
Asia, North America and Europe. One that I had doubts in my music life, as well tours.
unforgettable performance came on April as financial obstacles that kept me away Kim said he believes Korean society
3 on Sorok-do Island, a former Korean from the violin.” has improved greatly, and its music has to
leper colony where many victims of the On 1965, Kim was planning to study change accordingly. “The music industry
debilitating illness still live. abroad after his college graduation. Unfor- cannot have any inequality or discrimina-
“The island’s first classical music orga- tunately, his family went bankrupt, and tion against anyone. It has to grow with
nization was founded recently, 100 years Kim had to sell his violin and run a small balance between the musicians, the audi-
after the town was founded, and our visit coffeehouse for a year. In spite of these ence and the culture itself,” Kim notes.
brought both [groups] to tears,” Kim said. hard times, that year Kim was away from “Society needs to take more responsibility
The connection and passionate reaction the music world was when he realized des- to nurture its children with a systematic
Kim felt from the island dwellers had a big perately that music meant everything to arts education that is open to everyone.”
impact on his music, he said. him. Kim had four requests for Korea’s
“With the Sorok-do Island perfor- “Once I realized that playing music future musicians: First, be patient; second,
mance, I was assured that the power of was my way, I battled to keep at it without master a piece of music perfectly once you
sharing can bring everlasting inspiration stopping,” says Kim. “Although I did not start on it; third, listen to a variety of musi-
[YONHAP]
five days earlier, on Sept. 29 against the
Chicago White Sox. In reaching the
20-20 mark in his first season as a start- Though the Korean team played hard, it was unable to beat Ghana to make it past the quarterfinals at the U-20 World Cup in Egypt.
er, Choo also finished with 86 RBI.
Appearing in the third and cleanup spot
in the Cleveland batting order during
the season, Choo topped the team in
home runs, stolen bases and RBI.
U-20 Team Hits Quarterfinals,
The Busan native signed with the
Seattle Mariners after leading Korea to a But Can’t Top African Champs
T
title and earning the Most Valuable
Player and Best Pitcher awards at the hey may have come up one game short of tying their Hong, the U-20 squad started the tourney without much fanfare,
2000 World Junior Baseball Champion- all-time record, but they had an impressive run none- losing their first game to Cameroon 2-0. But Hong, known for
ship in Edmonton, Canada. He was con- theless. his stoic demeanor, made some lineup changes for the second
verted to an outfielder, and although he Before Korea’s explosive soar to the final four of the game. One was the versatile Yonsei University freshman Kim
made his MLB debut on April 21, 2005, 2002 World Cup, the standard of excellence was set by the squad Min-woo, who, listed at 172 centimeters (5 feet 6 inches), was the
[AP]
he spent much of the 2005 and 2006 sea- at the 1983 U-20 World Cup in Mexico. Clad in red, the Korean shortest player on the squad and was left off the starting roster in
Choo Shin-soo hit his 20th home run of the season on Oct. 4 off Paul Byrd of the Red Sox. son in the minor leagues until being team made it to the semifinals before bowing out to Brazil. The the first game.
feisty play of the young squad earned it the nickname “Red Dev- Korea was able to tie Germany 1-1 in their second game, with
C
traded to the Indians along with Shawn
hoo Shin-soo’s achievement other players achieved the feat this year, Nottingham for first baseman Ben ils,” which has stuck through the years, being adopted by the Kim scoring a nifty equalizer in the second half after managing
can be summed up in three and in the history of the Indians, dating Broussard on July 26, 2006. official support group of the national team. to get past three German defenders. Facing a must-win situation,
numbers: .300, 20 20. back to 1901, Choo is only the eighth. Choo showed flashes of his current Heading into the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt, many were Korea dominated the Americans to a 3-1 win to advance to the
The Korean batter for The left-handed 27-year-old is also self in 2007, but underwent Tommy hoping for a repeat of that magical year by 2002 World Cup team round of 16. Hong and the boys then faced a strong Paraguay
the Cleveland Indians has become the the first Asian. Some of the best Asian John surgery on his elbow in September captain Hong Myung-bo. But the more realistic goal turned out team, which had given up only one goal in the group phase. Kim
first Asian in Major League Baseball to positional players in the MLB, including of 2007. After missing a chunk of the to be the round of 16. Hong had never managed a team. Mean- once again delivered big and carried the team to a 3-1 victory.
hit 20 home runs, make 20 steals and hit Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners, 2008 season, Choo had a hot September while, the team’s biggest star, FC Seoul’s Ki Sung-yeung, couldn’t Kim assisted on Hongik University’s Kim Bo-kyung’s opening
a .300 batting average in a single season. Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees in which he hit .400, five home runs and join due to obligations to the senior team. Considering Ki recent- goal and then went on to score two of his own to help Korea
Playing in his first full season in his and Kosuke Fukudome of the Chicago 24 RBI to earn the American League ly signed a three-year deal with the Scottish powerhouse Celtic advance to the quarterfinals at the U-20 World Cup for the first
Major League career, Choo hit 20 home Cubs, failed to make it to the magic Player of the Month award and finish FC, it was a loss for Korea. time since the joint inter-Korean team in Portugal in 1991. But
runs and made 21 steals to become the numbers. Ichiro came closest, in 2005, the season with a .309, 14 home runs “My players showed a lot of mental toughness and adapted Korea quickly succumbed to African champions Ghana, 3-2.
only player in the American League to hitting 15 homers and recording 33 and 66 RBI. to changes quickly. Despite lacking recognizable names on our “Our players got a chance to play in an international tourna-
pass .300/20/20. steals, and while Matsui has regularly hit Choo was rewarded with a one-year roster, our players came together and tried their best until the ment and although it wasn’t perfect, the results reflect the player’s
With a sizeable number of hitters over 20 home runs, he lacks running contract in the off-season, and it is very end. They deserve applause for their effort,” said Korean efforts. Our players put forth 100 percent effort. However, they
recording over 40 home runs in a sea- speed, and his single season best steals expected the Indians will try to lock up manager Hong Myung-bo. need to try harder to improve their game. They need to put in
son, recording 20-20 might not seem total is only four. the right fielder with a lengthy and Placed in what was dubbed the “group of death” by many, twice the work of other players,” said Hong in a postgame inter-
like much to some. However, only 11 With 21 stolen bases, Choo was at 19 lucrative deal. By Jason Kim Korea had to face Germany, Cameroon and the U.S. Led by view following the game against Ghana. By Jason Kim
Click
Above: Joseon’s Sage King — A new
bronze statue of King Sejong the Great
Korea
(1397-1450) was dedicated on Oct. 9 at
Gwanghwamun Plaza, central Seoul, in
celebration of the 563rd anniversary of the
creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet.
King Sejong the Great is one of Korea’s most
respected ancient rulers, credited with over-
seeing the invention of the alphabet.
[YONHAP]
cuisine. the Year” by Euromoney magazine.
Travel
brisk walk along the northern ridgeline nose after a particularly enthusiastic
toward Samnaeyaksu Spring. From slurp. The soup is boiled with anchovies,
there, take the left-hand path into the cabbage, pumpkin and potato in soy-
forest. When you are done with the bean paste. Donggwang Sikdang (033-
climb, you should arrive at Byeoleogok 563-3100) near Jeongseon Station is
Station. The entire journey takes about famous for this dish.
six hours, though the trip down to
Byeoleogok Station could be a bit chal- Mount Myeongseongsan
lenging for beginners. The local Pampas Myeongseongsan is a mountain
Grass Festival continues throughout the with historic ghosts. Near Seoul, this
month until Nov. 1. was the location of the last stand of
Gung Ye (901-918), the ruler of a short-
What to enjoy - Four-wheel rail- lived Korean kingdom who died while
bikes run on 7.2 kilometers of the now- fighting to protect his state from crum-
abandoned Jeongseon line tracks, at bling. Eventually he became a captive of
speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour. the founder of the Goryeo Dynasty,
Weekend rides are available by online which ruled Korea from the 10th to 14th
reservation only (www.ktx21.com). The centuries.
fee is 18,000 won ($16) for two or 26,000 Born as a member of the Silla royal
won for a group of four. Other sites to family, Gung Ye made himself a king in
[JoongAng Ilbo]
visit include Kangwon Land (1588- 901 and named his state Later Gogu-
7789), a leisure center built to revive the ryeo. But Wang Geon, the founder of
old mining town. The facility includes a Goryeo, tracked him to this mountain
casino, hotel, golf course, the High 1 ski after he lost a major battle. Legend has it
I
slopes and a theme park.
n these late days of fall, tall pam- Mount Mindungsan ing. The climb is not too difficult, start- One local specialty is gondeure na-
pas grass fills the mountains to There are two mountains named ing off at 600 meters above sea level, mulbap (rice with parboiled herbs and
replace the autumn leaves to the Mindungsan in Korea. One is in south- with a train ride available for families. vegetables), once distributed to relieve
north, while the band of red and ern Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do Prov- Mindungsan’s tanned, bald head is famine. First, the herbs and vegetables
yellow trees inches south, transforming ince, and the other is in Pocheon, visible to the far north from Jeungsan are cooked with the rice, then perilla oil
the southern hills into splashes of beau- Gyeonggi-do Province. The name liter- Station in Gangwon-do Province, and a and seasoned soy sauce are added before
tiful color. ally means “bald mountain,” and it suits 1.5-kilometer walk along Dongnam- the dish is served. Though slightly bitter,
Meanwhile, under the crisp clear these peaks well, since they’re complete- cheon Stream takes you to the trailhead. the rice is great for cutting through the
sky, the pampas grass shines and sways ly bare, with no tree in sight. The crown Cross Mureunggyo Bridge to the right grease urban climbers are used to. Local
“Mindungsan” literally to the music of the wind, like nature’s of Mount Mindungsan in Jeongseon- and walk parallel to the tracks for about establishments serving the dish include
means “bald mountain,” orchestra playing a symphony. gun even has what could be called a 10 minutes, and you will soon find your- Gukhwang (033-563-9967), Daraed-
Mount Mindungsan (1,120 meters, “bald spot,” ringed by brown “hair” that self standing under the railway. Walk deul (033-563-5840) and Dongbakgol
but this is no Mussorgsky 3,675 feet) in Jeongseon-gun, Gang- waves and crackles in the wind — a another 50 minutes, and you will reach Sikdang (033-563-2211).
won-do Province and Mount Myeong- circle of pampas grass. a trail leading into the forest. Forty more Buckwheat noodles in cold soup is
nightmare — the pampas seongsan (992 meters) in Pocheon, The end of October to early Novem- minutes, and you’re at the peak, known another local favorite. The local natives
grass provides a tranquil Gyeonggi-do Province are two popular ber is the best time to climb Mount as Duuibong and famous for its views of call the dish “nose ridge hitter” because Buckwheat noodles in cold soup boiled with
sites to visit in the autumn for their mag- Mindungsan, but a hike to the peak dur- royal azalea fields. the noodles are very elastic and some- anchovies, pumpkin and potato in soybean
escape from urban life. nificent pampas grass. ing snow season can also be very reward- The climb down the mountain is a times spring up and hits the diner in the paste is a specialty of the Mindungsan area.
The view of Sanjeong that the sound of Gung Ye lamenting his Try taking the trail to the right of
defeat was heard across the mountain. the falls for a gentler slope. Twenty
Lake from the peak is so There is a natural cave at Mount minutes up, you will reach the pampas
Myeongseongsan where Gung Ye and grass, best seen as the sun pours down
breathtaking it’s hard to his 200 remaining men are believed to on it in the high afternoon.
believe it’s just two hours have hid while fleeing from Wang Geon’s For a nice view of Sanjeong Lake,
army. People call this Gung Ye Cave. climb another 20 minutes to Samgak-
to Seoul. Myeongseongsan is also called
Weeping Mountain, because Prince
bong Peak, then start your descent. The
entire journey is 6.5 kilometers and Join Top Chef at His
Ma Ui of the Silla royal family also vis-
ited it after his kingdom lay in ruins.
Legends say that people heard the
takes about 3 hours.
Mount Myeongseongsan is just two
hours away from Seoul, making it the
‘Zen Hideaway’
mountain itself weeping when the perfect site for a family climb.
prince arrived. Walkerhill’s Hans-Werner Vogt values
There is only a little pampas grass What to enjoy - A theme park near
here, but the view of Sanjeong Lake Sanjeong Lake boasts a pirate ship
simple tastes, passionate cooking
from the mountaintop is fabulous, amusement ride and bumper cars,
attracting scores of climbers during along with other rides.
C
weekends. Also nearby is Jainsa Temple,
The trail begins at the Sangdong founded by Wang Geon, the founder of ooking isn’t all that difficult, according to There is one more
parking lot. After a 10-minute walk Goryeo, under his pen name. It burned Hans-Werner Vogt, the executive chef at reason: He enjoys the
along a gravel field, the trail leads to down in a forest fire but was restored in the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill in east- many fine restaurants in
Biseon Falls. Here the real hiking starts. 1227. It was destroyed again during the ern Seoul. town, especially Zen
Some 30 minutes into the valley sits Korean War in 1950. Today’s buildings All you need are good ingredients, some simple Hideaway, an Asian din-
Clockwise: Sambuyeon Falls is located near Deungryong Falls, named after a leg- date from 1964. equipment and the desire to cook for those you ing and wine bar in Sinsa-
Myeongseongsan, also known as “weeping end that says a dragon appeared out of About an hour’s car ride from the love. dong, southern Seoul.
mountain.” The village of Yidong-myeon thick fog and flew up into the sky here. temple is the Hantangang River, Sun- Vogt’s philosophy as chef coincides with his spe- “Whenever I take my Hans-Werner Vogt
in Pocheon near Myeongseongsan is well The beauty of this waterfall is often dam Valley and Sambuyeon Falls. The cialty, which is always based on fresh ingredients and friends to Zen Hideaway Executive Chef
compared with the famous Peach Falls Sanjeong Lake Hanwha Condominium Sheraton Grande Walkerhill
known for its delicious galbi barbequed ribs tasty food such as regional dishes from Europe and they’re surprised to see
and makgeolli, traditional Korean liquor. at Mount Seoraksan. (031-534-5500) there offers spa baths simple but tasty Asian food. such a tranquil dining place in
for 8,000 won and a 30-minute tradi- This is Vogt’s second time in Korea. He worked the busy streets of Seoul,” he says. “It’s Seoul’s secret sanc-
tional Chinese foot massage for 30,000 as an area executive chef at the Westin Chosun Hotel tuary.”
won. from 1997 to 2004 and he’s been executive chef at the The ethnic interior design gives him a feeling of com-
Galbi, marinated barbecued ribs, is Walkerhill since 2006. fort and relaxation, and he likes the artificial pond out-
a Korean delicacy, and about 30 min- “I came to Korea a second time because I like it side the restaurant’s garden surrounded by tropical trees
utes from Sanjeong Lake, the village of here,” he says. “I like the people and many of its tradi- and plants.
Yidong-myeon in Pocheon-gun is tions as well as the four seasons.” The menu includes a range of Asian dishes, from
packed full of about 60 restaurants pumpkin croquet (10,000 won, $7.24) and salmon veg-
serving the sumptuous dish, concen- etable roll (16,000 won) to spicy chicken and mushroom
trated around the streets leading from salad (19,000 won) to tuna garlic steak (24,000 won).
Jangam-ni and the Baekun Valley. There are branches of Zen Hideaway in Sinsa-dong,
One of the most popular eateries is Myeong-dong in central Seoul and near Hongik Univer-
called Songsine Galbi (031-535-4872), sity, northern Seoul.
meaning, simply, “Song family galbi.” To visit the Sinsa-dong branch, go to Sinsa Station,
Thanks to its location near line No. 3, exit 1. For reservations, call (02) 541-1461.
Heungryongsa Temple on Mount By Lee Eun-joo
Baekunsan, it’s usually full of hikers.
The place is 30 years old and started
off as a small studio. The marinated
sauce is all natural. Acorn-starch jelly, A plate of Mandarin chicken salad at Zen Hideaway, an Asian
non-spicy kimchi and assorted vegeta- dining and wine bar located in three different places in Seoul. The
bles are served together with the bar- restaurant has introduced new pizza and pasta menus as well in-
beque. One serving costs 24,000 won. cluding the garlic salad pizza and the zen seafood cream pasta.
Songsine Galbi also serves cold noodles
[JoongAng Ilbo]
W
ith 2010 just two months away, Korea’s tour-
ism officials are scrambling to prepare for
the “Visit Korea” campaign.
In fact, the Ministry of Culture, Sports
and Tourism has declared the period from 2010 to 2012 as
“Visit Korea” years, vowing to put the country once and for
all on the global tourism map.
Just last month, that ambitious campaign got a signifi-
cant boost from a prestigious source. At the 18th United
Nations World Tourism Organization General Assembly,
meeting held in Astana, Kazakhstan in early October,
Korea was named the next host of the UNWTO confer-
ence.
The UNWTO serves as the forum within the UN for
tourism policy issues and sharing travel know-how. It has
154 member states, and Korea has been a member since
1975.
“[Hosting the assembly] will give Korea the momen-
tum to develop into a tourism powerhouse. As the meeting
will take place during our Visit Korea campaign, I think
we can expect some synergy,” said Vice Minister Shin Jae-
min, who attended the meeting in Astana last month.
The next UNWTO assembly is slated for 2011. As the
world’s largest international conference on tourism, the
assembly is attended by the UNWTO secretary general,
the culture ministers of the the member nations and tour-
ism experts. At least 1,500 guests, including government
officials, experts and journalists, are expected to gather for
[NEWSIS]
the 2011 event, which is expected to bring some 15 billion
won ($13 million) in economic benefits, according to the
Culture Ministry. Top, the United Nations World Tourism Organization General Assembly
It will be the first time Korea has hosted the meeting serves as the forum for tourism policy issues and sharing travel know-
on its own, after serving as a co-host with Japan in 2001. how within the UN. Above, the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and
The venue and exact timing has yet to be decided. But Tourism has selected the period from 2010 to 2012 for its “Visit Korea”
Korean officials show little concern about Korea’s readi- campaign. Here First Lady Kim Yoon-ok, third from left, poses with
ness to host such a huge event. actor Bae Yong-joon, fourth from left, and Minister Yu In-chon, second
The Nanta show, now an “Korea has diverse experience hosting large-scale glob- from right, after the announcement of the campaign.
internationally-known tourist al meetings and conferences. Korean cities like Seoul,
attraction, blends traditional Busan and Jeju have the capabilities to host the assembly with “Korea Night,” on Oct. 6, where representatives gave
Korean culture with modern even right now,” Shin told reporters. industry leaders a glimpse of what Korea has to offer to
[YONHAP]
Making Korea No Longer ways Korean officials will use to hit their target — 10 mil-
lion foreign tourists by 2012.
The sector has been struggling this year, hit by the
“We chose Nanta because it shows a good mix of some-
thing traditional and something modern, which in a way
represents Korea now,” said Kwon Do-yeon at the Culture
Asia’s Best Kept Secret economic crisis and the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. In fact,
the UNWTO expects to finish the year with the world
industry contracting by 5 percent.
Ministry.
At the reception, delegates were fed Korean food such
as kimchi, bulgogi marinated beef and seaweed-wrapped
But at the assembly last month, UNWTO Secretary gimbap rice rolls. Globalizing Korean food is one of the key
Conference will bring leaders in world travel here in 2011, General Taleb Rifai predicted that business would see a elements in Korea’s tourism initiatives.
modest uptick in 2010. In May, the Korean government set up a Korean food
at the peak of incentives and programs to lure foreign visitors Korea’s overseas marketing promotions, in fact, began globalization committee, aimed at devising ways to pro-
at last months’ UNWTO general assembly in Kazakhstan mote Korean food abroad. By Kim Hyung-eun
C
ell phones and cars aren’t the only Korean planned to participate in the design fair lines do not scan or photocopy.
designs getting attention on the global this year. “A British hotel said they wanted to order the note-
market. “But the judges who were at Milan book as presents for their VIP guests,” Lee said.
That was the message at the London Designersblock asked me to join the fes- Products from Korean design studios and compa-
Design Festival last month, attended by young Koreans tival in London [as well],” Chung said. nies are also gaining wider popularity. The company
with cutting-edge, mind-warping work, such as a lamp Some of the Korean products exhib- Another Ceramic drew a huge crowd with its standing
made to look like a porcelain tea set. ited during 100% Design London sold Companies and lamps made of porcelain. Saturn Bath also received
One of the events at the festival, 100% Design Lon- quickly. high praise from other designers for its exquisite TV
don, is recognized as one of the three major design Kim Hyun-been, also chosen as a
individuals win Tub, a bathtub with a television attached on the end.
exhibitions in the world and is held at Earls Court. Next Generation Design Leader by the praise for their “A foreigner told me that his preconception of
Another, Designersblock, displays more experimental Korea Institute of Design Promotion for unique products Korea, as a country that only copies other people’s
designs. her “DrinKlip” cup holder, was able to designs, had been broken,” said Lee Gyu-seon, who is
Kim Eun-young A total of 11 Korean companies and 14 designers, sell all 200 of the products she brought at 100% Design currently studying textiles at the British Royal Acade-
including eight to receive support from the Ministry of on the first day of the festival. London, part of my of Arts.
Knowledge Economy, participated in 100% Design Lee Seung-ho, who works in Fin- “I’m really glad that Korean designers are partici-
London this year. The London design exhibition is land, sold over 1,000 of his about:Blank the London pating more than they did a year ago, and their abilities
known for its tough reviews of its applicants. notebooks, lined in white so that the Design Festival are being recognized.” By Lee Ho-jeong
At 100% Design London, Lee Seon-gyong, Kim
Eun-young and Cha Il Gu were all on the shortlist for
the Most Promising Talent award from Blueprint Mag-
azine, an influential London design magazine. The
judges were Vicky Richardson, editor of Blueprint, and
Gareth Williams, a senior tutor at the Royal College of
Art.
Cha ended up winning the award, for his simple
and elegant radio. Appearing somewhat like a com-
puter mouse, it had only two controls: volume and
tuning. Cha was also selected as a “Next Generation
Design Leader” by the Korea Institute of Design Pro-
motion.
In recognition of these awards, Cha’s products will
be displayed at the main booth for free during next
year’s exhibition.
[JoongAng Ilbo]
Seoul, and is now completely fluent in the
Korean language. Thanh points out that “maeum” can
mean relief, determination or love by
simply pairing it with different verbs.
E
“In Vietnam, we also use Chinese char-
very Sunday, 22-year-old uni- University’s Korean Language Institute, cial,” he said. acters, but the pronunciation and gram-
versity student Dang Ngoc the same place Dang Ngoc started his Thanh was introduced to the job mar are rather tricky. That’s why I make
Thanh heads to Ansan, Gyeo- Korean language learning a few years through the language interpreting cen- my own instructional materials, so that
nggi-do Province to teach ago. ter at Hanyang University. After his class my Vietnamese students can differenti-
adults — some over twice his age. Thanh now attends Hanyang Uni- last year won rave reviews, Thanh went ate between Korean and Vietnamese in
Thanh came to Korea four years ago versity as a junior majoring in business on to teach Korean there starting April a clearer way.”
from Vietnam. But his ties to Korea go administration, but once every week, 5. He now meets with a class of around One of Thanh’s proudest moments
further back, to his childhood. “My the student becomes a teacher at the 15 to 18 Vietnamese immigrants every came in July, when one of his Vietnam-
father has been in and out of Korea since Ansan Migrant Community Service Sunday for three hours, starting at 10 ese students at the center, a 31-year-old
I was a little boy, striking up business Center. “I first started my relationship a.m. The young professor says that when factory worker at Ansan, went back to
deals involving Korean companies,” says with the Ansan Migrant Community he teaches the class, he tries to remem- Vietnam to take a job at a Korean com-
Thanh in almost perfect Korean. His Service Center last year in May, when I ber the challenges that he faced when he pany there — thanks to his Korean lan-
father, who works for an investment taught Vietnamese immigrants and first started learning Korean. Every guage skills. Thanh says reading the
consulting firm in Vietnam, is also flu- workers in Korea how to pass the inter- week, he prepares his own instructional thank you e-mail from him brought him
ent in Korean. national driver’s license exam. Especial- material on about 20 pages of A4-sized great satisfaction. Every Sunday for three hours, Dang Ngoc Thanh, 22, teaches the Korean language to Viet-
Thanh’s sister now attends Yonsei ly for workers, passing this test was cru- paper. Even though the Korean Wave has namese migrant workers in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do Province.
I
f you have never tasted Korean search extremely hard to find any kind
green tea, you might be wonder- of Korean green tea, while Japanese
ing what is so special about it. The and Chinese varieties are common.
best way to explain would be to Korean tea is rare, almost unknown.
go together to a house on the south- In recent years, a new interest in tea
ern slopes of Mount Jirisan in late has spread across the world. People
April or early May. Sitting with doors in Europe or North America have dis-
and windows open to the early morn- covered the health benefits of tea, and
ing sunshine, we watch as our hostess have developed a liking for white and
prepares tea she herself has dried only green teas, oolongs, and Pu-erh teas.
a day or two before over a wood-fire, Specialty tea stores in Paris, London
using very small, just-budded leaves. or New York often stock hundreds of
The water for brewing the tea is drawn kinds of teas, from many countries.
from a spring that rises just behind the Yet Korean tea is often almost com-
house. The taste of the first cup of tea pletely absent from their lists. Many
is so intense, so unexpectedly rich and books about tea have been published,
IBRS/CCRI No : 10024-40730
NO STAMP REQUIRED
KOIS
15 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu
Seoul (110-040)
Republic of Korea
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