8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

1/29

JAN2014

Novelist

Eun Hee-kyung

Muju

HanbokKoreas traditional clothing ispractical and beautiful

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

2/29

Publisher Woo Jin-yung, Korean Culture and Information Serv

Executive ProducerSuh Jeong-sun

E-mail webmaster@korea.net

Magazine ProductionSeoul Selection

Editor-in-ChiefRobert Koehler

Producer Shin Yesol

Production SupervisorLee Jin-hyuk

Editorial AdvisorsJang Woojung, Im Hyeong Doo

Copy EditorsGregory C. Eaves, D. Peter Kim, Hwang Chi-youn

Creative DirectorJung Hyun-young

Head DesignerKo Min-jeong

PhotographyRyu Seunghoo, Robert Koehler

Printing LEEFFECT

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproducany form without permission from KOREAand the Korean Cultu

Information Service.

If you want to receive a free copy of KOREAor wish to cancel a

please e-mail us. A downloadable PDF file of KOREAand a map

with common Korean words appearing in our text are available

the thumbnail of KOREAon the homepage of www.korea.net.

11-1110073-000016-06

04

24

CONTENTSJANUARY2014VOL.10 NO.1

14 PEN & BRUSHNovelist Eun Hee-kyung

18 PEOPLEMaster Watch Repairman Back Jun-duk

20 TRAVELMuju

24 SPORTSKim Yuna

26 ENTERTAINMENTTaekkyeon Arirang Lyeon

28 SPECIAL ISSUE

Sejong City: Part II

30 CURRENT KOREAKorea's Toilet Revolution

32 SUMMIT DIPLOMACY

Year-end Diplomacy

36 POLICY REVIEWDaedeok Innopolis

38 CREATIVE TECHNOLOGYThe IT Healthcare Era

40 GLOBAL KOREAKorea Lends a Hand to the Philippines

42 GREAT KOREAN

Han Yong-un

44 MY KOREAThe Pojangmacha

46 MULTICULTURAL KOREAHockey Player Brock Radunske

48 TALES FROM KOREAThe Princess and the Idiot

50 FLAVORSeolleongtang and Kkakdugi

Embodying age-old philosophies, Koreas traditional

clothing is as practical as it is beautiful

C O V E R S T O R Y04

HANBOK

30

20

G a t e w a y t o K o r e a

Assisting events that introduce Korean culture to non-Koreans

Producing foreign-language publications and different types of

promotional materials on Korea

Operating the government homepage,www.korea.net

Assisting intenational academics, opinion leaders and foreign media

reporting on Korea

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

3/29

V E R S T O R Y

Embodying age-old philosophies,Koreas traditional clothing is as practicalit is beautiul

Written bySamuel Songhoon Lee

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

4/29

1. The traditional

Hanbok is still worn on

special occasions today.

2. The many Hanbok

worn by President Park

Geun-hye at various

diplomatic functions.

here is perhaps no other artiact that

captures the richness o Korean cultural

heritage as well as Korean traditional attire,

nown as Hanbok. While the origins o Hanbok

an be traced back millennia to the ethnic origins

the Korean people, historical records in the orm

murals painted during the early period o the

Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.A.D. 668) show that

Koreans began to wear a modern orm o Hanbok as

arly as the ourth century B.C.

Te basic design o Hanbok comprises o two-ieces, an upper and lower garment. Te upper

arment, thejeogori, is a bolero blouse-like jacket

worn by both women and men. For the lower

arment, women wear a chima, a ull-blown

kirt that reaches past the ankles, and men wear

baji, a pair o roomy trousers. On top o these

asic garments, a wide variety o accessories and

uterwear can be worn or different seasons and

different occasions.

What is most astonishing about hanbok is the way

in which its orm and design have been preserved,

despite a time lapse o two thousand years. While the

particular style and specific length have undergone

changes over the years, the basic appearance o

hanbok has stayed intact. In looking at Goguryeo

period murals dating rom the ourth century B.C.,

one will see an uncanny resemblance to the Hanbok

being worn on the streets o modern Seoul.

It is this remarkable preservation o Hanbok thatprovides a window into the rich cultural heritage o

the Korean people. Although Hanbok is popularly

worn today on special occasions such as weddings

and birthdays, there is renewed interest among

modern Koreans in wearing Hanbok as everyday

wear, just as their ancestors once did. Te revival has

been touched off by Koreas first emale head o state,

President Park Geun-hye.

1

Hanbok Diplomacy

Since being elected in December 2012, President Park Geun-

hye has surprised the worldand the Korean peoplewith

her steadast devotion to wearing Hanbok on official occasions.

Her devotion to Hanbok traces back to the influences o her

mother, Yuk Young-soo, who, in her role as first lady, oversaw

Koreas miraculous economic rise rom being one o the most

impoverished countries in the world in the 1960s to being one

o the richest today.

Yuk preerred to wear Hanbok instead o Western dresses.

Tis instilled a sense o pride and confidence amongst Koreans

who were struggling to pull themselves out o the destruction

and destitution o the tragic Korean War (19501953) and the

brutal colonial rule o Japan (19101945).

Widely known or her humble liestyle and abstention romluxuries, Yuk was unrestrained in her concern and devotion

to the livelihood o the common people, regularly paying

visits to the poor and sick. oday, even the staunchest political

opponents o President Park openly express their admiration

and respect or her mother.

President Park rekindled the peoples yearning or such

benevolent leadership when she opted to wear Hanbok at key

post-inauguration ceremonies in January 2013. She donned a

red durumagi, or outer coat, and a blue chimaat the goodwill

ceremony that took place minutes afer her inaugural address.

Te symbolism o the color combination did not go un

the colors red and blue, ound on the Korean national

historically represented the harmony o opposites. Ma

her outfit as a plea or unity amongst the Korean peopl

President Park has also been dazzling the global stag

her Hanbok, a policy that has come to be known as H

diplomacy. In her official visits to the United States an

she donned several varieties o Hanbok, each laden with

symbolism and meaning to mark the particular occasio

In an honorary dinner to mark the 60th anniversary

Korea-US alliance at the Smithsonian Museum in Wa

D.C., President Park wore a cobalt-colored chimaand

jeogoriwith elaborate embroidery. According to Kim

suk, designer o President Parks Hanbok, the colors o

presidents Hanbok were careully selected in conside

o the many U.S. veterans o the Korean War who wer

attendance. Te cobalt color symbolized the Korean s

the elaborate embroidery adorned with flowers and tr

marked the prosperity and cultural refinement o Kor

oward the end o her visit, President Park traveled

Angeles, which has historically been a popular destin

Korean emigrants. When meeting with Korean emigr

wore a pink Hanbok. In an interview with a newspap

Kim said he wanted to accentuate the motherly warm

eminine grace o the nations first emale president.

V E R S T O R Y

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

5/29

Hanbok Captivates Global FashionRunways

Te beauty o Hanbok has also been recognized on the

unways o the worlds most respected ashion shows. Since the

990s, Korean ashion designers have lef their mark on the

Western ashion world with Hanbok-inspired collections.

In 1996, Lee Young Hee, one o the most respected Hanbok

esigners, dazzled the Paris ashion world with her exhibition

Hanbok: Clothes o the Wind at the Muse de lOrangerie.

ee was also the first Korean designer to have her works

eatured in Frances esteemed prt--porter collection. Her

ollections eature Hanbok adapted to modern sensibilities that

tretch the boundaries o the imagination.

Lees Hanbok collections have ofen been described as daring

nd experimental. Indeed, some o her womens Hanbok did

way withjeogori, and had chimabefitting a Western dress.

eading French media took notice o Lees collections, and Le

Monde praised the seamless way in which Hanbok drapes over

he human physique in smooth, flowing lines while retaining

s elegant and sophisticated demeanor.

Te beauty o Hanbok has also not gone unnoticed in the

yes o Western ashion designers, who have come to draw

nspiration rom the centuries-old Korean traditional attire.

Carolina Herrera, whose collections have been worn by such

rominent figures as Jacqueline Kennedy and actress Rene

Zellweger, showcased Hanbok-inspired dresses or her 2011

S/S collection. In particular, Herrera incorporated the ample

spatial eature o the chimawith an added emphasis on the

naturally flowing silhouette lines.

Te dresses made by Herrera retain the unique Korean

concept o the silhouette, said Kim Eun-jung, a clothing and

textiles proessor at Chonnam National University. Te way

the clothes envelop the body and the ample olds o the chima

all point toward how well she understands the emphasis on

lines ound in Hanbok. Herrera also eatured emale models

wearinggat, a wide brimmed hat with an emerging center

usually worn by Conucian scholars during the Joseon period.

Another Western designer who has drawn inspiration

rom Hanbok is the Belgian Dries van Noten, who was once

described by Te New York imes as one o ashions most

cerebral designers. For his 2012 Paris Collection, van Noten

incorporated prints ound in the paper collar o the jeogori.

His ascination withjeogoriled to a unique collaboration

with Korean Hanbok designer Kim Hye-soon, whose extensive

research into the upper Hanbok garment led to her authoring

the book Our Beautiul Jeogori(2011), which traces the

evolution o thejeogoriover more than 600 years. Van Noten

eatured severaljeogoridesigns and patterns ound in Kims

book in his own collection.

The Beauty of Hanbok

Flowing lines

When discussing the aesthetic delight o Ha

what inevitably emerges is the beauty o its

lines. Indeed, it is this attribute that distingu

Hanbok rom other East Asian traditional o

such as the Chinese cheongsamor the Japan

kimono. Korean Hanbok incorporates both

and curving lines, which combine to create

naturally flowing harmony. When the wear

the flowing lines o Hanbok create an undu

silhouette that is subtle yet palpable.

Te collar o womens Hanbok, which or

V-shape, can be adjusted to accentuate or s

neckline. Te rounded curve o the sleeves bring out a sense o gentleness. Te straight

that is projected rom the hanginggoreum,

string-like long ribbon that ties thejeogori c

presents a simple but elegant look. Te layer

wrinkles that gradually spread out rom the

o the chimato the bottom also add to the s

elegance.

Color arrangement

Another distinguishing eature o Hanbok i

contrast in complementary colors. Te colo

ofen ound in Hanbok are variations o the

colors o red, blue, green and yellow, as oun

the natural world, along with black and whi

East Asian philosophy oyinandyangand

elements that are believed to be the basis o

cosmos also yield great influence on how co

picked and arranged. Te contrast in comp

colors adds to the elegance and refined beau

Hanbok. White was the deault shade histo

avored by the Korean people or its symbol

modesty and pure spirit.

Red signified good ortune and prosperit

the color used in bridal Hanbok. Indigo rep

dedication so it was the color used in Hanb

by court ladies and the official attire o gove

officials. Black, which symbolized eternity a

1. A Hanbok by designer Lee

Young Hee at the Korea-Turkey

Traditional Fashion Show in

Istanbul on Sept 11, 2013

2. The spring 2011 collection

of designer Carolina Herrera is

modeled during Fashion Week

in New York, Sept 13, 2010.

3. Fashion show by designer

Kim Young Seok at the

Wedding Fair at the Westin

Chosun Hotel, Seoul, June

2012. Traditional Korean

Costume Kim Young Seok

V E R S T O R Y

1 2

3

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

6/29

V E R S T O R Y

Traditional Clothingas Foreign Policy

Designer Kim Young Seok helps oster global riendships through Hanbok

Interview byRobert Koehler

Kim Young Seok wasnt born a Hanbok designer, let alone

the one for President Park Geun-hye. It started out as a

hobby, he says. When people die in Korea, they burn all their

things, so very few old, traditional things are left. I wanted to

recreate some of those old things as a hobby. It wasnt until

he reached his mid-30s that he began to design K

traditional attire professionally. Complete with fur n

warmer, he presents the very image of a fashion d

not just one who fashions the wardrobe of VIPs, i

corporate executives, first ladies and, of course, P

Park.

Kim says traditional clothing such as hanbokrefhistory and lifestyle of a country. I think Hanbok is

like architecture. Its very structured, he says. Lik

architecture,hanbokreflects whats inside. Its ver

and very layered, like the dresses of Victorian-era

According to the designer, the beauty of Hanbo

doesnt immediately present itself at first glance, li

good art. Too much perfection ruins beauty, he

pointing to the Mona Lisa, whose beauty contain

certain sense of unease thanks t o her missing eye

Hanbok is the same. When you first look at it, its

if somethings missing. But it makes you want to k

looking even after the person has passed. First w

Eh? and then we notice its beautiful.

President Park has earned both domestic and

international admiration for wearing Kims Hanbok

international events, including in her May visit to t

When we get invited to a friends home, we wear

clothes. When we meet foreign friends in particula

the ways we can spark interest in one another is w

traditional clothing or presenting them with somet

they take an interest in, says Kim. Hanbok diplo

is something that can smooth a first meeting and

sense of friendship.

So how can Korea promote Hanbok both at ho

and abroad? Speaking generally of the culture, w

need efforts to get people to wear Hanbok more,

Kim. Instead of simply complaining that Hanbok

uncomfortable, we must improve the aspects tha

uncomfortable.

rigin o all creation, figured in mens hats. Yellow, which

epresented the center o the universe, was the color preerred

y royalty and its wearing by common people was strictly

egulated.

Te complementary colors are one o the most captivating

esthetic attributes o Hanbok. Te contrast o bright yellow

gainst deep blue, or light green against solid red, or example,

re among the more popular color arrangements preerred or

heir eye-catching quality. During major events, such a color

cheme is worn by the primary participants or important

uests.

Beauty and Practicality

Although it may appear at first to be a daunting attire to be

worn every day, Hanbok in reality maximizes practicality

nd comort. Because Hanbok is sewn in a curved ashion in

ccordance with the general shape o the human body, it allows

asy movement and mobility. Because its silhouette and flowing

nes are not directly tied to the wearers physique, Hanbok can

e worn by people o all body types without compromising

ndividual dignity or elegance.

Simple changes in color arrangements allow the wearer to

reate a variety o looks with different underlying emotional

ones. Te ample room o Hanbok also allows it to be easily

tted to adapt or changes in physique. Hanbok is also widely

nown or its durability. Because the attire is colored using

atural dye, its aded color can easily be restored without

compromising its original colors.

Tere have been growing efforts to modernize Hanbok so it

can be worn as everyday wear along with popular clothing such

as blue jeans. One pioneer is Hanbok designer Park Mi-yeon,

whose brand Armi (pronounced ar-MEE) has a distinctively

casual flair (www.armbang.co.kr). She has adapted Hanbok to

modern, casual sensibilities that could be easily worn along

with other daily wear while preserving the undamental design

and spirit o Hanbok. Parks brand is carried by more than 50

chain stores throughout the nation.

Another pioneer in modernized Hanbok is Lee Gi-yeon, who

heads her own brand, Jil Kyung Yee (www.jilkyungee.co.kr).

Since the 1980s, Lee has led research and production efforts

to adapt Hanbok as everyday wear. She goes about achieving

the adaptation by looking urther back in time in attempting

to bring out the spirit and philosophy o the ancestors into

modern light.

Te modernization o her Hanbok collection comes rom

adapting the clothes with consideration or increased mobility

and also the blood circulation patterns o the human anatomy.

We embed our culture into our clothes, Lee said in a V

interview.

Modern Hanbok maximizes mobility and unction. Some

collections do away with the drapinggoreum, the coat-string

like tie that drops below waist, and also shortens the width and

length o the chimawhile extending the length o thejeogori.

A Russian visitor dons a Hanbok at a Korean homestay facility.

Koreans often wear Hanbok on traditional holidays.

21

0

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

7/29

V E R S T O R Y

Throughout the Joseon Dynasty (13921910), Korea was governed by a neo-

Confucian philosophy which emphasized social harmony and refining oneself

through dedicated scholarship. This was reflected in the different Hanbok

ach class wore. Neo-Confucian scholars believed that a dedicated scholar must

efrain from excess, and as such, the children of noble families studying for the royal

vil service exam often took to wearing simple hanbok that stressed austerity and

efinement.

The king wore a specially prepared Hanbok made of red silk satin. It was most noted

or the carefully sewn golden dragon emblem on the chest and also on the upper

leeve of each arm. The queens Hanbok also stood out for its elaborate embroidery

onsisting of pheasants and plum blossoms.

Men belonging to the middle and aristocratic yangbanclass were easily identifiable

y theirgat, a cylinder-shaped hat with a wide brim made of horsehair. What clothing

material Hanbok was made from was also an important status symbol. Silk imported

om China was seen as the ultimate luxury fabric for Hanbok, while commoners

ended to wear Hanbok made of cotton.

Aristocratic women also distinguished themselves with colorful chima, with the

most popular colors being red, purple and yellow. It was quite ample in its depth,

o allow for a full silhouette, and extended to the ground to conceal the ankles. The

himaworn by common women were narrower and shorter and showed the ankles.

n addition, aristocratic women were fond of elaborate embroidery sewn around their

hima, while common women were not allowed such a luxury.

The color of womens Hanbok was also an important signifier of marital status. Red

himawere for single women without children while navy-blue chimawere for married

women. A combination of yellowish greenjeogoriand red chimawere for newlywed

rides. Widows wore white chima.

The variety of Hanbok colors was limited to the upper class. Pink, yellow or other

rightly colored Hanbok were worn mostly by children. Most commoners were

estricted to wearing white hanbok as their everyday wear. Because the color gold

eld significance as the center of the universe, only royalty was allowed to wear gold-

olored Hanbok.

Hanbok worn by government officials was distinguished by the square-shaped pattern

mbroidered on the front. Military officials had a tiger while civil servants had a crane

mbroidered on. The different types of embroidery distinguished the wearers rank.

Professional female entertainers, known asgisaeng,tended to wear colorful

anbok enveloped in elaborate floral patterns. They preferred Hanbok in strongrimary colors that were captivating to the eye. It was a great honor for a gisaengto

ave one of her patrons paint a picture or write a poem directly onto her skirt.

For a wedding Hanbok, the bride wore a crimson chimaand a special type of

ellowish-green jeogori. They also wore an extensive white sleeve that reached to

heir knees to cover their hands. The groom also wore an elaborate set piece that

trongly resembled the official court attire. They also c arried a folding paper fan to

over their mouths.

HANBOK ACCORDING TO

SOCIAL CLASS

2

The global popularity of Korean TV dramas, commonly referred

to as Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, has brought Hanbok to the

worlds attention. They include mega-hit dramas set in the past

such as: The Jewel in the Palace (2003), which starred Lee Young-

ae, one of Koreas most beloved actresses; films such as Untold

Scandal (2003) with Bae Yong-joon, the middle-aged Korean actor

popular with Japanese housewives, who plays a libertine, pleasure-

loving scholar of aristocratic background; Chunhyang (1999), where

a pair of star-crossed lovers battle fate in pursuit of love; Forbidden

Quest (2006), where two talented aristocrats create some of the

most sensational adult literature of the period; Hwang Jini (2006),

where the daughter of an aristocratic family voluntarily becomes a

gisaeng; and A Frozen Flower (2008) which follows the conflictbetween a kings male lover and the queen.

The great appearance of Hanbok in Korean movies has not only

led to more opportunities to introduce Korean traditional dress to

the world, but has also made it feel more familiar to Koreans, said

Lee Hye-soon, a highly acclaimed hanbok designer who supplied

costumes for Untold Scandal, King and the Clown (2005), and

A Frozen Flower(2008). While staying faithful to the tradition and

customs of the period, Lee said that in Untold Scandal, she made

variations to the specific hanbok worn by each character de

on the characters personality and image.

For example, for the character of Mrs. Cho, who was know

voluptuous beauty and sensuality, a tight-fitting jacket with

skirts in radiating colors was provided. The government offi

on the other hand, wore jackets with more breathing room

colors.

Perhaps no other celebrity has raised the global recognit

Hanbok as much as actress Song Hye-gyo. Her portrayal of

most legendarygisaengin Hwang Jini led to her becomin

Korean celebrity to grace the cover of Vogue Korea in June

wore Hanbok in Paris and her photographs were taken by o

worlds most recognized fashion photographers, the ItalianPaolo Roversi.

Following the recent surge of interest in Hanbok, Korean

featuring the attire have opted to showcase its beauty and

in new ways. Prior to the opening of the film Queen: the Ki

Concubine (2012), a fashion show was held at Gyeonghui

Palace in Seoul, where the royalty of the Joseon Dynasty on

Cast members wore their movie customes and walked the r

putting on display the exquisite beauty of hanbok.

THE HANBOK IN KOREAN DRAMAS

5

3

4

1

2

1. Cast of the 2010 MBC historical drama Dong Yi

2. Actress Ha Ji-won in Joseon Dynasty-gisaengdress for the 2006 KBS2 drama Hwang Jini

Commoners clothing 2. A white Hanbok worn by aseonbi, the rustic scholars of the Joseon Dynasty.

Queens Hanbok from the early Joseon Dynasty 4. Agisaengs Hanbok 5. Wedding Hanbok

21

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

8/29

WRITING INISOLATIONNovelist Eun Hee-kyung finds inspirationn solitude

Written by Felix Im

4

N & B R U S H

In 1994, a ormer aspiring writ

ordinary mother, worker and

ound hersel stuck in the one

o a complacent lie: a preset path w

circumstances stayed static while t

continued to rush by, increasing in

every year.

I just realized that my lie was se

at 34. Id received all the education

going to get; I was married and a m

my job was steady and stable. Ter

more great changes awaiting me, s

She is now one o Koreas most w

known and successul novelists, wi

that has been translated into Engli

French, German, Russian and a ho

other languages. Her name? Eun H

kyung. Surprisingly reserved in de

almost to the point o shyness, she

her sentences careully, seemingly

to speak beore prooreading their

once more inside her head.

So I decided to do something ab

situation; I needed a change; I need

step off the main path and run awa

random alley and find mysel again

It was in such an alley where Eun

took her first steps to realizing her

dream o becoming a novelist.

Id always written and always lik

writing, but I think I never gave it

until then, she says.

So afer acquiring a months vaca

her day job, she ran off to the coun

isolating hersel with her pen. It wa

experience with true solitude.

I had so much to say. It had all b

stuffed down during all those years

quietly. Te result was five short st

Afer my month o reedom was up

return to work, but still managed t

sixth.

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

9/29

N & B R U S H

Late Bloomer

ronically enough, it was that sixth short story that she wrote

fer coming back to work that officially started her career:

Duet won that years literary contest held by the major daily

Dong-A Ilbo. It didnt elicit the response Eun was hoping or,

owever. Worse, it got little response at all. Afer a ew silent

months passed, she decided to throw something a little heavier

t the world and went off into seclusion again, this time or two

months. Te result was her first ull-length novel and perhaps

er best-known work,A Gif rom a Bird. Te cynical yet

umorous narrative, told rom the perspective o a precocious

2-year-old girl, got the attention the author had been seeking,

s well as her first Munhakdongne Novel Award.

I didnt plan on being some huge success, Eun says. But I

new I didnt want to leave that place until Id finished my first

ovel. o be honest, it was rather un. It was my first ull-length

ovel and I ully enjoyed the writing process. Afer that, I was

ble to write prolifically or a number o years. I just had so

much to say. But Ive slowed down a bit now.

The Value of Solitude

ticking to her tradition o creating in isolation, Eun made it a

oint to go somewhere new and secluded every time she wrote

novel. Te process has obviously worked or her, as she has

since racked up an impressive list o literary honors, including

the prestigious Yi Sang Literary Award.

I actually only recently started writing in caes, which is

hinted at in my latest work Lie Unperturbed, she says. Now,

its not as easy as it once was to just take off and seclude mysel,

but I still cant write at home. Tats where my ordinary lie

is. A certain occupation awaits me therea wie or mother or

socialiteso I cant write there. I need to be alone. I dont want

to see anyone I know. I think most writers are like that.

Something unique to Eun, however, is her habit o rarely

taking notes or jotting down anything on a notepad.

Even i I do write something down on the go, I never know

what to do with it later, when Im actually writing. Most o the

time, I dont even know why I wrote it.

In with the New

Just as when she first ran off to the countryside, Eun is always

looking or something new, be it a resh approach to writing or

an unamiliar experience, anything to inspire her. While certain

authors spend their careers ocusing on perecting a singular

world, Eun approaches every novel as a new experiment, each

its own separate world. As a result, every work evokes mixed

reactions. Fans o one her books dont like the next one and so

on. One thing that doesnt change, however, is that she always

Life Unperturbed(Changbi Publishers, 2012) Talking to a Stranger (Munhakdongne Publishing Corp., 1996)

bases villainous characters on hersel.

I dont want to hurt anyone I know, so I model all bad

characters afer mysel. Either that, or its my husband, she

adds, laughing.

Asked i her recognition abroad has changed her, Eun

calmly shakes her head.

Te only thing thats changed is my experience, going

outside o Korea and seeing things Id never have seen

I stayed in Seoul. When I go abroad or an event, boo

signing, or just travel, the main thing Im looking or

perspective. My writing hasnt evolved to some more

level. It just continues to evolve as it always has. Whe

to New York or two months, I just lived as an ordinar

not as a writer. Tats what I wanted: a new experienc

When someone looks at me, the first thing I do is split myselfinto two selves. One self remains inside of me, while the otherself thats been split off from my real self leaves my body and plays my

role.

While the other self that goes outside of my body is exposed to others

and acts exactly like me, my real self stays inside my body and watches

the self thats gone outside of my body. I have one self act like the self

that others expect to see, and the other self watches this. All this time,

Im split into the self being seen by others and the self that is watching,

which is myself.

All the while, of course, my real self isnt the self being seen but rather

the self thats watching. Since its the self being seen that is p ressured

and humiliated under the gaze of others, the real self thats watching

isnt hurt as much. By separating myself into two se lves this way, Im less

exposed to the eyes of others, and I can keep myself intact.

Since Im showing others not my real self but a self Ive made, I used

to think that this might be hypocritical or pretentious . I thought that

splitting myself into two selves might be wrong because Im trying to

look good or be dishonest, but after I learned the word artificiality,

my doubts were dispelled. My habit of self-splitting wasnt hypocrisy, it

was artificiality. Artificiality is a much more complicated emotion than

hypocrisy, but isnt immoral in the str ict sense of the word.

A Gift from a Bird

6

Excerpt,A Gift From a Bird (Mun

Publishing Corp., 1995), p2223.

In addition to the Korean origina

is available in French, Spanish,

Chinese, too.

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

10/29

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

11/29

R A V E L

0

MujuA national park and ski resort orm a winter wond

Written byRobe

now encrusted branches at the peak of Mt. Deogyusan, Deogyusan National Park

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

12/29

2

Where to Eat

Muju Deogyusan

Resort has a wide

selection of food and

entertainment choices:

Korean and Western

restaurants, snack stores,

bars, karaoke and cafs. For

something a bit more rustic,

try eojuk, a spicy fish stew. Geumgang Sikdang (T. 0

322-0979), near Muju County Office, is a good place

Interestingly, the region is known for making its own

from wild grapes. The wine is aged in a renovated tu

originally built for the construction of a hydroelectric

Where to Stay

Muju Deogyusan

Resort has three

hotels: the deluxe HotelTirol, the Family Hotel, and

the modest Kookmin Hotel.

The latter offers many six-

person rooms where visitors

sleep on the floor and share

a kitchen. Another option is

to stay at the little village down the road or in an ov

sauna, called ajjimjilbang.

Getting There

Intercity buses depart from Seoul Nambu Bus

Terminal to Muju Bus Terminal at 7:40am, 9:2

10:40am, 1:40pm and 2:35pm. From the back gate o

Muju terminal, in front of the Jeil Clinic, take the free

bus to Muju Deogyusan Resort. T. 063-320-7113.

MORE

Jejudo

Muju

While most travelers in Korea head to

the wilds o Gangwon-do in search

o winter scenery, some o the best

nowy vistas in the land can be enjoyed about two

ours south o Seoul in the county o Muju, one o

Koreas biggest winter sports centers. Te host o

he 1997 Winter Universiade, Muju is blessed with

igh scenic peaks and plenty o snowsome o the

eaviest snow all in the country, in act. On Mt.

Deogyusan, the centerpiece o Deogyusan National

ark, the wind and snow combine to produce a

urreal landscape o snow flowers that mesmerize

ikers intrepid enough to brave the heights and

old.

Muju Deogyusan Resort

Mujus chie tourist draw is Muju Deogyusan

Resort, one o Koreas most popular ski destinations.

Te resort boasts both the countrys longest slope,

he 6.1-kilometer Silk Road Course (vertical height

810 meters), and steepest run, Raiders Slope with

70-degree incline. For those not training or the

Olympics, a Rookie Hill is intended or beginners.

Te courses are also snowboarder-riendly.

Te complex is modeled afer the great alpine

resorts o Austria, as undoubtably noticeable rom

the aux-alpine architecture. For the ull Austrian

experience, get a room in the resorts five-star Hotel

irol, where the suites are lined with Austrian larch.

Its like sleeping in an alpine orest. About 1,000

Austrian-style condo rooms are available, too.

On Seolcheonbong Peakwhere the gondola

drops you offan impressive three-story Korean

pagoda cuts a pretty dramatic figure, especially

when the snow and wind are up. From here is also a

trail that leads to the peak o Mt. Deogyusan.

Deogyusan National Park

Mt. Deogyusan is one o Koreas higher peaks at

1,614 meters. Te 20-kilometer main ridge sports

several peaks o more than 1,000 meters. Its a broad

mountain, however, so while hikes are long, they

arent especially arduous. Te biggest danger in

winter is the cold. Dress warmly and be prepared

1. Downhill skiing at Muju

Deogyusan Resort

2. Nighttime skiing at

Muju Deogyusan Resort

3. The gondola will get you

to the top of the runs.

R A V E L

1

or the wind and snow. Be sure to wear crampons. o hike the main

ridge will take about 12 hours, though it could take considerably

longer i theres deep snowand there probably will be.

Te ideal plan is to take in the sunrise rom the peak. I youre

lucky, the clouds will be below you to orm what Koreans call a

sea o clouds. o do this, though, you need to spend a night at

Hyangjeokbong Shelter (. 063-322-1614, KRW 8,000). Be sure to

call ahead to make a reservation as it fills up quickly. At the higher

elevations are clusters o ancient yew trees, twisted by the elements

into antastic shapes. I youve got a camera, try to capture the trees

silhouette against the morning sky.

2

3

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

13/29

KIM YUNA

Written byKim Tong-hyung

Figure skating superstar quiets doubt ahead oSochi Olympics

4

1

P O R T S

For the first time in as long as anyone can remember,

Kim Yuna perormed at an international figure skating

competition and did not wow the audience, though this

did not change her position at the podium, which has been

inexorably in the top spot.

Coming off a three-month layoff due to injury, the two-time

world champion and reigning Olympic gold medalist made

her season debut in December in the Golden Spin o Zagreb in

Croatia. She quieted most doubts over her orm by blowing her

competitors out o the water.

Despite that, her perormance did not meet the lofy

standards she has set or hersel. Afer scoring 73.37 points in

the short program, Kim showed a bit o rust in the ree skate,

alling on her first jump combination, a triple lutz-triple toe

loop, beore recovering with a smooth finish. Te all came

afer she botched the landing on her double axel, considered

one o the easier jumps, in the short program the previous day.

Still, Kims score o 131.12 in the ree skate gave her a

combined 204.48, or nearly 30 points ahead o runner-up Miki

Ando o Japan, who finished with 176.82.

Kims perormance reinorced what many believe: barring

another injury or a career-altering slump, the 23-year-old

will be the surest bet to win the gold in next months Winter

Olympics in Sochi, Russia. She is also seeking to become

only the third woman ever to repeatedly become Olympic

champion.

I was a bit shaky, but overall Im satisfied with my

perormance, she said.

I elt some pressure as I was coming back rom an ankle

injury and this was the first competition o the season. I was

surprised afer the jump as Id never allen that hard in practice,

but I was able to concentrate more afer the mistake and skate

cleanly the rest o the way.

She added that her recovery

is at the 80-90 percent

level and expressed

confidence about finding

her peak orm by the

beginning o

the Winter

Olympics in

February.

A Fierce RivalryIn Sochi, Kims biggest competition is once again exp

come rom longtime rival Mao Asada o Japan, who e

her ourth career win at the ISU Grand Prix Final in

month, but it actually hasnt been much o a rivalry.

In Kims historic perormance in the 2010 Vancouve

Olympics, she earned a record o 228.56 points, 23 mo

runner-up Asada.

In their most recent meeting in the 2013 world cham

in March, Kim won with a dominating perormance o

points, while Asada finished a distant third.

When at her best, Kim makes it clear that she is sim

different level than her competitors. Te speed and tig

her spins are rom another world, and so are the balan

fluidity that allow her to glide on the ice and land like

afer moments o controlled violence in the air.

Asada can be said to be the more gifed skater in at

ability, being the worlds only woman who can land tr

axels with anything resembling regularity. But she has

to display this skill in the biggest competitions, such a

Olympics and world championships.

I Asada does land that jump in Sochi or brings a m

complete game, she could finally give Kim some real

competition. Te world should hope that Asada does.

As great as Kim has been throughout her career, wh

world has seen her best truly remains to be seen. It is d

to tell how ar Kim can go, considering she has yet to e

legitimate competition.

1. Kim Yuna at the Golden Spin of Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia on Dec 6, 2013

2. Commemorative coins issued to celebrate Kim's gold medal from the 201

Olympic Games

3. Fans root for Kim at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

3

2

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

14/29

6

TAEKKYEON ARIRANGLYEONNon-verbal performance blends two classic s of Korean cultural heritage

Written byCharles Luskin

Although the popularity o pop culture has grown

exponentially over the past ten years in East Asia and

around the world, interest in traditional perormance

rts has lagged. Tis disparity exists, in part, because o lack o

xposure. While oreign audiences can easily consume popular

music, V and film, and ofen do, perormances o traditional

music and dance are ofen shown to domestic audiences only.

aekkyeon Arirang Lyeon, however, might change this.

Designed by taekkyeonmaster Lee Yong-bok and

choreographer Im Hak-sun, the show, as the name suggests,

displays two o Koreas traditional art orms: the martial art

taekkyeonand Arirang, the nations most amous olk song.

Both o these traditions have been included on the UNESCO

list o Intangible Cultural Heritage. aekkyeon Arirang Lyeon

explores the beauty o both arts by choreographing taekkyeon

movements with Korean traditional olk music. Lyeon is a

ERTAINMENT

wordless narration told though martial art dance

and music, a new composite o the old. In this

hybridization, Lyeon ollows in the ootsteps o

Cookin Nanta, a hit show that is an amalgam o

traditional percussion and non-verbal comedy.

Yet while Cookin Nantacreates a new cultural

product by merging characteristics o the

production Stompwith Korean traditional music,

Lyeon does it entirely with traditional cultural

materials. Indeed, the titular lyeon means

connection, specifically between two art orms

and between the past and present.

A Long Pedigree

Originating perhaps as early as the TreeKingdoms period, (57 B.C.A.D. 668) taekkyeon

became a popular martial art during the

Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), with its public

competitions ofen depicted in period murals

and paintings. While taekwondo and hapkido, a

martial art that combines kicking and punching

techniques with joint locking and throws, have

large international ollowings, the ormer is an

official Olympic sport while the latter remains

relatively ignored. Practical knowledge o

taekkyeonwas nearly lost when Korea was under

Japanese colonial rule. Just one master, Song Duk

Ki, remained afer Koreas liberation in 1945, and

rom him all modern taekkyeonpractices stem.

aekkyeon, the first martial art to be included on

the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list,

relies on an almost rhythmic pattern o stances

and fluidity o movement that give it a dance-

like quality. In this respect, the martial art shares

something in common with tai chi and capoeira.

Unlike tai chi, however, taekkyeonhas combat as

its purpose, and unlike capoeira, taekkyeonis not

a dance. Nevertheless, the Korean martial arts

dance-like qualities make it a natural choice or

accompaniment with music.

aekkyeon Arirang Lyeon sets taekkyeons

choreography to Arirang, Koreas most amous

olk melody. Like all old Korean olk so

Arirang has innumerable orms and v

but the most common version tells the

o a jilted woman separated rom her lo

by a mountain pass. Many passes in Ko

mountains are called Arirang, so the s

o the tragedy is as malleable as the lyric

addition to this amous song, aekkyeo

Arirang Lyeon is choreographed to sam

Korean traditional percussion, and per

with other traditional instruments, inclu

gayageum, an ancient 12-stringed zither

Te perorming companys world tou

cover 30 countries and 70 cities over the

years, starting November 15 in Washing

Lyeons novel combination o artorm

only by Cookin Nantain scope, is not th

maniestation o the desire to explore th

vacuum o Korean traditional arts in th

eye. Metal bands like Wool and reggae b

like I and I Jangdan also combine tradit

Korean sounds with other genres, albeit

much smaller stage. Nonetheless, it is h

aekkyeon Arirang Lyeons tour will g

enough global interest to spur new com

o the new and oldand the old and old

1. A flying taekkyeonkick

during Taekkyeon Arirang

Lyeon

2. Taekkyeon Arirang

Lyeon brings together

Korean martial arts and

Korean music.

2

1

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

15/29

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

16/29

The Toilet Goes Deeper

But the toilet awards are more than just about clever designs

and pleasant smells. Teyre part o a greater campaign

or public health and sanitation, one that gained major

momentum rom the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan.

During the preparatory stages or co-hosting the worlds

largest soccer tournament, the Better Korea Movement

(BKM) convened to revamp Korea or international visitors

across three key areas: cleanliness, riendliness and order.

One o their major concerns was that international visitors

would poo-poo the state o Koreas public restrooms, so they

launched a national campaign to transorm public b athrooms

into spaces o beauty and culture.

Another pioneer in toilet reorm was the late Sim Jae-

duck, who was born in 1939 in an outhouse, an event that,when viewed retrospectively, seems to have orged his ate as

inextricably linked with toilets. His place o birth resulted in

many o his peers nicknaming him gaettong, which can be

delicately translated as dog poop, an unortunate moniker

that lasted throughout his childhood.

Not until he was elected mayor o Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, did

he drastically improve the citys waste management systems.

He also ounded the Korean oilet Association and started

a bathroom revolution, transorming his toilet image into a

positive one. He didnt stop there. He became a key ounder

o the World oilet Association, an international ben

organization that works with the United Nations and

NGOs in the noble pursuit o one simple goal: to pro

every person in the world the opportunity to use a c

comortable toilet. Sim was so passionate about toile

even had his house rebuilt to look like one. He is now

as Mr. oilet.

Better Future through Better Toi

So why the obsession with bathrooms and hygiene?

realized that clean public acilities go beyond pleasan

Teyre an essential eature or a healthy, progressiv

Although taken or granted by many, sanitary restro

arent as common as they should be. According to th

World Health Organization, nearly 42 percent o thepopulation lives in chronically unsanitary condition

indirectly causes more than two million deaths per y

More than 400,000 children under age 5 die annuall

diarrheal conditions that could be drastically reduce

effective waste management. Cholera, typhoid, para

and dysentery can also be greatly reduced through p

water management and waste disposal.

Still think the bathroom awards and toilet associat

silly? Look at the statistics. Tink about what lie wo

like without clean toilets and then reconsider.

0

Public toilets are an issue that many people would

rather avoid discussing. Yet noble people in Korea

have been working hard over the past decade to

nsure that this dire topic is not ignored. Tats what the

Korean oilet Awards are about. Whats that? You didnt

now o an awards ceremony or clean and sanitary public

estrooms? Even though 2013 marks the awards 15th year,

he lavatory is still a taboo topic.

Te annual awards were held Nov 29 at the Korea Press

Center, with participants rom more than 100 organizations

round the country. Public bathrooms nationwide were

nspected by a team o judges rom July to September, and

the winner was announced Nov 14. Te criteria were tidiness,

sanitation, convenience o use and design.

Te top prize this year went to a Busan toilet located along

Daecheoncheon Stream at the base o Mt. Geumjeongsan.

Completed in July, the acility offers a constant stream o

relaxing classical music, mountain ragrances and a calming

color scheme to relax the nerves. Te womens restroom

contains stalls designed or children, one or mothers

accompanied by children and an additional powder room

or doing make-up. Both mens and womens restrooms are

equipped with entrances at both ends or proper ventilation

and offer windowed ceilings or clear views o the blue sky.

RENT KOREA

Written by Felix Im

Korean oilet Awards highlight the importance o human waste management

FLUSH WITH PRAISE

1

1. Lovely views from the bathroom of N Seoul Tower, Mt. Namsan

2. Mr. Toilet House, the toilet-shaped former residence of late Suwon mayor Sim Jae-duck. Now a toilet culture exhibit hall.

3. A dung beetle-shaped bathroom at an insect sanctuary in Yecheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do www.bkm.or.kr

2 3

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

17/29

President Park Geun-hye had a busy diplomatic schedule

in November and December, holding talks with several

visiting leaders and dignitaries rom around the world,

including Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Vice-President

Joseph Biden.

Boosting Relations with Russia

President Park held summit talks with Russian President Vladimir

Putin at Cheong Wa Dae on Nov 13. President Putin was the first

leader o one o the our major powers closely related to Korea

to visit Seoul. During their second

summit this year, the two leaders

had in-depth and useul discussions

on a wide range o issues, including

the boosting o major substantive,

cooperative projects such as the

Rajin-Hassan logistics partnership,

the enhancement o people-to-

people and cultural exchanges, and

the latest developments surrounding

the Korean Peninsula and Northeast

Asia.

Te two heads o state shared

the understanding that Koreas

policy aimed at promoting Eurasian

cooperation and Russias policy

ocusing on the Asia-Pacific region

could be combined to create

increased bilateral cooperation,

thereby helping urther regional

cooperation in Eurasia. In this

connection, they adopted a joint

statement outlining the direction o

uture developments and concrete

measures or collaboration sector

by sector in the hope o orging new

Korea-Russia relations and charting a

new era or Eurasia.

Summit withKyrgyz President

President Park hosted President Almazbek Atambaev o

Kyrgyzstan at Cheong Wa Dae on Nov 19. He was the first

head o state rom Central Asia to make an official visit to

Korea since the new administration was inaugurated. During

their summit, the two leaders discussed boosting substantive

cooperation across a wide range o areas, including bilateral

relations, business, trade, energy, resources, agriculture,

and development cooperation, as well as people-to-people

exchanges. Tey also covered recent developments surrounding

the Korean Peninsula and other regions as well as cooperation

on the global stage.

On the Eurasian Initiative in particular, President A

said he strongly supported President Parks vision, esp

her idea o a Silk Road Express that would connect th

Eurasian region by rail. President Park said it would b

or both countries to not only deepen cooperation and

assistance but also to work more closely together at th

Nations and in the world community.

Sports Diplomacy, Cooperation wLaos

President Park also met with International Olympic C

(IOC) President Tomas Bach at Cheong Wa Dae on

A BUSYDIPLOMATICSCHEDULEWorld leaders visit Seoul at the end othe year

MIT DIPLOMACY

2

1. President Park sits with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

2.President Park shakes hands with President Almazbek Atambaev of Kyrgyzstan.

3.President Park holds a summit with Laotian President Choummaly Sayasone.

2

3

1

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

18/29

1. President Park escorts Greek President Karolos Papoulias.

2.President Park welcomes US Vice President Joe Biden

3.President Park holds a summit meeting with Singaporean Prim

Lee Hsien Loong.

4

Te meeting was a courtesy call by Bach on President Park,

he head o state o the host nation or the 2018 PyeongChang

Olympic Winter Games. Tey discussed working together

or the success o the PyeongChang Olympics and increasing

eople-to-people exchanges between Korea and the IOC.

Te next day, President Park and Laotian President

Choummaly Sayasone held a bilateral summit. Te two leaders

oted that in the less than 20 years since the establishment

diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have made remarkable

rogress in such diverse fields as exchanges o senior-level

fficials, trade, investment, culture and tourism. With PresidentChoummalys historic visit, both leaders agreed to continue

o elevate riendly and cooperative relations. Tey pledged to

urther develop mutual trust and riendship via reciprocal visits

y high-ranking officials. Tey also welcomed the signing o

n MOU on exchanges and cooperation between the political

arties o the two countries.

In addition, the two heads o state agreed on the need or

urther exchanges and collaboration in the deense sector.

Meeting with Greek President

President Park held a meeting with Greek President Karolos

Papoulias at Cheong Wa Dae on Dec 3. President Papoulias

was the first Greek leader to visit Korea since the establishment

o diplomatic ties between the two countries. President Park

said the visit by the president o Greece, a European country

that sent troops to fight in the Korean War, was especially

meaningul on the 60th anniversary o the Korean War

armistice. Welcoming him to Korea, President Park said the

noble sacrifices o Greek soldiers during the Korean War would

never be orgotten. She stressed that Greece played a critical

role in the development o Koreas shipbuilding industry and

that it is still the largest destination or Koreas ship exports.

She asked President Papoulias or his support and interest so

that mutually beneficial cooperation between Korea, a leading

shipbuilding power, and Greece, a global shipping powerhouse,

would continue to deepen.

Strengthening the Alliance with the U.S.

On Dec 6, President Park hosted a meeting with U.S. Vice President

Joseph Biden, which was ollowed by a working luncheon at Cheong

Wa Dae. Tey discussed a wide range o global issues, including

urther deepening and developing the comprehensive strategic

alliance between Korea and the United States, the North Korean

nuclear problem and the latest regional developments in East Asia,

as well as Iran and Syria.

President Park noted that the bilateral alliance, which has been

Koreas most integrated and closest alliance over the past 60 years,

has served as the lynchpin or stability and prosperity in the Asia-

Pacific region. She proposed that the two countries continue to

step up efforts to crystallize the comprehensive strategic alliance

ounded on the Joint Declaration in Commemoration o the 60th

Anniversary o the Alliance between the Republic o Korea andthe United States o America, which was adopted this past May

by both countries. Vice President Biden emphasized that the U.S.

commitment to the deense o the Republic o Korea is firm and

its decision to rebalance to the Pacific Basin is not in question.

He added that their alliance, which is playing a key role in the

rebalancing policy, has served as the oundation or increased

efforts or cooperation in Asia and beyond. He also proposed that

the two countries work together to improve cooperation and mutual

support in a variety o fields.

Summit with Singaporean Prime Minister

President Park and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

held a summit at Cheong Wa Dae on Dec 11 in her last scheduled

summit or this year. Teir discussions ocused on bilateral

economic cooperation to acilitate the advancement o Korean and

Singaporean businesses ties as well as on investment, construction

and the creative economy.

President Park began by saying the two countries share the

common experience o achieving remarkable economic growthby ostering human resources, despite a lack o natural resources

and adverse external economic conditions. Bilateral cooperation,

she said, should be urther expanded not only in the economy but

also in politics and security, including East Asian security. o this,

Prime Minister Lee echoed her opinion and proposed the sharing o

experiences to meet the challenges posed by the complicated global

economic environment, as well as a variety o regional security

concerns and the higher expectations o society.

MIT DIPLOMACY

1

2

3

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

19/29

Driven initially by labor-intensive goods, Koreas rapid

industrialization over the past fify years has also

proven to be a technological success. Export items o

he sixties were highlighted by textiles, ootwear and wigs, but

his list is now headlined by computer chips, cars, smartphones

nd flat screens.

Daedeok Innopolis, a state-financed research cluster in

Daejeon that was ormerly known as Daedeok Science own,

as made critical contributions to integrating technology into

Koreas economic makeup since its establishment in 1974.

While its unction has started to be duplicated by the

esearch units o private companies, including global business

iants Samsung and LG, the complex continues to find ways to

elp domestic technology stay a step ahead o the competition.

In a ceremony celebrating the acilitys 40th anniversary

in November last year, President Park Geun-hye called the

research hub integral to the governments plan to nurture a

creative economy driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.

Government-employed researchers will be encouraged to get

aggressive in exploring new technologies and research areas

that private companies have yet to touch or struggled with,

she said. Te intellectual property produced at the Daedeok

complex is taking on an increasingly critical role or younger

and smaller firms, which would otherwise struggle to secure

leading-edge technologies.

Tis is the country that, afer the Korean War, had no

resources and no capital. However, we quickly realized the

opportunity provided by science and technology, which drove

our rapid economic growth in the past decades. Science and

technology will undoubtedly help us overcome the economic

I C Y R E V I E W

6

DAEDEOK INNOPOLISTe key to Koreas tech success Written by Kim Tong-hyung

challenges we ace today, Park said.

Te government will provide the maximum level o support

to strengthen the Daedeok research cluster, which will serve as

an essential part o building a creative economy.

Key Technologies

Established in 1973, the Daedeok complex is home to 30

state-run think tanks, five universities, including the Korea

Advanced Institute o Science and echnology (KAIS), and

dozens o private R&D centers.

More than 1,300 companies, many o them I ventures, are

located within the cluster, taking advantage o the wealth in

research talent. Teir combined revenue in 2012 was nearly

USD 16.1 million and they employ nearly 64,000 people.

Te state-run Electronics and elecommunicationsResearch Institute (ERI), located in Daedeok, is credited or

helping advance domestic semiconductor technology in the

1980s. Collaborating with a number o companies, including

Samsung, and researchers rom Seoul National University, the

think tank developed the countrys first 4-megabit DRAM chip

in 1989 just three years into the project, and the worlds first

256-megabit DRAM in 1994. Korea is now the worlds leading

producer o computer memory chips, a market where Samsung

and chie domestic rival Hynix run a duopoly.

In the 2000s, the ERI worked with American chipmaker

Qualcomm to commercialize CDMA communication

technology, this has proven critical in developing the mobile

Internet technologies used in smartphones today.

Also in Daedeok, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute

(KARI) marked a milestone in January last year when the

Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1), a rocket jointly

developed with Russia, took off rom the Naro Space Center in

Goheung, Jeollanam-do, and delivered its payload into orbit.

Tis made Korea the 11th nation to launch a satellite rom its

own soil.

KARI will independently develop and launch a bigger KSLV-

2 rocket by 2020, a project that will represent a truer test o its

capabilities.

Korea started developing rocket technology in 1989 with

help rom the University o Surrey in the UK, a project that

resulted in Korea launching its first two spacecraf, Uribyol 1

in 1992 and Uribyol 2 in 1993. Te number o Korean satellites

1

has since increased to 11, including the latest to go in

the Science and echnology Satellite-3.

Te Korea Institute o Machinery and Materials (K

another Daedeok tenant, is dedicated to researching h

speed, magnetic levitation trains. Tese uturistic trai

designed to exploit magnetic orce and float several m

above the tracks, which reduces riction and allows a

speeds than conventional trains. KIMM recently ann

that it has developed the core technology or a magne

levitation engine that allows train speeds o more than

kilometers per hour.

Te technologies developed here point the way to K

uture. Said President Park to the Daedeoks researche

world is now experiencing a great wave o convergenc

science and technology specialists like you find a brea

or human development and happiness by joining or

conduct convergent research that overcomes boundar

2

3

1. Cutting-edge research in a clean room at Daedeoks Korea Research Ins

Chemical Technology (KRICT) 2. Trial run of a maglev train at Incheon Inter

Airport in November 2012. Scheduled to open in March 2014 3. Successful

Korea's Naro-1 rocket on Jan 30, 2013

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

20/29

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

21/29

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

22/29

E A T K O R E A N

HAN YONGUN

Written byViolet Kim

Buddhist monk and poet who also participatedin the pro-independence movement

2

1

Han Yong-un, also known as Manhae, was a Buddhist

monk, reormist, religious and political leader, poet

and activist. Any educated Korean will immediately

recognize the opening lines o his classic poem My Love Has

Lef, commonly seen as an ode to a Korea ree rom Japanese

colonization.

Born Han Yu-cheon in 1879 in Hongseong,

Chungcheongnam-do, Han grew up in the age o the Korean

Empire (18971910) years amid the political uncertainty o

oreign invasion and domestic instability at the turn o the

century.

His activist tendencies emerged early. In his teens, during

the 1890s, he joined the Donghak Peasant Revolution or

social reorm beore taking up the robe o a Buddhist monk at

Oseam emple on Mt. Seoraksan in 1905. Tis retreat rom the

world did not signal his retreat rom politics. Rather, it was the

beginning o his activity as a Buddhist reormer and leader.

In 1910, Korea officially ell under Japanese colonial rule

and Hans style o Buddhism entered the ray. Arguing both

or reorm and or the potential o Buddhism in politics,

he promoted a modernized and more accessible orm o

Buddhism that recognized political reality and offered analternative to the oppression o the time.

His influential guide to Buddhism, Bulgyo Yushinnon,

was published in 1913, ollowed by Bulgyo Daejeonand the

magazine Yushin.

An Activist Monk

Although Hans political ideas were influenced by his religion,

1. Simujang House, Hans old home in

Seoul

2. The Silence of My Love, a collection of

Hans poetry released in 1926

his activism also stands alone and earns him a place i

history as one o the nations early independence hero

He played a leading role in the organization o the Ma

1st Movement in 1919, the first large-scale demonstra

o Korean resistance to Japanese colonization. He help

both the drafing and the signing o Koreas declaratio

independence the same year.

Tree years in prison did not deter him and he con

write and campaign or liberation while incarcerated.

In 1926, the monk published his first volume o poe

Silence o My Love. O the 88 poems in this collection

amous and widely taught is Nimeun Gatseumnida, or

Has Lef

Te nim, translated into English as beloved, lov

or even Lord, is unspecified. Grammatically, nim i

honorific way o saying you. Various interpretations

you reerred to in this poem as the Buddha, a woma

motherland.

Te narrator laments a beloved that has lef while

simultaneously denying the departure. Te nim mig

lef but the narrator did not send this nim away, and

rejects this absence. Tis juxtaposition o the departed

as a stated reality and the reusal o the narrator to acc

this are ofen interpreted as an expression o hope or

independence, as defiance toward the reality o a colo

Korea, with the nim representing the motherland.

Hans oeuvre as a poet includes more than 300 poem

while his works have and will orever be

tied to the liberation movement,

this does not lessen the value

o his poetry or its place in

Korean literature. Rather,

an understanding o the

underlying history can enrich

appreciation or his works,

as his achievements were an

important part o the ormation

o the Korean cultural identity

o resistance and liberation.

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

23/29

Outdoor food stalls offer good food with a side of Korean warmth

THE POJANGMACHA

Written bySteve Miller

Illustrated by Kim Yoon-Myong

It was a late Saturday afernoon. I had just

completed a 10-kilometer hike scouring

the jagged ridges on Saryangdo, a small

island near the coastal city o ongyeong in the

southern part o Korea. While I was prepared

or the hike, clambering up and down the fixed

ropes needed to complete my trek took more

out o me than Id like to admit. Tats why

when I reached the dock to catch my erry

back to the mainland, I was thrilled be yond

belie when I saw severalpojangmachalined up

waiting or me.

Okay, so they werent necessarily waiting or

me, but you get the idea. Tey were there, sitting

in all their orange-tented glory, ready or hikersand passers-by alike. In Seoul,pojangmacha,

translated as covered wagons but easier to

describe as street ood stalls, are just about

everywhere. Some specialize in sausages, sweet

treats or spicy staples like tteokbokki, spicy rice

cakes, and twigim, ried snacks. Coming down

rom the mountain, I was hoping at least one, i

not more, o the stalls would have my avorite

Korean hiking snack: haemul pajeon, ried

seaood pancake.

I neared the first stall but it was empty. My

heart sank just a little, since I could tell by

the burners and batter that whoever ran this

stall had all the ingredients needed to make

my beloved snack; however, he or she had

momentarily stepped away. My gaze passed to

the two other stalls nearby and was met with a

delightul smile rom a short ajumma, an older

Korean woman. She beckoned me to come over

by raising her arm and motioning to me. Despite

being tired, I picked up the pace and obediently

complied.

Her stall wasnt large. From what I could tell,

she had a two-burner gas range under a griddle

and a small prep area. Te counter had about

a one-oot lip sticking out rom it, but was

enough or me to sit down on the hard plastic

stool and use it as a table.

Annyeonghaseyo, I said sitting dow

Her eyes gleamed back. Annyeongh

said melodically.

Now my Korean isnt the best, but th

when it comes to pronouncing ood, I

spot-on. While I couldnt craf a long, c

sentence inquiring about the menu, I s

intoned, Haemul pajeon?

A nod accompanied by Ne, or yes

know that she understood. She said som

couldnt catch and when she sensed tha

comprehend, this wonderul woman m

sentence simpler. Makgeolli?

My eyes lit up and I nodded again. Shreached into a cooler and retrieved the

green bottle that I know oh-so-well ro

and gave me a small bowl rom which

Ten she went to work. She fired up th

and laid down a layer o batter. Te hea

the iron below quickly made a sizzling

as it began to cook. She added stalks o

onion and bits o seaood to the mixtu

While she was cooking, I saw a ew o

members rom our group approaching

Tey also looked haggard rom the trai

called them over. When they saw me p

makgeolliinto bowls or them, they ha

their pace. ired, they plopped down b

along the carts rim and we toasted not

our adventure but also to the wonderu

preparing ourpajeon.

Our group quickly ell into a pattern

drinking, and chatting. It is exactly thi

camaraderie that makes dining at apoj

enjoyable. A group o people, riends a

riends alike, coming together to eat, d

be merry. We finished our meal, paid t

thanked our host, and quickly made ou

to the erry beore it lef port. Tis expe

isnt unique or limited to Seoul. Its a a

across all o Korea, and one that I truly

K O R E A

4

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

24/29

6

he Korean national ice hockey team is not an

institution associated with multiculturalism, but thats

where you can find Brock Radunske, the first oreign

hockey player to become a Korean national.

Te Canadian-born Radunske came to Korea six seasons

ago to join Anyang Halla, one o Koreas three proessional ice

hockey teams. My agent presented me with the opportunity. I

did a little research,and I decided to take a chance on coming

to Korea, he says in an interview with KOREA Magazine.

Radunske came to Korea predominantly to play or Anyang,

but acquired Korean nationality in spring 2013 to join the

national team.

Korea competes in

the world hockey

championships every

year, and the Canuck

joined in time or the

2013 tournament in

Hungary. You have

to have a passport [to

play or Korea], so

that was a prerequisite

or me to participate

or eam Korea, he

said.

Korea is 26th in

the world hockey

rankings, but

seeks to improve in the hope o qualiying or the 2018

Winter Olympics, which will be hosted by the country in

PyeongChang, Gangwon-do. Te national team has made

steady progress in the sport, but Radunske is modest about

how much o an impact he has had. Its hard or any one player

to have a huge impact, he says. Tere are a lot o little things

going on at the same time I they come together, theres

potential or Korea to become a better hockey country. I guess

they consider me one o the small things.

While Korea is not amed as a melting pot, the blond-

haired Radunske says he experienced a distinct reaction to

his appearance in comparison to his Korean teammates in the

national championship. Tere was a lot o curiosity, especially

TICULTURAL KOREA

Radunske takes the ice with Anyang Halla.

Written by Loren Cotter

Canadian-born hockey player Brock Radunskedishes on diversity on the peninsula

GIVING KOREAA SHOT

rom the media, he says, because I look different and

name is different. But as ar as my teammates are conc

weve played together or a long time now and theyre

supportive. Im happy that we play together on the sam

A Hockey First for Korea

Korea is making great strides toward becoming more

multicultural in sports. Officially, Radunske is the on

player to become a Korean national, but there are tw

players waiting or their turn, he says. Teyve also b

or two or three years now and are hoping to be a part

national team

orward.

Tere are m

benefits to Ksports embr

diversity, acc

Radunske. H

a very multi

sport, he say

the top team

world, in the

Hockey Leag

one team co

10 or 12 cou

represented

team. So or

time, differen

rom different countries have been playing together o

same teams and theyve had success with this model.

adapts to it, and it looks like they have, it gives the Ko

players a chance to play with new players in different

and it gives them the opportunity to improve their gam

Radunske also says Korea is becoming more multic

off the ice as well as on. I eel like Koreas a very ast-p

country. Tey obviously have their certain cultural m

with their history, but they are willing to adapt, he say

think the reason Ive elt so comortable here is b ecau

the willingness o the people we meet and the organiz

play or to really help us, and it also improves who we

makes us a part o whats going on here.

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

25/29

ES FROM KOREA

The Princess andthe Idiot

Written by Felix Im

Illustrated by Shim Soo-keun

Behind every good man is a great woman

8

he story o Ondal the Idiot and Princess

Pyeonggang o Goguryeo may seem

strange or even implausible at times. As a

esult, the tale is ofen viewed as a historical olktalebout a mans rise rom destitution to greatness and

he woman who had the wisdom to believe in his

otential.

A Stubborn Princess

Te tale begins in the royal palace o King Pyeongwon

Goguryeo, who ruled rom 559 to 590. Among his

hildren was Princess Pyeonggang, a chronic crybaby

whose crying was so persistent and got on the kings

erves so much that he ofen threatened to marry

er off to Ondal the Idiot i she didnt stop. Ondal

was an inamous beggar who lived outside the palace

gates and was reportedly as ugly as a donkey. He was

ofen seen begging or ood or himsel and his blind

mother. His ugliness, dirty clothes, and seemingly

oolish behavior earned him the ridicule o everyonewho knew him, as well as the nickname Te Idiot.

When the princess turned 16, her ather attempted

to marry her off to a wealthy and powerul noble.

His stubborn daughter, however, put up fierce

resistance and insisted that the king keep his promise

o marrying her off to Ondal. Bewildered and angry,

King Pyeongwon said he had just teased her, that it

was only a joke, but the princess reused to relent.

Teir argument ended with the princess leaving the

palace to roam the streets in search o her uture

husband.

The Odd Couple

When she entered Ondals humble home, Princess

Pyeonggang immediately explained to his weak

mother that she wanted to marry her son, who

was out etching tree bark or ood. His mother

identified the princess as a person o noble

upbringing by her perume and sof skin. Te

mother explained that she and her son were very

poor and that a woman o high birth had no place

there. Te princess, however, showed no change in

her determination.

When Ondal arrived, the princess once again

explained her reason or visiting. Ondal was

instantly suspicious, however, and angrily sent her

away. Afer the princess spent the night outside hishouse and offered to buy him a new house, ood,

land and a horse with the money she earned by

selling her gold ring, Ondal was soon won over by

her sincerity. Te princess not only brought Ondal

and his mother out o poverty, but also paid or his

education and gave him proessional training in

the martial arts.

From Idiot to Hero

Ondal, who ended up extremely talented and ar

rom being an idiot, quickly became an excellent

soldier. He went on to excel in an annual martial

arts competition, so much so that he caught the eye

o King Pyeongwon, who asked him or his name.

When Ondal gave his reply, the king was so taken

aback and impressed that he made the ormer

beggar an honorary general in the royal army.

Ondal soon displayed his bravery and military

prowess when armies rom what the Northern

Zhou Dynasty in China invaded Goguryeo

lands. Legend has it that he singlehandedly slew

more than 20 soldiers in an instant, a sight that

inspired his entire army to victory. Ondal the

Idiot had officially become a military hero and the

recognized son-in-law o King Pyeongwon.

Death for a CountryWhen the king passed away, he was succeeded

by his eldest son Yeongyang. One day, General

Ondal asked his new king i he could lead an

army to reclaim lands in the south that had b een

taken over by the Silla Kingdom. Convinced that

Goguryeo needed to strengthen its southern

presence, King Yeongyang consented to the

request. Unortunately, the brave beggar-turned-

hero never returned rom the campaign, or he

was shot with an arrow and met his end near Mt.

Achasan. Ondal has since been remembered in

Korea as a rags-to-riches symbol.

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

26/29

IBRS/CCRIN:10024-40730

NOSTAMPREQUIRED

REPLYPAID/RPONSEPAYE

KOREA(SEOUL

)KOCIS

15Hyoja-ro,Jongno-gu

Seoul(110-040)

RepublicofKorea

Byairmail/Paravion

SunriseoverBuddhisttempleSilleuksaandNamhangangRiver,Yeoju,Gyeonggi-doKTO

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

27/29

Readers CommentsYour ideas will be reflected in forthcoming issues of KOREA.

1. How useful is KOREA Magazinefor understanding Korea?

Please circle the number on the scale that best represents your response.

2. What kind of content do you find most interesting or useful in KOREA?

(1) Cover Story

(2) Interview (Pen & Brush, People)

(3) Travel & Culture (Travel, Seoul, My Korea, Current Korea)

(4) International Cooperation (Global Korea)

(5) Other (please specify)

3. How do you find the editing, layout, and print quality of KOREA?

(1) Excellent (2) Good (3) Average (4) Poor (5) Very poor

4. Which article in this issue did you find most interesting and why?

5. Do you have any suggestions for improving the content of KOREA,

or any new ideas for regular sections?

6. Your Personal Information:

Gender : Female Male

Country :

E-mail :

Subscribe online for your free copy of KOREA.Its as simple as

1 Visit Korea.net

2 Go to Home>Resources>Publications>KOREA Magazine

3 Click on the KOREA Magazinegraphic nearthe bottom of the left-hand sidebar

4 Enter your street address for a free hard copyor download a PDF file of the magazineeach month.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Very useful Not useful at all

2014

JANUARY

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

28/29

00

L A V O R

Seolleongtangand Kkakdugi

Written byShin Yesol

Photograph courtesy of Seongbuk Seolleongtang

Nothing warms the soul in winter quite like a bowl o

seolleongtang.

A specialty o Seoul, the dish is a milky bee broth

oup made rom ox bone and brisket. o get the ull flavor rom

he bones, the soup is sometimes boiled or an entire day. Te

ery first bowl o seolleongtangis said to have been prepared afer

eonnongje, a Joseon Dynasty ceremony in w hich the king prayed

or a good harvest. oday selleongtangis a popular dish or the

masses, and its rich but not spicy flavor makes it a hit with oreign

isitors, too.

Seolleongtangis usually eaten with a bowl o rice and kkakdugi,

r sliced white radish kimchi that removes the distinctive meat

mell o the soup and supposedly aids digestion. Te contrast o

he soup and the crunchy kkakdugialso adds a bit o un to the

ining experience.

The line is busyLets learn Korean expressions for making a phone call.

Yes, this is Sejong Travel Agency.

01, .Ne, Sejong yeohaengsaimnida.

.

.

Jamkkanman gidariseyo.a, Minsu ssineun jigeumtonghwa joongimnida.

Please hold.

Oh, Minsu is on another line.

03

Really? Then Ill call a

? ,

Geuraeyo? Geureom, jedashi jeonhwa hagesseu

04

.

Yeoboseyo. Minsu ssi isseumnMinsu ssi jom bakkweojusey

02

Hello. Is this Minsu?May I speak to Minsu, ple

Lets practice!Read the above

expressions then fill

in the blanks with the

correct answers.

.yeoboseyo.

Hello.

.jigeum tonghwa jungimnida.

The line is busy.He/Sh

.jamkkanman gidariseyo.

Please hold.

.jalmot georeotseumnida.

You have the wrong n

?sillyejiman eodiseyo?

May I ask whos calling

OO .OOssi jom bakkwojuseyo.

May I speak to OO?

3

4

5

6

1

2

The following are

Korean expressions

used in making a

phone call. Please

read and say

together.

Hello. Yeoboseyo. Hello. Yeoboseyo.

answer( .) answer( ?)

( ) ( )

Is this Sejong Travel Agency?

Geogi Sejong yeohaengsajiyo?

Is this Minsus home? May I speak to Minsu?

Geogi Minsune jibijyo? Minsu jom bakkwojuseyo.

Oh, sorry. Jhoesonghamnida This is Minsus friend Naoko.

Ne, jeoneun Minsu chingu Naoko-imnida.

8/13/2019 KOREA [2014 VOL.10 No.01]

29/29