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Opening a communicative space between Korea and the World
August 2008 VOL. 4 NO. 8

6 16 20 38 50 54

06 Focus 50 Travel
Korea, China Building a Closer Partnership West Coast Recovering from Oil Spill
Korea-China Art Circles Expand Exchanges Tourism Leaders Converge in Busan
China’s First Taste of the Korean Wave
Korea Gears up for Beijing Games 54 People
Korea’s First Male Fashion Designer — Andre Kim
20 National Korean Power behind ‘Kung Fu Panda’
Revolutionary Founding and Modernization of the Republic World’s Youngest Professor Teaches in Korea
Cover Photo: of Korea and a Global Korea Model for the 21st Century
The eaves at Jeongamsa Temple Woman from Mongolia Passes Civil Service Exam
Kim Jin-hyun, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Committee
in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
for the 60th Anniversary of the Republic of Korea
Publisher Yoo Jin-hwan Overseas Koreans Join Celebration 60 Events
Korean Culture and Information Service of Korea’s 60th Anniversary
Editing & Printing Herald Media Inc.
Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
E-mail webmaster@korea.net Hanstyle Expo 2008
Design toga design 32 Global Korea
Two Koreas Unite at Taekwondo Festival
KOICA Supports NGO’s Development Activities
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be repro- Language Experts Gather in Seoul
duced in any form without permission from Korea and the Korean Medics Provide Emergency Relief in Myanmar
Korean Overseas Culture and Information Service.

The articles published in Korea do not necessarily represent the 66 Foreign Viewpoints
views of the publisher. The publisher is not liable for errors or 38 Culture
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Annyeonghaseyo! Glad to See You Again in ‘Our Country!’
Korea’s UNESCO Heritage Sites (6) Yurii Mushka, Ambassador of Ukraine
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4 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 5


Yonhap
FOCUS

L
ast year, Korea and China celebrated 15 years of
diplomatic relations by hosting several academic and
cultural events. It is true that the two countries his-
torically maintained a close relationship due to geograph-
ical proximity. But it was only since Aug. 24, 1992, when
they expanded exchanges to pursue a reciprocal relation-
ship beyond ideology.
Now, the two nations are closer than ever in terms of pol-
itics, business and cultural exchange. The tremendous growth
in exchanges in education, popular culture and tourism has
shown how close the two countries have become.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics will present both China and
Korea the opportunity to cooperate on future challenges
and to further consolidate their partnership.
China currently is Korea’s largest trading partner. Korea
is China’s third-largest trading partner following the United
States and Japan. Trade between the two countries jumped
30-fold to $160 billion in 2007 from $6 billion in 1992, ac-
cording to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade data.
About 46,000 Korean firms invested in China as of
2007, topping $38.8 billion. As of 2007, about 40,000
Korean companies are headquartered or operating region-
al offices in China, which has created some 2 million jobs.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics is good news to these
Korean firms since it creates new business opportunities
and gives them a chance to test their latest technology
and products.
The two countries are even more closely linked in
terms of culture. Many Koreans in their 20s to 50s grew up
watching Chinese dramas and movies and mimicking
kung-fu fighters. For those older Koreans and teens, China

Korea, China has emerged as a land of opportunity where the future of


the global economy lies.
About 1 million Koreans are living in China as of 2007.
And about 60 percent of them are students. Korean stu-

Building a Closer
dents make up 40 percent of the total number of foreign
students enrolled at Chinese education institutions.
The increasing exchange in business and technology
has also brought many Chinese students to Korea. Recent

Partnership
news reports point out that Chinese students prefer study-
ing in Korea — rather than the United States or Japan —
because of its future prospects and reasonable cost. As of
2007, about 1.3 million Chinese are living in Korea. About

Cultural Exchanges Growing Quickly 4 percent, or some 43,000 people, are students.
Exchanges between the two countries have long been
steady. In 2002, mutual interest between the two countries
Since the Opening of Diplomatic Relations exploded — which was spurred by the so-called Korean
Wave, or Hallyu.
BY JEONG HYEON-JI
STAFF WRITER China played a key role in the growth of the Korean
Wave in the late 1990s. Korean dramas and singers have

6 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 7


(From left) The poster of Korea-China exhibition, Suh Gong-im and Shen De Long during a press
FOCUS
meeting in Beijing, an installation of Korean artists at Beijing’s 3818 Gallery, Suh Gong-im’s
modern take on a tiger

Korean Cultural Center in Beijing


Korean Cultural Center in Beijing

One official at Golmokgil


Theater, which staged the play
“Praise the Youth” in China, said
Chinese audiences find Korean
plays and performances
interesting because of their
modern elements.
Korea-China Art Circles
Expand Exchanges
gained a steady following in many Asian countries, main-
ly led by Chinese fans. BY JEONG HYEON-JI
STAFF WRITER
The popularity of Korean pop culture has affected the
Chinese people’s lifestyle and culture — not only cultural

K
contents but fashion, cuisine and products. This has been orean and Chinese art cir- tween Chinese and Korean artists.
a boon for Korean businesses. cles celebrated the 2008 Next year, we’re planning a similar
The Korean Wave has also boosted the number of Beijing Olympic Games by event in Korea.”
Chinese tourists visiting Korea. Over 1 million Chinese vis- hosting a series of exhibitions in Beijing’s Korean Cultural
ited the country in 2007 alone. The number grew by 589 both countries throughout June Center hosted exhibitions of
percent in 2003 from a year earlier. It has continued to rise and July. Korean and Chinese artists.
by an average of 20 percent every year. The two countries The Lights Brighten the East — Korean folk artist Suh Gong-im
have also gotten closer via the 800 flights a week con- China-Korea Contemporary Art displayed her contemporary
necting six Korean and 30 Chinese cities. Exchange Exhibition was hosted pieces on tigers and butterflies,
It is true that some have questioned whether the at three main galleries in Beijing’s which used canvasses and metal
Korean Wave can last. The growing exchanges and inter- Dashanzhi Art District, including plates.
est in the high-art scene prove otherwise. the 3818 Cool Gallery, 9 Gallery Shen De Long, a Chinese em-
The two countries last year hosted over 100 exhibitions and Hanmo Art Gallery. broidery artist, showcased his
and cultural events to celebrate the start of diplomatic re- The exhibition, which was or- modern pieces that revolve
lations 15 years ago. ganized by the private association around dragons. Their exhibitions
Art circles of the two countries have increased efforts to Korea-China Art Exchange will continue at the Seoul-based
showcase their works to each other. In time for the Center, ran from July 5 to 10. China Cultural Center through
Olympics, Korea’s national museums have hosted a series of Artists Yang Jae-gun and Han Aug. 8.
exhibitions dedicated to Chinese art and history. China also Young-ho, both of whom are Through June 28, the Woljeon
held several Korean plays and exhibitions in major cities. renowned sculptors and profes- Museum of Art in Icheon,
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the sors at Gangwon University, and Gyeonggi-do, hosted an exhibi-
increased exchanges in high art are proving that the 25 other Korean artists took part tion dedicated to Guan Shanyue,
Korean Wave is here to stay. in this meaningful event. the master of Lingnan Painting
One official at Golmokgil Theater, which staged the Fourteen Chinese artists, in- School of China.
play “Praise the Youth” in China, said Chinese audiences cluding Cai Zhisong, professor at The exhibition was coordinat-
find Korean plays and performances interesting because of Beijing’s School of Art, and Wang ed with Guan Shanyue Gallery in
their modern elements. Yingsheng, displayed paintings, Shenzhen, China. The two muse-
“They (Chinese) think that Korean plays are realistic sculptures and engraved works. ums are working on a project that
and delivers messages well. Also, Korean plays tend to fo- Kim Rae-hwan, the coordina- will focus on Chang Woo-sung, a
cus on the values and lifestyles of society’s marginal tor of the exhibition, said, “This is a renowned Korean painter of the
groups.” ■ part of the series of exchanges be- same school. ■ ■

8 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 9


FOCUS

Korean Performing Arts Set for


‘Culture Olympics’
BY JEONG HYEON-JI
STAFF WRITER

W
hile athletes were busy with Seoul Performing Arts Company July
last-minute training, Beijing 5-6. The 2005 movie of the same title
was bustling with artists won much recognition among
from all over the world who were Chinese viewers. The musical adapta-
showcasing their culture and art- tion was well received by followers of
works. Korean contemporary culture.
During the Korean Performing Other performances included
Arts Week, which ran from June 18 to modern Korean plays and perfor-
July 13, curious and interested mances, such as “Praise the Youth,”
Chinese audiences swarmed central “Lady Macbeth” and “Woyzeck.”
Beijing to enjoy a series of perfor- Audiences had a Q&A session after
mances staged by renowned Korean each performance. Park Geun-hyung,
artists. the director of “Praise the Youth,”
The Korean Performing Arts Week said he was impressed by the interest
is part of the “Meet in Beijing” festi- Chinese audiences showed toward the
val, the largest cultural event in Korean plays.
China. Usually held in May, this year’s “One hour was too short for the
event is being held from April 8 Q&A. I’ve never experienced such en-
through Sept. 19, which means it will thusiasm, not even from Korean audi-
run during the Summer Olympics. ences,” he said.
For five months, some 40,000 Kwon Jae-eun, the manager of the
artists from 80 countries are staging Beijing-based Korean Cultural Center,
300 shows. There are also mega-exhi- said Korean Week provided an oppor-
bitions. Because of its size and diversi- tunity to promote Korea’s performing
ty, it is also often called the “Culture arts in China.
Olympics.” “Meet in Beijing is an internation-
Arts week kicked off with tradi- al event in which many nations come
tional music and dance performances to promote their cultures. Korean per-
by the National Center for Korean forming-arts circles could successfully
Traditional Performing Arts. The extend their networks through this
National Opera of Korea presented an event. I believe the Korean Wave,
original production of the Korean which started from popular culture,
folktale “Match Made in Heaven.” could now extend to Korea’s high-art
One of the most popular shows scenes as well,” he said. ■
was the musical “King and the (Photos courtesy of
Poster of Korean Performing Arts Week
Clown,” which was staged by the Korean Cultural Center in Beijing) ■

10 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 11


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Korean Cultural Center in Beijing


China’s National Treasures
on Display in Korea
Pottery Zun
BY JEONG HYEON-JI carved with
STAFF WRITER symbols of
Dawenkou culture

Since 2005, the National Museum


of Korea has operated an exhibition
hall dedicated to China inside its Asian
Exhibition Hall. The exhibited items,
however, were limited. This exhibi- China’s First Taste of
tion, therefore, will be meaningful for
those interested in Chinese art. The ex-
hibition will run during the Beijing
the Korean Wave
Olympics, which adds to the signifi- BY JIAN CAI
PROFESSOR, FUDAN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA
cance.
Other events are also planned, in-
cluding an international forum,
Chinese students learn about Korean traditional music
Chinese movie festival and hands-on
Chinese culture programs.
Bronze Hu jar from Spring and Visitors shouldn’t miss the bronze
Autumn Period vessels from the “Spring and Autumn

I
Period” of the Zhou Dynasty (1122 n recent years, Asia has seen a boom computer games, as well as boosting about it in academic journals, newspa-
B.C.-256 B.C.). They depict the whale- in Korean influence: from television tourist arrivals to Korea. Even learning per columns and magazine articles, as-

A
mid increasing number of cul- hunting practice of the ancient times. dramas, film and music, to food and Korean has become fashionable. serting many reasons for the emer-
tural exchanges between Korea Other items of interest are earthen fashion. In Greater China (which in- The term “Hallyu,” or the Korean gence of Korean popular culture.
and China, Korea’s national and jade vessels from the prehistoric cludes the Chinese mainland, Hong Wave, was coined by Chinese media in Some said the most powerful push
museum is hosting a year-long exhi- times. There are also bronze mirrors Kong and Taiwan), Japan, Southeast 2001 to describe the rapid rise of for the Korean Wave came from the
bition dedicated to China’s ancient from the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 Asia, India and even in Turkey, when- Korean pop culture. It refers to Korean Korean Government. They argued that
artworks. A.D.). In addition, paintings, calligra- ever you turn on the television you are popular culture spreading to other after the 1997 Asian financial crisis,
The National Museum of Korea is phy and sculptures from the Tang sure to see a Korean drama. countries primarily through the mass the Korean Government had begun
hosting the “Birth of Ancient Chinese Dynasty will be on display, which will While loyal fans watch Korean media. The tag is applied to Korean targeting the export of Korean popular
Paintings” exhibition from July 29. provide an opportunity to follow the films and dramas attentively, love and television dramas, movies, internet culture as a new economic initiative.
The exhibited items have been catego- development of Chinese art. even shed tears for the characters, games, fashion and popular music. Others argued that international
rized under different time periods, The exhibition runs through June businesspeople make money from ad- circumstances were the engine behind
which range from the prehistoric era 31, 2009. For more information, visit vertisers. On the streets of major Asian Why the popularity? the Korean Wave.
to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). They the museum’s multilingual website at cities, it is easy to spot girls wearing As globalization develops and cul-
include 60 artworks from China’s na- www.museum.go.kr. ■ clothes, makeup and hairstyles popu- As the Korean Wave became increas- tural exchanges become more and
tional museum, 23 of which are con- (Photos courtesy of larized on Korean television. The ingly popular, more scholars and jour- more frequent, Asia is no longer dom-
sidered national treasures. National Museum of Korea) ■ boom has spread to food, fashion and nalists paid attention to it. They wrote inated by American popular culture.

12 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 13


FOCUS

past decade, China has imported many


Korean dramas and films and granted
approval to many Korean singers to
hold concerts in China, but did not re-
ceive the same in return.
Second, Korean dramas came as a
big shock to the Chinese market. Since
1993, the prices of Korean dramas im-
ported into China have increased
gradually. The Korean Wave reached
its peak when “Daejanggeum” aired in
China in September and October 2005.
After that, Chinese officials, celebrities
and the media began to criticize the
excessive influx of Korean culture.
According to statistics, in 2004, there
were about 12,000 drama episodes
made by Chinese producers, but they
only had airtime for 5,000 episodes.
The financial loss amounted to 3 bil-
lion RMB ($427 million) every year.
Third, the price of Korean dramas
From left: Korean Cultural Center in Beijing, Chinese citizens run Korean mask dance and songs has risen sharply. A few years ago, one
episode cost $1,000 to $2,000, but be-
Asians are choosing things that are tion, the Korean Wave is also related styles. As this occurred, China failed to in American culture. Through Korean regional issues, such as the North cause of the success of “Daejanggeum,”
more culturally similar. They choose to the temporary lack of traditional balance traditional culture and mod- pop culture, viewers experience how Korean nuclear crisis. the price rose to $8,000 to $20,000 per
Korean entertainment because it con- culture in China. In the past century, ern Western thought. On the other Koreans managed to keep traditional They base this diplomatic consen- episode. Some TV stations could not af-
tains Asian values and sentiments. the May 4th Movement and the Great hand, Korea presented a model of values while incorporating Western el- sus on their own interests. Because ford Korean dramas, which resulted in
However, apart from these reasons, Cultural Revolution diminished the in- rapid modernization while retaining ements into their culture. they share the common experience of the reduction of their airtimes.
there are three other main forces be- fluence of Confucianism, resulting in its traditional culture. The Korean The Chinese were also attracted to Japanese invasion, they remain wary Fourth is the negative impact of
hind the Korean Wave in China. lack of traditional culture in China. Wave blends Confucianism and the “modern image” seen in the fash- of Japan. In addition, Korea is gradual- nationalism. Generally speaking, rela-
But in Korean dramas, Chinese Western industrial culture. ion, hairstyles and lifestyles of ly distancing itself from the United tions between China and Korea have
Similar cultures people saw traces of their traditional However, China’s understanding Koreans. Despite more than 20 years States and is increasingly moving clos- been good over the past 15 years. But
Confucian culture. They found these of the Korean Wave is not limited to of reform, China’s per capita gross do- er to China, which makes the Chinese there are some exceptions, including
The first and most important reason is dramas full of familiar Confucian- TV shows. Nowadays, the lives of mestic product is still far behind most more comfortable with Korean culture. history issues, the Dragon Boat
that China and Korea share a similar based values, such as family-centered Koreans integrate the traditional fac- developed countries. Compared with Festival application for world cultural
culture. Over thousands of years, behavior, respect for the elderly and tors of Confucian culture with the Korea, the gap is not very big, espe- The backlash and the future heritage status, the exclusive econom-
China and Korea have had a long his- preference for sons. Some have said West’s modern thoughts and ideolo- cially in larger coastal cities such as ic zone in the Yellow Sea and agricul-
torical relationship and have shared a that the Koreans are more like the gies. Many Korean TV shows vividly Shanghai and Shenzhen. The Chinese Although many believe that the tural trade. Also, some Korean histori-
common cultural background. Chinese than the Chinese themselves. depict the fates of common people — aim to have the tall buildings and fan- Korean Wave is growing, some argue cal dramas have provoked a reaction
Both China and Korea belong to the their affections, friendships and love — cy cars shown in Korean dramas. that it is slowly fading away, especial- of Chinese nationalism.
East Asian Confucian circle of culture. Economic reasons through their daily lives. Integrated ly because of the backlash against the Although the Korean Wave is gradu-
The civilization of Huaxia, or Han, has with traditional virtues, Korean shows Diplomacy Korean Wave in some countries. ally cooling off, we cannot say that its
deeply influenced not only Korean lan- The second reason is based on the also reflect the thoughts and ideas of First, the trade of cultural products future in China is gloomy. Both the
guage and values but also Korea’s eti- economy. Long ago, China did not modern people. Their thoughts, in fact, The third reason lies in diplomacy. is unbalanced. According to press re- Chinese and Korean governments should
quette, customs and social structure. search for the road toward moderniza- are close to the thoughts of After the establishment of diplomatic ports, China’s trade deficit in cultural adopt a long-term strategy, encourage
So the similar expression of feel- tion. In the 1950s and 60s, China Westerners. relations between China and Korea in products with Korea is much bigger cultural exchange and increase mutual
ings, philosophy and values make it blindly followed the USSR, but after it Due to historical factors, Korea has 1992, the relationship developed than in industrial products. The ratio understanding. Korea should establish
easy for Chinese people to accept adopted an open-door policy in the been deeply influenced by Confucian quickly. The two countries share a of the industrial trade deficit to the the Korean Wave in a broader sense if it
Korean dramas and culture. In addi- 1980s, China learned about Western culture, and it has also been baptized common ground on some important cultural trade deficit is 1:10. In the wants to counter a backlash. ■

14 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 15


FOCUS

Korea Gears up
for Beijing Games
BY JEONG HYEON-JI
STAFF WRITER

Archery

T
hey have waited four years. And
now, Korean athletes are fully
A Korean archer aims at a target prepared to wow the Olympic Some say that a Korean woman can
crowds in Beijing. hit a bull’s eye even with her eyes
The Korean national team, com- closed. Archery has been dominated
posed of 267 athletes in 25 sports, by Korea since the early 1980s. Most
aims to garner more than 10 gold of the world records are owned by
medals and place within the top 10. Korean archers as well. Experts say the
Medals are expected to be won in trend should continue this year.
wrestling, archery, taekwondo, judo, However, tough challenges will be
swimming, badminton, weightlifting, given by Chinese archers.
shooting and gymnastics. Korean ath- Four medals are at stake in indi-
letes have taken the lead in these vidual and group events. There are
sports since the early 1980s. high hopes for female archers Park
Korean women’s handball team Sung-hyun, Yoon Ok-hee and Joo
Wrestling Hyun-jung. Park earned two gold
medals in Athens and played a key
Wrestling is important regarding role in bagging the team gold.
Korea’s Olympic history, as the na- On the men’s side, Im Dong-hyun,
tion’s first-ever gold medal was earned Lee Chang-whan and Park Kyung-mo
in this event in the 1976 Montreal are aiming for gold medals. Im, who
Olympics. won the 2007 World Championship, is
Jung Ji-hyun, the winner of the a strong challenger for a gold medal in
men’s 60kg category in the 2004 the individual category.
Athens Olympics, is aiming for anoth-
er medal in Beijing this year. Kim Judo
Jung-sup, a gold medalist at the Doha
Asian Games, and Park Eun-chul, a Since 1984, the largest number of
silver-medal winner in the 2007 medals Korea has won is in judo. A to-
World Championships, are other tal of 14 medals are at stake in judo
Yonhap

Swimmer Park Tae-hwan Korean taekwondo champions


wrestlers to keep an eye on. this year.

16 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 17


FOCUS

Yonhap
Olympic History
Korea stepped into the international About 70 Korean athletes competed in
sporting world by joining the London seven events at the London Olympics, win-
Olympics in 1948. ning two bronze medals. Since London,
Previously, Korea’s two marathon run- Korea participated in all of the Games ex-
ners, Sohn Kee-chung and Nam Sung- cept for the Moscow Olympics in 1980.
yong, won a gold medal and a bronze Korea first broke into the top 10 in the
medal, respectively, at the 1936 Berlin medal standings at the Los Angeles
Olympics. But they ran under the Olympic Games in 1984. Later, Korea suc-
Japanese flag. cessfully hosted the 1988 Olympics.

Judo Couple Hunting for Medals

Yonhap
Korean wrestlers practice at the National Training Center in Taeneung, northern Seoul BY JEONG HYEON-JI
STAFF WRITER

The competition, however, is ex- 48kg categories. Jung Gyung-mi, a Swimming It is easy to see fighters in a judo hall, but The good news came this May. Choi
lovers? A Korean judo couple, however, won the national championship, beating
pected to be even fiercer in Beijing, as bronze-medal winner at 2007 World
found their better halves in a judo hall and his longtime opponent, Hwang Hee-tae, a
competitors from Europe, South Championship, is expected to bring a Park Tae-hwan is hunting for a gold
now they are aiming to win medals in former national teammate.
America and Japan have become medal home. medal in the men’s 400m freestyle. He
Beijing. “I spent most of my time on the mat in-
stronger. has won five international champi-
Choi Seon-ho, 31, and Lee Bok-hee, stead of spending time with my wife. I
Gold medals are expected in the Taekwondo onships since 2005 and recently beat
30, tied the knot in December 2007. The think it all paid off,” he said.
men’s 60kg, 73kg and 81kg and the rival Australian Grant Hackett in two
Beijing Olympics is especially special for Choi has gained almost 20 kg in 10
women’s 78kg categories. Choi Min- Korea is expecting three gold medals competitions. His race is scheduled for
Choi because it will be the first time he will years. He now weighs 90 kg. “I was afraid
ho is expected to top the men’s 60kg in the national traditional martial-arts Aug. 10. run with a Korean flag on his chest. His of my age, but my weight was also a big
category after winning a bronze discipline, which made its Olympic dream will come true after eight long issue,” he said.
medal in Athens. debut in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Other Sports years. Choi and Lee long have been training
Wang Ki-choon, a winner at the Games. Korea won three gold medals His wife, Lee, ran as a national player in together at Seoul’s Taeneung Training
2008 World Championship, and Kim in 2000 but the number dipped to two Dubbed the “Female Hercules,” Jang Athens in 2004. This time, she’s going to Center. But from this year, the two have
Jae-bum are also chasing gold medals in Athens. Mi-ran is expected to bring home a Beijing as a trainer for the judo team. trained at separate training halls.
in the men’s 73kg and 82kg cate- The national team’s quest for gold medal in the women’s over 75kg Choi Seon-ho and Lee Bok-hee pose for a
The two first met each other in college Lee, a former national champion in the
photo ahead of the Beijing Olympics
gories. medals will be spearheaded by Hwang category in weightlifting. Jang won a 10 years ago. But their romance really 68kg division, says it is hard to be intimate
Jang Sung-ho, a silver medalist in Kyung-sun, a two-time world champi- silver medal in Athens and a gold took off in 2006. with her husband in public, with her team
the men’s 100kg in Athens and a gold on in the women’s under-67kg cate- medal at the Doha Asian Games. “We’ve known each other for a long mates around. But she does have a
medalist at the Doha Asian Games, is gory. She settled for bronze in Athens. Korea is also expecting a medal in time. We just know how each other feels dream in mind.
also aiming for gold in Beijing. Cha Dong-min, winner of the handball. Korea topped the women’s by just looking into each others’ eyes. We “We didn’t win anything in Athens. I’ll
Female fighters, who garnered men’s over-80kg heavyweight title at event in 1988 and 1992 and won sil- both made it our goal to run in the Beijing do my best to help my teammates win this
two bronzes at the 2000 Sydney the 2006 Student Games, is another vers in 1996 and 2004. ■ Olympic together,” Choi said. year,” she said. ■
Games, are strong in the 78kg and medal hopeful.

18 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 19


NATIONAL

Revolutionary Founding modernization, which include democ- The “Miracle on the Han River” has
ratization of politics, economic become a classic example in the world
Korea and Singapore are the only
two non-Western countries that spend
growth, socio-cultural pluralism, of rapid economic growth and industri- approximately three percent of their
and Modernization of the Republic of Korea higher education and the development alization in the modernization process.
of science and technology. Among about 140 non-Western coun-
GDP on research and development
(R&D). The percentage of R&D expen-

and a Global Korea Model for The freedom and democracy that tries that became independent since the
Korea has achieved now are the first end of the Second World War, only
ditures in the GDP of the Republic is
higher than that of the United
liberty, equality and welfare enjoyed seven U.N. member countries have Kingdom, France and Germany. At the
the 21st Century by Koreans since the foundation of the achieved $10,000 in per capita income:
first kingdom on the Korean Peninsula Singapore, Brunei, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE,
time of liberation from the Japanese
colonial rule, Korea’s science and
BY KIM JIN-HYUN
CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COMMITTEE
by Dangun. Their achievements are Bahrain and the Republic of Korea. technology capabilities were almost
FOR THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ON ITS OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENT unprecedented in the thousands of Barring Korea, all these countries are nonexistent, but in the 1960s, they be-
years of their history. Freedom of the either city-states with a population be- gan to rise to 1/500th and then to
press and freedom of politics in Korea tween 500,000 and three million or oil- 1/100th of the level of Japan. The gap

T
he Republic history of the Korean Peninsula and such words as growth, development, rank at the top among the eventually has narrowed
of Korea suf- modern world history since the 18th progress and success. 46 countries in the Eurasian now to one fifth or one
fered excep- century. Upholding the cause of the in- There was the revolutionary event Continent and the maritime third of Japan’s. The ab-
tionally severe dependence movement against imperi- in 1948 — the founding of the nation — regions of the Pacific and solute number of students
birth pains. Among alist Japan and building on the success and 60 years of the revolutionary mod- Indian Oceans, ranging in engineering, science and
many other mod- of the past 60 years, the Republic of ernization of the Republic. There have from the Japanese technology outstrips that of
ern nations in his- Korea serves as the central foothold for been a number of historic revolution- Archipelago to the Ural Japan. The ratio of students
tory, Korea’s foun- 75 million Koreans across the globe. ary events throughout the world: the Mountains. As evidenced advancing to institutions of
dation process was particularly littered Celebrating the 60th anniversary of French Revolution in 1789, the by international indices re- higher education and
with agonizing and divisive moments. the founding of the nation, we are now Industrial Revolution in the 18th cen- leased by Freedom House studying overseas is too
In 1950, less than two years after its es- able to proudly declare to our founding tury in the United Kingdom and the and Reporters Without overwhelming to be com-
tablishment, Korea found itself teeter- fathers and to the entire world that Civil Rights Movement in the 20th Borders, Korea is now pared with any other non-
ing on the brink of collapse with the Korea is the only country among the century in the United States. In the late ahead of Japan, Singapore Western countries. Korea
breakout of the Korean War. All these approximately 140 newly independent 20th century, Korea became the sole and India, countries that now ranks second or third
adversities notwithstanding, the past countries since the end of the Second country in the Third World that be- were regarded in the 1960s in the world even when all
60 years in Korea can be said to be the World War in 1945 that succeeded in came a legend of success. It was tanta- to 1980s as much more ad- the advanced countries are
The inaugural ceremony of the Republic of Korea in 1948
period of the “most successful modern- complete modernizing. It is not enough mount to a revolution, even in the eyes vanced than the Republic. included.
ization revolution” from the perspec- to describe the process of moderniza- of the world. Korea is the only nation Korea has also become a Korea’s overseas-mar-
tive of both the several-thousand-year tion over the last 60 years simply with that perfectly meets the standards of strong advocate for human rights so producing countries. They are not suit- ket oriented growth strategy, democ-
underdeveloped countries in Asia and able for comparison on an equal foot- ratization and development of higher
Africa as well as NGOs from advanced ing with Korea in terms of moderniza- education served as a catalyst for the
countries come to the country to study tion standards because they have far promotion of socio-cultural pluralism
its experience. more advantages in such conditions as and diversity in addition to economic
It is, indeed, unfortunate that the population, international relations and progress. Notably, religious diversity
splendid, epochal enhancement of the the national security. stands out in the country, which
Republic of Korea’s freedom, democra- Armed with sophisticated industri- makes Korea the sole nation in the
cy and human rights cannot reach al technologies in the electronics, world with a homogeneous ethnic
across the truce line to the North shipbuilding, steel and automobile in- background where Buddhism,
where 23 million compatriots are suf- dustries, Korea is now keeping abreast Confucianism and Christianity coexist
fering the worst violence and oppres- of the advanced countries in the field in a balanced manner. Korea is also
sion in the world. of future information technologies. the only non-Catholic Asian country
Yonhap

20 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 21


NATIONAL

where nearly 30 percent of the popula- world’s best and are achieving suc- cessfully and profoundly. The nation as the living space and living condi- lating Korea’s revolutionary modern- dence movement and between partici-
tion believes in Christianity, a religion cesses, a departure from the past when made a quantum leap from a poverty- tions of humans. Problems stemming ization model into a global one. The pants in the founding of the Republic.
historically predominant in the West. a single individual or a piece of art- stricken country to one sharing state- from this process are truly enormous, Global Korea model will help the 9 bil- The country has matured enough to
One of the most pronounced fruits work stood out. The success of the past of-the-art advances with developed befitting the title of “post-modern, lion inhabitants of the planet secure see the opposing groups during the in-
of the Republic’s 60-year moderniza- 60 years after the founding of the countries. In addition, the Republic has high-tech problems.” Problems con- peace, safety and the right to exist and dustrialization and democratization
tion revolution is its advance into the Republic constitutes a revolution in now become a maritime powerhouse cerning energy, food, resources and prosper in the 21st century. become reconciled.
global community. Not only ordinary the history of Korea as well as in the building on a 2000-year history as a global warming, to mention just a few, It is imperative for the Korean peo- Once leaders of different groups re-
citizens, but also business people, history of modernization in the non- continental country. Based on these are real and serious. ple to embark on a journey to bring flect deeply and decide to give and sac-
artists, scholars and engineers are Western, Third World. various experiences, we first need to es- Korea is not an exception. about unity internally and externally rifice in the interest of the country, na-
leaving their footprints in every nook At this point, the future course of tablish a Korean model by having a Geopolitically, it is, in fact, the only based on the fruit of their 60 years of tional integration will be accomplished.
and corner of the world. Now, they the revolution, miracle and legend of thorough understanding of Korean his- country where the interests of the travail. But there is a caveat: The suc- In order to respond effectively to the
have successfully established Korean the Republic over the past six decades tory, world history and the mentality of world’s four major powers intersect. cess they have achieved so far will not many challenges and survive in this
clusters in every major city of the should go beyond merely prolonging the East and West. Afterwards, we have The dynamics of the four powers is automatically lead to success in this new age, we have to have a new mind-
world. Together with numerous ethnic it. The Korean people’s achievements to make sure that the model would be now experiencing transformation. The new century. The characteristics of the set and develop new rules that are com-
Koreans living in Japan, China, Russia should be sublimated into Global able to serve as an inspiration, the very Republic is at a disadvantage com- two phases will be different. The neg- patible with international norms. Then
and other Central Asian nations who Korea, a high caliber pacesetter stand- starting point and an opportunity to pared to other advanced countries in ative aspects manifested during the we will have put in place a historic
were driven out of their motherland ing tall and playing a leading role in promote peace and unity throughout securing food and energy, and it has to modernization in the last century in- Global Korea model for the 21st centu-
due to the hegemonic warfare of impe- the global community. To this end, we the world and to ensure the survival of look overseas to meet its needs. It is al- clude high pressure, occasional explo- ry. It will represent the most advanced
rialist countries in the late 19th centu- first need to establish a universal humankind. This should be a pledge we so adversely affected by the atmos- sions, isolation, extremism, imbalance form of a country. As the Global Korea
ry, they have now become an invalu- Global Korea model, which will be make to our patriotic forefathers in pheric pollution originating from and selfishness. We certainly do not model is implemented, the unification
able asset for the Republic, a rare case conducive to the development and marking the 60th anniversary of the China. Furthermore, Korea has geo- need them now that we have fulfilled of Korea will come that much closer as
in the history of the settlement of mi- success of other countries based on founding of the Republic and a promise ethnic issues involving clusters of our initial goals for modernization. In well. In the process of modernization,
norities around the world. Korea’s experiences in the moderniza- to our posterity. Such a pledge is very Koreans found in many parts of the this new age, we have to strive to the nation learned the value of cultural
Long ago in the history of Korea, tion revolution. Among non-European significant in itself. world. These and other problems cre- eliminate the shadows, cave-ins and diversity and social pluralism. If the na-
there were many forerunners of ad- countries that won independence after Driven by the globalization of the ate the environment surrounding distortions originating from the old tion can add tolerance and altruism to
vances abroad, including the Buddhist 1945, the Republic has uniquely suc- modernization initiated at the end of Korea in the coming years. The coun- days. Today, we have to act more in- these values, it will have made a giant
monk Hyecho, General Go Seon-ji, ceeded in such a revolution. Instead of the 20th century in earnest, living try cannot ignore the problems that dependently and be self-motivated. step in its attempt to bring about unity
monk Weongwang and Admiral Jang fragmentary interpretations, introduc- conditions of all peoples have under- have been brought on with modern- In the past, it is regrettable that and harmony in today’s world.
Bo-go. However, their impact was tions or self-praise on the values, ide- gone rudimentary changes. As about 3 ization and globalization of Korea and conflicts frequently arose during times I have discussed what it is that
rather limited, and they failed to play a ology, institutions, resources, actors billion people living in the Himalayan the world. The Republic is not a sepa- of transition over who or which makes Korea Korea, what the country is
role of a bridge for later generations to and history of the revolutionary Zone encompassing China and India rate entity, but an integral part of in- groups were legitimate leaders. required to do in the post-modern,
cross. To put it another way, they be- progress of the Republic, we have to came to enjoy the benefits of modern- ternational society. The country must Frictions were revealed within the an- high-tech age and why — what it takes
came a sort of discontinued historical make efforts to turn it into a universal ization, drastic changes have occurred commit itself to solving fundamental ti-Japanese movement during the to build up a truly advanced, first rate
event. In the meantime, the entry into paradigm which is of practical use for in wide-ranging areas of energy, food, global issues — matters concerning colonial days. The same thing hap- country. These are visions of the Global
the global community of Koreans over the present and future of other coun- natural resources, production, logis- human existence and world peace and pened during the founding of the Korea model, and in order to formulate
the past 60 years is not a one-time tries, societies and peoples by further tics, workforces, trade, finance and safety. Peace in Korea is intricately re- Republic and the ensuing ideological the model, the Committee for the 60th
phenomenon. Instead, this strong improving, elaborating and supple- capital transfer. Also being trans- lated to peace elsewhere. rifts involving communism and na- Anniversary of the Republic of Korea
bridgehead fostered not by a single pi- menting it. By digesting and acquaint- formed is the landscape of world poli- Koreans tend to take these chal- tionalism. Dissonance between differ- has been established. The new success
oneer but by the people as a whole is ing ourselves with the nation’s tics, foreign affairs and culture. lenges with a greater sense of urgency ent groups was also evident in the model for the 21st century represents
expected to continuously prosper gen- achievements in a synthetic manner, Widespread advancement in edu- than other nations do. That is probably process of democratization, industrial- sublimation of what the nation
eration after generation. we need to make them a well-estab- cation and information capabilities is because the Republic has been fully ization and liberalization of social achieved in the 20th century.
In the 21st century, the Republic is lished, systematic model. Going be- expediting globalization and urban- modernized only in recent years and norms. We have to get rid of the Let us prepare a new model for the
witnessing the spread of Hallyu, or the yond the modernization process that ization throughout the world. The ef- has quickly become one of the first residue left over from history. Since future of Korea that our ancestors’ de-
Korean Wave, and at the same time, put emphasis on the values of quanti- fects of the spread of education and countries having to deal with the slew the Korean people have achieved great scendants will be proud of. The historic
world-class Korean artists, scientists, ty, scale, power and toughness, we information are comparable to eco- of new post-modern, high-tech age success, there is no reason why they founding of the Republic of Korea in
engineers, business executives and need to remain focused on the promo- nomic growth and contribute to max- problems. This is the reason why cannot clean up the residue of the his- 1948 resulted in a successful, full life
diplomats are coming to the front in tion of the quality, character, flexibili- imizing individual as well as interna- Korea has to push itself hard to be- torical conflicts. We should be able to cycle of 60 years. The historic Global
the global arena. For the first time in ty and virtue. tional interactions. The process is in- come a leading nation in the world. galvanize ourselves and put an end to Korea 2008 model will bring about an-
its history, Koreans are now collective- Korea became a country in Asia that evitably intertwined with the changes We have to establish a Global Korea the long-standing dissociation be- other successful life cycle over the next
ly engaged in competition with the went through the modern era most suc- in the climate and ecosystem as well model. The model will involve trans- tween different forces of the indepen- 60 years and beyond. ■

22 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 23


MOOKAS
NATIONAL

Overseas Koreans
T
his year celebrates the Over 1,000 taekwondo fighters from all over the world
60th anniversary of participated in this year’s event. During the festival, the par-
the Republic of Korea.
The nation was estab- Join ticipants took part in competitions to show off their skills.
Following the festival, 54 Korean college students ma-
lished on Aug. 15, 1948, from joring in taekwondo were set to offer American students
the remnants of Japanese col-
onization. But Korea soon
Celebration of classes and teaching methods in major U.S. cities. The
Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the organizer of this
saw the outbreak of the
Korean War, which again left
Korea’s event, said that this will provide American students with an
opportunity to brush up on their skills through interaction
the nation scarred by the
bloodshed of war and the di-
60th Anniversary with Korean taekwondo practitioners.
“Meantime, Korean students will get a chance to think
vision of the Peninsula. BY JEONG HYEON-JI about the globalization of taekwondo through this experience,”
In the last 60 years, STAFF WRITER said Kim Jong-yul, director of the Korean Cultural Center.
Korea has grown to become The Overseas Koreans Federation has invited 200 over-
the world’s 13th-largest economy. Global communities seas Korean students for a weeklong excursion on July 27.
called this tremendous transformation “the miracle on the The yearly event is aimed at promoting friendship among
Han River.” No other country in the world has seen the overseas and local Koreans. This will provide overseas
speed and scope of modernization and industrialization Koreans an opportunity to better understand their homeland.
that took place in Korea. The Korean Government is also hosting an event dedi-
The growth of industry and democracy in Korea, howev- cated to Korean immigrants on foreign soil. Following
er, only came after the sacrifice of numerous independence Uzbekistan last year, over 1,000 Korean descendents from
leaders, soldiers and workers. The nation’s youth also strug- Khabarovsk, Russia, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of
gled for the establishment of democracy in the 1980s. their motherland this year.
Through a series of events the Korean Government on The event, scheduled for Aug. 4 to 15, will include per-
Aug. 15 will celebrate and remember those who struggled formances by local artists and Korean celebrities. There will
for the nation’s democratic and industrial development. also be sporting events and parties.
There will also be various overseas events and activities in Also on offer is a test in knowledge of Korean history.
which overseas Koreans can take part in. Scheduled for Sept. 6, the test will be held in five major U.S.
The main event will be held in central Seoul on Aug. 15. cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago. The annual ex-
This will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the nation’s in- amination was held overseas, in Kazakhstan, for the first
dependence and the 60th anniversary of the Korean time in 2007. About 1,100 students took the exam there.
Government’s establishment. The daylong celebration is set This year’s test will cover areas such as culture, history
to invite many circles within society, including local citi- and immigration. Performances and lectures will be given
zens, overseas Koreans and foreign residents, who now during exam week as well. Those with the highest scores
make up an important part of Korea. will be given a chance to win a five-day trip to Korea. More
The National Museum of Contemporary Art will host an information is available on the website of the National
exhibition dedicated to the 60 years of Korea’s modern his- Institute of Korean History at www.historyexam.go.kr.
tory from Aug. 15 through Oct. 26. The exhibition will dis- The Korean Day celebration will be held on Oct. 5. The
play the works of 100 photojournalists. Previous photo ex- Foreign Ministry last year designated Oct. 5 as Korean Day,
hibitions were focused on historical records. This will fea- in an aim to bring 7 million overseas Koreans and 50 mil-
ture various genres of Korea’s modern photography, from lion local citizens together. The ceremony will include
realistic to artistic. Sessions with renowned photographers 1,000 overseas Koreans who are closely linked to their
are also planned. More information can be found at motherland. A variety of cultural and sporting events will
www.moca.go.kr. take place, including the main ceremony on Oct. 5.
The 2008 World Taekwondo Hanmadang ran from In the southern island of Jeju, the 7th World Korean
July 16 to 20 in California, where a large number of over- Business Convention will be held on Oct. 28 for three days. The
seas Koreans can be found. It is the largest event dedicat- annual convention will be attended by 1,500 businesspeople
ed to the martial art hosted abroad. The annual festival, Korean taekwondo practitioners show their skills
based in Korea and 1,500 from 40 other countries. During the
which celebrates and promotes taekwondo, was first at the 2008 World Taekwondo Hanmadang, which ran event, the participants will take part in business exhibitions,
launched in 1992. from July 16 to 20 in California conferences and the “Young Leaders’ Forum.” ■

24 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 25


NATIONAL

The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 April 19 Student Uprising in 1960 Normalization of Korea-Japan relations in 1965 Korea’s participation in the Vietnam War in 1965 The opening of Seoul-Busan Highway in 1970 The May 18 Gwangju civil uprising in 1980

60 Years of the Republic at a Glance


1948 Promulgation of the Constitution (July 17) 1972 The world’s oldest and Korean-made movable metal type printing 1985 First family reunion between South and North Korea 1996 Korea and Japan win the bid to host the 2002 World Cup
Establishment of the Republic of Korea (Aug. 15) “Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests’ Zen Teachings” found in France Korea joins OECD
1986 Seoul Asian Games
Establishment of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Sept. 9) North and South Korean Red Cross open first conference in
Pyongyang Trade income exceeds $3 billion 1997 Korea suffers from Asian financial crisis
1950 Outbreak of the Korean War (June 25)
1973 Korean women’s table tennis team wins first world championship 1987 The June 10 Pro-Democracy Movement 1998 President Kim Dae-jung takes office
1953 Armistice agreement in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia
1988 President Roh Tae-woo takes office First tour to North Korea’s Geumgangsan launched
1955 Opening of stock market 1974 First Lady Yook Young-soo assassinated (Aug. 15) 1988 Seoul Olympics 1999 Designated a top-10 economy with largest number of internet
1956 Syngman Rhee wins presidential election Seoul metro starts operation users
1989 Diplomatic relations begin with Eastern European countries
1960 April 19 Student Uprising 1975 National Assembly building constructed 2000 President Kim Dae-jung receives Nobel Peace Prize
1990 First prime ministerial talk between North and South Korea opens
Yoon Bo-sun takes office as second president Opening of Yeongdong and Donghae Highways in Seoul The first inter-Korean Summit in Pyongyang

1961 May 16 military coup d’etat 1976 Korea wins first Olympic gold medal in wrestling in Montreal 1991 South and North Korea join the United Nations 2002 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup
Olympics
5-year economic development plan announced Korea advances to the quarterfinals for the first time
1992 South and North Korea exchange agreement on reconciliation and
1963 President Park Chung-hee takes office 1977 First nuclear power plant launched in Gori, Gyeongsangnam-do denuclearization
2003 President Roh Moo-hyun takes office
National exports exceed $10 billion
1964 National exports reach $100 million 1993 President Kim Young-sam takes office
2004 Exports exceed $200 billion
1979 President Park Chung-hee assassinated (Oct. 26) Real-name-based financial transaction system launched
1965 Normalization of Korea-Japan relations
President Choi Gyu-ha takes office Korea agrees to open rice market to U.S. 2005 APEC Summit held in Busan
Korea’s participation in the Vietnam War
1994 North Korean leader Kim Il-sung dies (July 8) Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon stream recovered
1980 May 18 Gwangju Uprising
1968 Revised identification system launched
First sale of color TVs 1995 Korea’s first satellite launched 2006 Ban Ki-moon elected as U.N. secretary general
1969 Establishment of Gyeongin (Seoul-Incheon) Highway
1981 President Chun Doo-hwan takes office National exports exceed $100 billion 2007 Korea wins the bid to host 2012 Yeosu World Expo
1970 First stage of Saemaeul movement launched Seoul wins the bid to host the 1988 summer Olympics Korea’s three national treasures designated World Heritage Sites
Establishment of Gyeongbu (Seoul-Busan) Highway by the UNESCO 2008 President Lee Myung-bak takes office
National exports exceed $1 billion 1982 Abolishment of mandatory nocturnal curfew GDP per capita exceeds $10,000 Korea reopens its beef market to U.S.

The June 10 pro-democracy movement in 1987 The Seoul Olympics in 1988 The launching of Korea’s first satellite in 1995 The first inter-Korean summit in 2000 The World Cup co-hosted by Korea and Japan in 2002 The 60th anniversary of
the Republic of Korea

26 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 27


NATIONAL

Magnum
Documents
Modern Korea
BY LEE JI-YOON gaging appetizer and an incentive worthy of
STAFF WRITER
further investigation by future visitors.”
Steve McCurry, whose portrait of an
Afghan girl was seen on the cover of
National Geographic in 1985, turned his lens

©Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea


on Buddhist monks meditating at a small

©Stuart Franklin/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea


©Hiroji Kubota/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea

©Rene Burri/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea


temple in Jeollabuk-do. A mine field and sol-

©Ian Berry/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea


©Abbas/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea
diers near the Demilitarized Zone were cap-
tured through the lens of legendary photog-
rapher Stuart Franklin, who won the World
Press Photo prize for his sensational photo-
graph of a man standing against a tank dur-
ing the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989.

(Clockwise from top)


Japanese photographer Hiroji Kubota pays
tribute to the growth of Seoul and the city it-
self by using aerial photography.
Also remarkable are the photographs of
Namdaemun taken by Ian Berry on Jan. 11.

M
agnum Photos, the world’s most The calm figure of the landmark of Seoul,
prestigious photographic coopera- which fell victim to an arson attack in
tive, is holding an exhibition February, is a tragic reminder of the incident.
showcasing modern Korea at the Seoul Arts A photography book titled “Magnum
Center’s Hangaram Art Museum in south- Korea,” has been published, consisting of 248
ern Seoul. works among a total of 2,400 photographs. It
The photo agency has been a leader in is the latest publication of Magnum and un-
photojournalism since its foundation in like previous books, which were made most-
1947, with 50 famed member photogra- ly by collecting member photographers’ ex-
phers. For the Korean project, 20 members isting works, the Korean publication contains
stayed in Korea for up to a month, traveling only newly-taken photos for the Seoul pro-
across the country to capture various aspects ject. Also, the commentary of professor
of Korea such as tradition, religion, cities, Bruce Cumings at the University of Chicago,

©Thomas Hoepker/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea


©Steve McCurry/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea
©Harry Gruyaert/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea
©Bruno Barbey/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea
provinces, youth and films. who specializes in modern Korean history, is

©Eli Reed/Magnum Photos/Euro Photo-Magnum Korea


This is the biggest project carried out in attached for more insight.
the history of Magnum, with the most pho- The English version is scheduled to be
tographers under one theme — Korea. printed at the end of this year.
As photographer Eliott Erwitt, 80, wrote “MAGNUM KOREA Photo Exhibition”
of the Korean project: “Of course, with most continues through Aug. 24 at the Seoul Arts
of us visiting for the first time, and with rel- Center’s Hangaram Art Museum. Both
atively brief stays, we could record only our Korean and English guide services are of-
first impression of this complex society. Yet fered. For more information, visit
our audience will note that, even as neo- www.magnumkorea.com. ■
(From top)

phytes, we have managed to present an en-

28 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 29


Yonhap
G8 SUMMIT DIPLOMACY

From left: President Lee’s separate summit talks


with Indian Prime Minister Singh, Brazilian
President Lula, Mexican President Calderon,
Indonesian President Yudhoyono, Russian
President Medvedev and U.S. President Bush

Yonhap
cerned, Korea is willing to become an
early mover,” Lee said at the G8
meeting.
Meanwhile, Lee also attained im-
pressive diplomatic achievements
through the seven bilateral summit
meetings by forming strong personal
“As far as the global effort for
relations with leaders of resource-rich greenhouse gas reduction is concerned,
countries worldwide.
Korea is willing to become an early
K
orean President Lee Myung-bak ter a low emission society and new Lee and U.S. President George W.
President joined leaders of the world’s
eight most powerful countries
momentum in economic growth.
In compliance with South Korea’s
Bush on July 9 reconfirmed their
close policy cooperation on bilateral
mover,” Lee said at the G8 meeting.
Lee’s at this year’s G8 summit in Japan to
urge greater global efforts to reduce
heightened international status, Lee
also proposed the creation of a so-
and global issues, including food
safety of Korea-bound shipments of
greenhouse gas emissions blamed for called “East Asia Climate Partnership” U.S. beef and North Korea’s denu-
Summit climate change, making a successful
debut on the stage of high-profile
in order for Korea and its regional
partners to jointly address global cli-
clearization.
Lee and Bush agreed to the faithful
quest of President Lee.
Lee also agreed with Russian
Siberia, according to the officials.
In his attention-grabbing meeting

Diplomacy multilateral diplomacy.


President Lee has held a series of
mate change.
As part of the campaign, the
implementation of revised terms for
Korea-bound exports of U.S. beef in
President Dmitry Medvedev to deepen
bilateral cooperation in the energy and
with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo
Fukuda, Lee again urged Japan not to
bilateral meetings with leaders of sev- Korean leader promised to donate order to help appease Korean con- resources sector and in the denu- describe Korea’s easternmost islets of
during en countries — the U.S., Russia, Japan,
Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and India —
$200 million over the next five years
to help the region’s developing coun-
sumers’ fear of mad cow disease often
associated with the consumption of
clearization of the Korean Peninsula
during their summit talks.
Dokdo as part of Japanese territory in
Japanese textbooks.

G8 Meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Eight


summit.
Lee, the first Korean president to
tries both attain economic growth and
reduce carbon emissions. Lee also
vowed to voluntarily present South
U.S. beef from older cattle.
Notably, Bush promised to include
Korea in the U.S. visa waiver program
Lee and Medvedev also agreed to
push ahead with the two countries’ ef-
forts to link the trans-Korean railway,
President Lee also had separate
summit talks with Indonesian President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Brazilian
attend an outreach session of the G8 Korea’s long-term targets for green- and do his best to win the U.S. or TKR, with Russia’s trans-Siberian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva,
summit, vowed to halve his nation’s house gas reductions in 2009. Congressional approval of a free trade railway, known as the TSR, and with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
carbon emissions by 2050 and launch “As far as the global effort for agreement between the two countries, other tripartite economic cooperation Singh and Mexican President Felipe
a government-wide campaign to fos- greenhouse gas reduction is con- both by the end of this year, at the re- projects involving North Korea in Calderon. ■

30 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 31


GLOBAL KOREA

lion), jumping 10-fold from 1995.


There are about 25,000 NGOs in Korea, according to the
Directory of Korean NGOs. And currently, 91 development
NGOs, whose main activities are in the education and
healthcare sectors, are working in partnership with KOICA.
According to KOICA’s data, most Korean development
NGOs are involved in improving basic human needs (BHN).
This interest led many to work in human resource develop-
ment, healthcare, rural development and agriculture-devel-
opment projects in Asian countries like Vietnam,
Cambodia, Laos and Mongolia.
Every year, KOICA and the NGOs have projects in
about 20 countries. The number of projects almost doubled
to 43 in 2007 from a year earlier. In 2008, 61 projects are A Korean NGO Global Care in Sana, Yemen
being carried out.
In order to raise the efficiency of NGO activities, KOICA
coordinates education programs and workshops and helps
create networks with international organizations.
This April, KOICA held the 2008 Sphere Project Training
with World Vision International and Korea NGO Council for
Overseas Cooperation. The Sphere Project aims to provide
members of NGOs with training needed at natural disaster
sites. In order to run this program, World Vision and KOICA
compiled the know-how of on-site volunteers.
The program received great responses from the partici-
An Afghan receives a mosquito net from a Korean NGO
pants. “Lectures on humanitarianism and human rights law
made us realize the important work we’re doing,” one par-
KOICA Supports ticipant said.
International networking is another crucial element of

NGO’s Development Activities NGO activities. By working with international organiza-


tions, development NGOs can benefit from a synergy effect,
BY JEONG HYEON-JI as they can share their expertise on many areas.
STAFF WRITER Korean NGOs have also improved the quality of their ac-
tivities. In the Philippines, Korean NGOs have provided their

N
on-governmental organizations are often referred to expertise to counter tuberculosis. In the African country of
as “mini-governments” since they play a great role Angola, they have operated projects to raise awareness of sex-
in improving people’s lives. They also help Third ually transmitted diseases such as AIDS. Their activities are
World and developing countries. known to play an important role in countries where the re-
NGOs in the development sector, in particular, try to spective governments fail to take action.
improve the quality of life and welfare and counter pover- In order to improve the locals’ basic human needs, edu-
ty in many of these countries. Sometimes, their roles are ex- cation is very important. Education on water system main-
tended to issues such as racial conflicts and genocides. tenance, farming product development and home improve-
Partnership and networking among these organizations, ment not only provides a new source of income but also a NGO Support in the Past 5 Years (2003-2007)
therefore, is crucial. basic foundation to improve their lives.
Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total
The Korea International Cooperation Agency started its KOICA’s support for these activities has raised public
Subsidy (100 million won) 11.0 10.4 20.1 27.8 52.8 122.1
partnership with development NGOs in 1995 via such pro- awareness and increased participation in NGO activities. Its
Number of Countries Benefited 17 14 19 15 19 84
jects like rural development in Nepal and overseas medical active promotion of overseas volunteer programs and NGO
services of Korean doctors. Support for NGOs grew dramat- support are now enticing the participation of many profes- Number of Projects 25 21 32 24 43 145

ically during the devastating 2005 tsunami. As of 2007, sionals and young Koreans. ■ Not including special support projects in Iraq, Afghanistan and southern Asia
KOICA and Good Neighbors International provide Ethiopian children with sta-
tionery, daily food supply and medical service KOICA’s NGO sponsorship topped 5 billion won ($5 mil- (Photos courtesy of KOICA)

32 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 33


GLOBAL KOREA

“We try to reflect on our experiences and how to perform


Korean Medics Provide Emergency better. When the need rises again, we can go and help them
Relief in Myanmar in the most systemized and efficient way possible.”
BY JEONG HYEON-JI
STAFF WRITER

T
he deadly cyclone Nargis hit
Myanmar in May, leaving over
20,000 people dead and 150,000
missing. The Korea International
Cooperation Agency, the nation’s cen-
tral rescue team and medics helped the
devastated town of Kungyangon in
June.
Among the 29 doctors were 19
medics, all members of the Korean
Federation for International
Healthcare. The KFIH is an umbrella
organization of Korea’s Welfare
Ministry. Since its establishment in
2006, the organization has been work-
ing to provide medical services in
North Korea and other developing na-
tions. It also provides medical relief to
natural disaster sites.
Over 200 medical doctors, nurses
and pharmacists are currently enrolled
in the organization, offering their ex-
Korean doctors set up a base camp on their first day in Kungyangon, southern Myanmar Korean Disaster Relief Team at Incheon International Airport on June 4
pertise in needy countries. The number
of volunteers is increasing as the orga-
nization is extending partnerships Kungyangon on June 5, about a care about them and did everything left, I sensed a glimpse of hope in her When the need rises again, we can go
with the nation’s medical circle. month after the devastating cyclone. we could. When we left the town, hun- eyes. I still can’t forget that look in her and help them in the most systemized
Kungyangon is a town of 120,000 He recalled that the town looked like dreds of people cried for us, as if we eyes,” he said. and efficient way possible.”
citizens in southern Myanmar. Along Korea during the early 1960s. were their family,” he said. He didn’t forget the work of his In Seoul, Dr. Kim spends his week-
with NGOs and medics from 10 other “People there didn’t open up their The doctors saw almost 300 patients colleagues, who accomplished the ends meeting patients at a migrant
countries, the Korean doctors provided minds to us at first, and they kept their on the first day and 2,800 in total. mission in the humid tropical weather. workers clinic in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-
medical services for six days. eyes on us. But we waved our hands to Out of those many patients, Dr. “The central rescue team, in particular, do. Asked why he’s involved in such
Seoul-based surgeon Kim Gwan- everyone and soon they waved back,” Kim recalled a lady in her late 60s. were real pros. Thanks to them, every- activities, he said, “Because it’s the on-
seok is one of the 10 committee mem- he said. Half of her body was paralyzed and thing worked out efficiently,” he said. ly thing I can give them. And it makes
bers at KFIH. An avid believer of The next morning, when the med- she had bleeding bedsores. The only Now that the relief trip is over, Dr. me happy.”
goodwill and volunteering, this was ical team installed their base camp, lo- thing he could do was to give her as Kim and his colleagues at the KFIH During the six-day relief mission,
not Kim’s first mission abroad. He has cal patients started to swarm the hum- much medicine as possible. She didn’t have a lot to do. The doctors in the or- KOICA provided 80 pieces of medical
already worked on several volunteer ble facility for check-ups. Most of the have any family or money. ganization have been reflecting on equipment and medicine worth up to
trips to North Korea, China, Vietnam patients there have never met a doctor “I told her to have faith and that their activities for improvements. $21,000. KOICA was able to help 1,700
and Micronesian countries. in their lives, Kim said. she will get better. She seemed not to “We try to reflect on our experi- households in 17 towns. ■
He and his colleagues arrived at “We had to show them that we believe in me at first, but when she ences and how to perform better. (Photos courtesy of KFIH)

34 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 35


Korean Foundation
GLOBAL KOREA THE BEAUTY OF KOREA-14

Fostering an Gold Seal and


Internationalized Jade Investiture Book
Learning
Environment of King Taejo
Interview with Jörg Plassen, Royal seals during the Joseon Dynasty with his three earlier titles. The seal was
(1392-1910 ) represented the authority made with gold and has the shape of a
Chair of the Department of
and dignity of the king and his regime. turtle, which was thought to be sacred by
Korean Studies, King Taejo (1392-1398) founded the many Asian countries, including Korea.
Lecturers at the
Korean Studies
University of Hamburg Joseon Dynasty in 1392 and moved the There is also a tribute inscribed on a jade
Department — nation’s capital to Seoul from Gaeseong book. In the 10 pages of jade panel, a
Lecturer Lee Kangsun, of the Goryo Dynasty. golden inscription praises King Taejo’s
Korean Studies BY MIN YOUNG-JOON
KOREA FOUNDATION BERLIN OFFICE DIRECTOR Compared to other royal seals, the golden accomplishments in 44 verses.
Librarian Helene Kang,
seal of King Taejo was not used for Bestowing such a title was aimed to
Professor Jörg Plassen
(from left) practical matters. It was saved for remember the deceased king and his civil
important royal ceremonies. virtues. It also reaffirmed the legitimacy
It was inscribed under the reign of King of his dynasty.
Sookjong (1674-1720), when King Taejo The seal and the book are on permanent
Q First, congratulations on your recent ap- Q What are your plans for the development and thus being more and more operated like
was bestowed the posthumous title, display at the National Palace Museum
pointment as the chair of the Department of Korean Studies at the University of business organizations and it is feared that in
“Your Righteousness and Luminous of Korea in Seoul. ■
of Korean Studies at the University of Hamburg? the years to come “minor disciplines,” like
Benevolence.” Photos courtesy of
Hamburg. In this regard, what are your A Building up a flourishing department will Korean Studies, are likely to come under fur-
This title was written on the front, along National Palace Museum of Korea
thoughts about this new position? primarily be a matter of steady work and en- ther pressure. Fortunately, the need for coun-
A To start with, the Asia-Afrika-Institut (AAI) is during commitment to the students and to termeasures has been recognized by federal
not only the largest institution of its kind in research. As for my thoughts on the direction politicians, but we will have to see what re-
Germany, but one of the leading European in- we intend to head — in the B.A. program, sults an imminent federal initiative will mean
stitutions in the field of Asian and African modern Korean should come first. Our stu- for minor subject areas.
studies. Thus, I feel most privileged to be al- dents will experience thorough language
lowed to work in this stimulating environment, training, followed by an obligatory sojourn in Q What kinds of efforts would be helpful to
and of course also a burden, due to the ex- Korea. In addition, for all the students of the further promote Korean Studies in
pectations of this assignment. East Asia B.A. program, there will be cours- Germany?
es in methodology, as well as job-oriented A Quite frankly, we have to make Korea better
Q Please describe the current status of training to enhance the students’ career known. The decision for or against enrolling in
Korean Studies at the University of prospects. a given department usually is less motivated
Hamburg. by the actual curriculum, but rather by
A What is really different about Korean Q How would you describe the status and hearsay among friends, along with the attrac-
Studies at Hamburg is that our subjects are outlook for Korean Studies in Germany? tiveness of a given city. In a similar vein, the
embedded within the broader interdiscipli- A Despite the difficult times for the reason why Korean Studies continues to lag
nary curriculum of an “International Bachelor Humanities programs in Germany, Korean behind Chinese and Japanese studies is due
of East Asia.” This means that our B.A. stu- Studies has made slow, but steady, progress. to the trivial circumstances that the impor-
dents, and their fellow students of Chinese In Bochum University, there is a flourishing tance of Korea, as an export nation, is less
and Japanese studies, are exposed to joint department bringing forth a new generation of widely known.
classes on the general East Asian context, promising students, while the position in Of course, we have plans to go into the lo-
which are collectively offered by the East Hamburg has been secured and Berlin univer- cal schools and intend to draw on events fea-
Asian departments. From the very beginning, sity is about to fill a long-vacant position, thus turing popular culture, to increase public
the students thus become accustomed to an making up for the loss of Korean Studies at awareness. However, at present, we need the
interdisciplinary approach and learn to inter- Humboldt University. help of Korean institutions to organize these
pret Korean developments against the back- On the other hand, with German universi- kinds of cultural events. ■
drop of an East Asian context. ties experiencing severe financial problems, (Source: Korean Foundation Newsletter)

36 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 37


CULTURE

Korea’s UNESCO Heritage Sites (6)

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress


BY JEONG HYEON-JI
STAFF WRITER

Dongbuk (Northeast) Gongshimdon Gate

Hwahongmun, one of the four gates of Hwaseong Fortress Seobuk (Northwest) Gongshimdon Gate

E
ntering Suwon city, the capital dered to die in a rice chest by his fa- as the city connects Seoul with the aged the use of scientific knowledge course of action. The documents came
of Gyeonggi-do, one can see the
soaring North Gate and the long
ther, King Yeongjo (1724-1776). Yellow Sea and China. and modern ideas.
It was built using both western
in handy when the fortress was recon- How to Get There
The fortress was designed and built The fortress encompasses 5.7 kilo- structed after the Korean War.
fortress that stems from it. by Jeong Yak-yong, an architect and meters and the walls are 4 to 7 meters and eastern construction technolo- Today, the fortress serves as an ed- Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is eas-
Hwaseong, or “The Brilliant the leader of the “practical learning” tall. The fortress was built to have a gies, such as pulleys, cranes and ucation center and a stage for histori- ily accessible from Seoul by pub-
Fortress,” was designated as a World (Silhak) movement. It realized King defensive wall in mind and a town bricks. These things made the fortress cal performances. lic transportation.
Heritage site in 1997 by UNESCO for Jeongjo’s wish to honor and house the center for its citizens. It has 48 facili- more distinctive than other Korean For more information, visit its Take the subway to Suwon
its historical significance and unique remains of his father. ties, including four gates that marked and Asian fortresses. multilingual website at www.hs.su- Station on line No. 1 and take a bus
architectural style. Historical evidence shows that the entrance of old Suwon city. The construction process was won.ne.kr. ■ or taxi to Paldalmun Gate.
Hwaseong was completed in 1796 King Jeongjo wanted to move the cap- Hwaseong was one of the most in- recorded in detail in a document pub- (Photos courtesy of Suwon Hwaseong
under the reign of King Jeongjo (1776- ital from Seoul to Suwon by building novative constructions of the Joseon lished in 1800. The details include the Management Foundation)
1800) of the Joseon Dynasty. He was this fortress. Suwon, for a long time, Dynasty. It was strongly influenced by amount of materials and manpower
the son of Prince Sado, who was or- has been an important strategic point the Silhak movement, which encour- used, the workers’ wages, plans and

38 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 39


CULTURE

Attractive Stars
Lead Hallyu in Indonesia
BY EVI MARIANI
DEPUTY EDITOR FOR THE JAKARTA POST

I
t all started with a TV drama series - asked for reruns,” Gufron said. “We other Asian countries. “From the way
“Winter Sonata.” In 2002, one of have bought some new series. We’re they talk, to their food, they are close
Indonesia’s TV stations aired the se- holding them for now. Right now our to Indonesian culture. We joke about
ries, introducing one of Korea’s cultur- leading Asian drama is from Taiwan.” it: Their ancestors were probably of
al products to a wide public in this part Korean dramas’ popularity might Padang descent,” Celcilia said.
of the world. Later on, another TV sta- not be as huge as local TV series or re- Padang, a city in West Sumatra, is fa-
tion, Indosiar — which specializes in ality TV. However, Korean cultural mous for its spicy dishes.
Asian dramas from Japan, Taiwan and products have gained certain fans, Meanwhile, a Korean movie buff,
Korea — aired about a dozen Korean mostly girls and young women. Shanne, also known on the internet as
dramas. The latest favorite was Many fans say they love Korean Blue Sunflower, said she liked Korean
“Princess Hours” in 2006. products because they were bored with movies because she was bored with Actor Kwon Sang-woo
“The ratings are not constant. It products from the West. Indonesia has Hollywood movies.
depends on the drama. When we air a always been open to foreign cultural “I love seeing the beautiful images
TV drama that is very popular in products, mostly from the United States and cinematography of K-movies. The “If we are asked what we like about Among Japanese, Taiwanese and make the trip.
Korea, the ratings of Korean dramas and Western Europe. Indian, Taiwanese plot also makes sense. Perhaps it’s be- Korean dramas, most of us would say Korean cultural products, Koreans are Those who had the chance to go
subsequently rise above other Asian and Hong Kong products have also cause Korea and Indonesia are both the boys,” said Celcilia, adding she the most recent to enter the market. said their visit was at least partly
dramas,” Gufron, a public relations of- gained their own fans in the country, Asian countries. There is a similar ap- loved Korean dramas the most. Consequently, most fans of Korean prompted because of their passion for
ficer at Indosiar, said. but Korean cultural products started proach and tradition in handling is- However, the interests extend to products were first fans of Japanese or Korean cultural products.
Gufron said the highest ratings in gaining attention early this century. sues,” Shanne said. other things — like Korean technology, Taiwanese products. Many of them still Lanny Tricya, was one such avid
Indosiar are received by local reality “I like Korean pop music, TV dra- She continued: “The endings are food, traditional culture and the coun- like all Asian products, but some have fan. Before she went to Korea, she
shows, followed by local TV dramas. mas and movies because I’m tired of sometimes thought provoking, at the try itself. grown more focused on Korean goods. said: “I rewatched Bae Yong-joon’s
Asian dramas came fifth after feature- music from the West and Indonesia. I same level with Hollywood or European The growth of Hallyu in Indonesia is The fans said they like Korean dramas “Winter Sonata,” memorizing all the
length movies produced for TV and wanted something different and it movies. Compared to Japanese or Hong connected to the growing popularity of and movies because they showed both beautiful scenes. I bought five woolen
music programs. Among Asian dra- turned out Korean music works for Kong movies, Korean movies are more other Asian cultural products in the sides of tradition and modernity. shawls, a neutral-colored sweater, and
mas, Korean dramas’ ratings fluctuate, me,” a fan of Korean music, Lia, said. beautiful.” country. The Taiwanese TV drama “They still uphold their traditional an overcoat in a boutique.”
depending on the popularity of each Another fan, Celcilia Ros, said she In particular, Korean cultural prod- “Meteor Garden” paved the way for East culture and customs, despite their mod- Spending six winter days in the
series being aired at a certain time. loves Korean movies and dramas be- ucts gain the most attention from Asian penetration to the hearts of many ernized country. That’s what makes country, Lanny asked the tour guide to
“We now air reruns of the Korean cause she finds that Korean lifestyles women in Indonesia, who generally Indonesian women. The men, on the Korean products attractive to me. We show her locations where the “Winter
drama ‘Full House.’ Many viewers are closer to Indonesian culture than like the appearance of Korean actors. other hand, seemed to be more indiffer- can see it through their TV dramas, Sonata” scenes were taken.
ent than their female cohorts, although where their cultural values are upheld. Taking about 150 pictures, of
there are some Korean movies that at- Perhaps it’s a bit different with Japan’s which 70 were taken at drama loca-
tracted both women and men, like the current generation, who seems to have tions, Lanny then added captions that
popular movie, “My Wife is a Gangster.” been lost - as indicated by lifestyles por- indicated the location and in which
Regarding Japanese products, trayed in dramas,” a fan, Yui Chan, said. episode of the drama it appeared.
manga (illustrated books) and anime Fans who love Korean products “I like Korean dramas. I have
attract the interests of a broad section subsequently have a desire to see posters, soundtrack records, ‘Polaris
of Indonesians — children, teenagers Korea. Several interviewed fans of necklace’ and more,” Lanny said.
and adults. Japanese dramas and Korean cultural products said they had In 2005, Korean dramas had al-
movies have been replaced by prod- gone to Korea, others who haven’t ex- ready gained much popularity. Besides
(From left) Samulnori performance in Jakarta, Indonesians visit Korean Cultural Center in Jakarta ucts from Korea and Taiwan. pressed hope that they would someday being aired on TV, fans could watch

40 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 41


CULTURE

‘Sikgaek’
dramas by renting videos from rental Twenty-four-year-old Kim Jae-
stores. For example, to rent “Full won, who has starred in 12 TV dramas
House,” the most popular video in 2005, and movies, went to the three coun-
one had to go on a waiting list. A mar- tries to help promote Korean programs
keting officer at a rental store in Jakarta as honorary ambassador for the TV
said in that year, Korean dramas were Korea Showcase 2005. Offers Culinary Journey for Korean Tastes
more popular than Taiwanese dramas. “The grand mission is to introduce BY LEE JI-YOON
However, Indosiar’s Gufron said things about South Korea to the world. STAFF WRITER
that no Korean dramas ever beat the The particular mission is to introduce
popularity of Taiwan’s “Meteor Korean dramas to the world,” Kim said
Garden,” which is the most popular in the press conference for the program.
The fans said
T
Asian drama ever in the country. Once Outside the press conference room, he 24-episode drama “Sikgaek” for the royal family during the Joseon
the hype about “Meteor Garden” sub- dozens of girls waited for the actor, is enjoying popularity, stimulat- Dynasty, “Sikgaek” shows more com-
sided, Korean TV dramas have com-
they like Korean holding posters with endearing state- ing the appetite of TV audience mon Korean cuisine.
peted almost head-to-head with
Taiwanese dramas here.
dramas and ments for the actor.
That was 2005. Three years later,
around the country. Based on Hur
Young-man’s popular comic series of
Recent episodes featured hanwoo,
or Korean beef, competitions, intro-
Hallyu in Indonesia is concentrat- movies because the situation has not changed much. the same name, the film version of the ducing how high-quality Korean cows
ed on TV dramas, while pop music and The concentration is still on TV dramas, series, titled “Le Grand Chef,” was also are raised, slaughtered and cooked.
big-screen movies have yet to make a they showed both not so much on music and movies. a huge hit when it was released last Amid raging controversy over the re-
significant presence here. Although the affection that some year. sumption of U.S. beef imports into
Apart from TV stations, the avail- sides of tradition Indonesian fans hold for Korean mu- In the drama, a culinary genius Korea, many viewers watched the
ability of Korean cultural products
through legal means is not high, how-
and modernity. sic and movies has not quite reached
the hype stage, there is a general sup-
dreams of becoming the best chef in
the country. Korean Wave star Kim
episodes with interest.
“The reason why good hanwoo is
ever. Pop music and movies are still port base. Rae-won plays the leading role, Sung- more expensive than imported beef is
rarely seen on Indonesian TV. Some even make blogs to share chan, and Kwon Oh-jung plays his ri- explained in our drama. Because the
So far, only one band, Paran, has rows here for Korean dramas, two rows their fondness for Korean cultural val, Bong-ju. A beautiful restaurant production process is seen in detail, I
ever come to Indonesia. There was no for Taiwanese, and one row for products. manager and a food magazine jour- hope the drama to be helpful for han-
hype, no screaming girls and no glitzy Japanese,” a vendor said, pointing to Besides the blogs and the mailing nalist, played by actress Kim So-yun woo consumption,” Kim Rae-won told
limousines — especially when com- rows of DVDs in shoe boxes. lists, there are several internet forums and Nam Sang-mi, form a love trian- reporters during a news conference.
pared to the huge hype created during A fan of Korean dramas and discussing Korean movies, dramas and gle, raising the tension. Nam Sang-mi, who plays a feisty
the Taiwanese F4 visit six years ago. movies could enter any pirated-DVD pop music. Many fans are indeed While the film version focused journalist in the drama, added, “The
Large commercial cinemas in shop in the city and ask for the most young women who always tend to be more on the fierce cooking competi- whole experience, traveling around
Indonesia also rarely screen Korean popular current Korean drama and at the forefront of trends. tions between two main characters, Korea, feels like a photo album.”
feature-length movies, save for “My have no problem finding it. “My references are certainly from the drama looks for the essence of Aired by local broadcaster SBS, the
Wife is a Gangster” and “My Sassy Korean TV executives have mostly the internet, especially from Soompi Korean cuisine, showing Sung-chan drama continues until the end of
Girl.” Meanwhile, fans of Korean pop been the primary marketers of Korean (www.soompi.com). I also get infor- scouring the countryside to find the August. ■
music said they mostly get the songs cultural products in Indonesia. In mation from forums. On Star Asia best cooking ingredients.
by illegally downloading them. 2005, they came to Jakarta to market Village we share info about the newest Keen media interest in and out of
One of the major challenges facing their products, toting sneak peaks of movies, music and dramas,” Lila said. the country is also being paid to the
Korean producers is piracy in dramas, cartoons and documentaries - Discussions often show that the drama. Unlike the TV show “Daejang-
Indonesia. In the last two years, piracy as well as business commodities. fans develop a certain feeling for gum,” where a female chef cooks
has dominated the distribution of The visit to Jakarta was a part of Korean cultural products that they
Korean cultural products. Along with the program called Korea TV could distinguish from other East
other cultural products from the United Showcase 2005, which continued to Asian products.
States, Europe, Taiwan, Hong Kong Thailand and India. “The last reason for loving them:
and Japan, products from Korea are al- Putting a nice touch on the market- All the boys are handsome. Korean
so on any pirated-DVD vendor’s menu. ing attempt, the Korean Broadcasting faces are delicious. Different from
On bootleg vendor said that Korean Commission appointed one of the Mandarin faces,” Cinthia said. ■
dramas take up about 40 percent of all country’s TV stars to carry the mission (Photos courtesy of Korean Cultural
dramas he has in stock. “We have two to expand Korea’s charm. Center in Jakarta)

42 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 43


The Korea Herald
CULTURE

Japanese tourists look at the maedeup pieces displayed at the Donglim Korean Maedeup Museum in Seoul

Shim Young-mi called “Maedeup Village” because


many knotting artists and vendors
launched the brand “Donglim
Maedeup,” which is also her pen
were living together in the 1960s. name. In 1988, when her workshop

Knots Art and Life Together Shim, who was in her early 20s,
sometimes partook in knotting work
just for fun at Yu’s workshop. She
provided knotting pieces used for offi-
cial Seoul Olympics souvenirs, Shim
herself earned wide recognition both

with Silk Threads helped make small knotting acces-


sories such as norigae, worn with han-
bok, and evening bags. Yu often
at home and abroad.
“My father-in-law started knotting
to make a living. And so did I. I didn’t
BY LEE JI-YOON praised Shim’s dexterity and let her do expect Korean maedeup would be rec-
STAFF WRITER more difficult jobs. ognized as a precious art and tradi-
“You know the old saying ‘You tion, as it is today,” Shim said.
can judge the whole by a part.’ He ap- After holding exhibitions in
Traditional decorative knotting artist Shim Young-mi shows a modernized maedeup piece proved my hand skills and praised my France, the Netherlands and Belgium,
personality. Then he introduced me to she has organized a regular exhibition
his third son, who was also helping his every year with neighboring countries.

The Korea Herald


T
raditional knotting artist Shim Shim also learned the knotting skills father’s work,” Shim said. The rotating exhibition is aimed at in-
Young-mi, 62, is shy of shaking from her father-in-law and husband. At the age of 27, she married Yu troducing knotting pieces of Korea,
hands. Even though she meets “At that time, every process was Mu-woong and formally received in- Taiwan and Japan and encouraging
many people thanks to her reputation, done by hand. We had to dye silk struction in knotting from her father- each country’s traditional art through
she dislikes exposing her hands, which threads with natural pigments, twist in-law. The family struggled to make mutual understanding.
reveal her 40 years of knotting work. the threads into strings and knot the ends meet — like most knotting artists In 2004, Seoul City entrusted to
“I hate to show my ugly hands to strings,” she said. — because Korean maedeup was not her a museum specializing in Korean
other people. My fingertips are “It wasn’t easy for me to endure the fully recognized as an art form at that maedeup, called “Donglim Korean
cracked and pigments are soaked in physical pain, but I have never thought time. To make matters worse, the fam- Maedeup Museum.” Located in
the cuts,” she said covering her hands. of quitting the job. I’m still fascinated ily business worsened as customers Bukchon Village, where traditional
Nowadays maedeup, or the tradi- by the beauty of Korean knotting.” broke off business connections after Korean houses are well preserved, the
tional Korean art of decorative knot- Her father-in-law Yu Cheon-man the death of her father-in-law. museum shows colorful maedeup
ting, is known to be created by the deft acquired knotting skills from his aunt, They had to seek clients in other pieces and also their more-modern-
hands of female artists. But those who who was working in the palace during regions, and ironically, this strategy ized versions.
worked in the early days of the knot- the Joseon Dynasty, the heyday of brought in success for the business, As her knotting works appeared in
ting art were mostly male because the Korean knotting art. Then Yu settled making her and her maedeup pieces some popular TV dramas, such as
work was a physically difficult process. in Gwanghui-dong, Seoul, which was Maedeup pieces known across the country. Shim “Gung” and “Hwang Jin-i,” portraying

44 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 45


CULTURE

The Korea Herald

The Korea Herald


Modern maedeup accessories

Korea’s modern royal family and the


most famous female entertainer during
the Joseon Dynasty respectively, the
Harmony in Knotting
museum also has become a popular
tourist spot for non-Korean visitors.
Even though Shim is now satisfied

M
with her life, she doesn’t want her aedeup, a traditional knot- the string to form a symmetrical pat- used for special occasion. At that
children to take over the family tradi- ting art, is characterized by tern. Unlike Japanese and Western time, people decorated lanterns that
tion. When her daughter-in-law said the harmony of three main knotting, which use tweezers and were hung under the eavesdrops of
she wanted to learn knotting skills, parts: string (kkeunmok), knotting hands, Korean knotting artists use an houses to herald celebratory events,
Shim didn’t permit her even to touch (maedeup) and tassel (sul). awl to tighten knots to keep them flowered palanquins that brides rode
maedeup pieces. The kkeunmok is made by twisting from loosening. in on their wedding day, musical in-
“I didn’t want her to experience several silk threads together that have Another distinguishing character- struments that were played for cere-
the physical pain that I suffered,” she been dyed with natural pigments, the istic of Korean knotting art is that a monies or religious services, and
said. knotting, the main part of a maedeup maedeup piece is made of just one biers for carrying the dead during fu-
Despite Shim’s strong opposition, piece is knotted with two strands into string, whose three-dimensional knot- nerals.
Park Jin-young, her daughter-in-law, various symmetrical patterns and ting begins and ends at the same Most patterns produced by knot-
acquired the skills by secretly receiv- shapes, and a tassel at the end hang- point. Macrame, the Western knotting ting pieces are copied from both nat-
ing instruction from another artist. ing down creates the final touch. technique, is created by several strings ural and household objects, as well as
“I couldn’t persuade her and now The knotting process begins by with two-dimensional patterns. animals and insects. While Japanese
she is my best apprentice. It took some bending the middle of a string to di- Maedeup is considered to have knotting artists try to represent real
time to change her self-educated knot- vide it into two parts of the same peaked during the Joseon Dynasty. objects perfectly, Koreans display the
ting style,” Shim said with smile. length, tying knots with both parts of Decorative forms of maedeup were patterns more abstractly. ■
“I’m enthusiastically supporting
my daughter-in-law, who is studying
Colorful silk maedeup strings
cultural heritage conservation at a
university. Even though I feel confi-
dent about my knotting skills, I know
academic studies need to be under-
taken to further develop the tradi-
Shim works on twisting silk threads into a string tion,” she said.
Due to cheap and roughly-made
knotting pieces from China, the de-
“I still adhere to the traditional way of mand for traditional maedeup pieces
has decreased recently.
making knotting works. But I also “I still adhere to the traditional
way of making knotting works. But I
encourage young people to try new and also encourage young people to try
The Korea Herald

modern things, but not to the extent that new and modern things, but not to
the extent that tradition is ignored,”
tradition is ignored,” Shim said. she said. ■

46 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 47


FOOD

Kimchi A
meal without kimchi is unthinkable for most Koreans. Despite being fermented all
winter long, the cabbage leaves used for this common dish stay fresh and crispy.
Moreover, by being rich in seasoning and having a spicy yet sweet taste, kimchi adds
a savory flavor to all types of food and is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. However,

A Thousand-Year-Old Tradition kimchi is not just a flavorful dish, it also contains numerous healthful properties, including
being rich in vitamins, aiding digestion, and possibly being helpful in preventing various
types of cancers. The Korean spirit is embedded in kimchi, and the care and devotion it takes
to make this tasty dish is an embodiment of the soul of the entire country.

Tongbaechu Kimchi Nabak Kimchi Baek Kimchi Oisobagi Dongchimi Chonggak Kimchi Bossam Kimchi Kkakdugi
Tongbaechu kimchi (Chinese The primary ingredients of Red pepper powder is not an in- Oisobagi (stuffed cucumber kim- Dongchimi (watery radish kimchi) Chonggak kimchi (whole radish Bossam kimchi (wrapped kimchi) Kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi), a
cabbage kimchi) is the most Nabak kimchi (radish water kim- gredient in Baek kimchi (white chi) is made with various season- is made, using radishes that are kimchi) is made from small is made by adding pears, mus- bite-sized cube of white radish, is
common kimchi in Korea. It is chi) are radishes and cabbages. kimchi), instead it is marinated in ings, that are stuffed in cucum- pickled in salt. It is placed in a turnips with a lot of red pepper sels, chestnuts and dates to kim- easy to make and goes well with
usually made during winter and is It is usually made during the ear- salt. This causes the cabbage to bers marinated in salt and is crock and buried in the ground. powder and seasoning. This kim- chi seasoning. It is wrapped in a soups and casseroles, such as
included in every Korean meal. ly months of spring and is popu- release a refreshing juice during known for its refreshing broth. People enjoy its brisk taste. chi does not sour easily, even cabbage leaf and served in a seolleongtang (ox bone soup) or
lar for its cold and invigorating its fermentation process. during summer. bundle. haejangguk (a spicy soup for
broth. hangovers).

Source: Korea Tourism Organization

48 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 49


TRAVEL

Yonhap

Yonhap
Coast of Taean, Chungcheongnam-do

T
he worst oil spill in Korea’s histo- cleanup of the coastal areas is making that gathered from across the nation to

West Coast ry hit the West Coast in December


last year. The waters and coasts of
Taean, once a popular summer vaca-
considerable progress and Mallipo
Beach reopened on June 27, the first
among the 32 beaches in the affected
help in the recovery.
Starting with the opening of
Mallipo Beach, 31 other beaches are

Recovering from
tion spot in Chungcheongnam-do, were areas. The reopening comes less than also stepping up efforts to attract va-
covered with 12,000 tons of crude oil seven months after the oil-spill disaster. cationers this summer season. Under
from a supertanker. It seemed an im- A special festival was prepared by the slogan of “Dancing Sea! Taean,”
possible dream for the local residents to the culture ministry and the local gov- various festivals are being planned to

Oil Spill go back to their previous daily lives.


But thanks largely to the hard work
of volunteers and local residents, the
ernment aimed not only at celebrating
the opening, but also at appreciating
the efforts of over 1 million volunteers
be held in early August. The programs
include music performances, magic
shows and beach film festivals. ■

Volunteer workers help clean coastal areas affected by the worst oil spill in Korean history

The Korea Herald

50 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 51


Yonhap
TRAVEL

Yonhap
Tourism
Leaders
Converge
in Busan
BY KIM KYU-HEONG
KOREA HERALD STAFF WRITER

T
he top representatives of the Far
East’s tourism industries met in
June as part of the third Korea- Tourism ministers of Korea, China and
China-Japan Tourism Ministers’ Japan — Yu In-chon, Shao Quiewei and
Tetsuzo Fuyushiba (from left) — join
Meeting, which was held at Busan’s hands after signing the Busan
APEC House. Declaration. At far right is Hur Nam-sik,
The meeting began on a somber Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City
note with a moment of silence dedi-
cated to the victims of the recent
earthquakes in China and Japan. nations can meet each other and talk saw from Europe the development
“Natural disasters of course affect to each other honestly about issues.” achieved by their cooperation, and
the tourism industry,” said Shao On June 23, the ministers worked that is something that we need to learn
Qiwei, China’s Minister of Tourism. out and signed the Busan Declaration. from,” said Shin Joong-mok, CEO of
“But we are attempting to put tourism Among the fourteen points in the dec- the Korean Tourism Association, at the
at the center, or at least a significant laration, there was special emphasis forum’s commencement.
part, of the rebuilding process.” on the development of renewable and While the meeting between the
Discussion regarding the state of environmentally friendly tourist at- ministers was a more symbolic event,
tourism in post-earthquake Sichuan, tractions. anticipating the future of cooperation
China and northeastern Japan were “The three countries have pledged among the tourism ministries, the BEX-
among the topics as bilateral talks offi- to abide by the international concern CO forum addressed more practical is-
cially began on June 11. On the next with the environment and will take in- sues, and focused on the current state
day, the three ministers met for the to account global climate change, of tourism.
third time in as many years. The first which has been a concern of late,” said “I hope that, through this meeting
such meeting was in 2006 in Hokkaido, Yu In-chon, Korea’s minister of of tourism representatives, we can
and the 2007 one was in Shanghai. Culture, Sports and Tourism. solve specific problems within the
“Korea, China and Japan are not They did not, however, mention tourism industry,” said Nakamura
only close, but they also have the same any specific means to attain this goal. Doru, CEO of the Japan National
language root of Chinese characters That was left to the meeting of tourism Tourist Organization.
and therefore have a cultural bond,” officials, who held a one-day forum at Among the issues the forum ad-
said Fuyushiba Tetsuzo, the Japanese the Busan Exposition and Convention dressed in its six presentations — two
Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Center. by each nation — were the cultural dif-
Transport. “There is significance in the “We live in a world today where ficulties which tourists experience in
Various festivals and events attract summer vacationers to the West Coast
fact that the three top ministers of our nations must unite and cooperate. We the other two nations. ■

52 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 53


The Korea Herald
PEOPLE

Olympic Games. al development of Korea. With many top


In 1997 he was presented with the profile celebrities attending the ceremony,
Presidential Culture and Art Medal for his the media in and out of the country pay
contribution to the fashion industry. In keen attention to the star-studded shows.
2003 he was awarded Italy’s Cultural Since 2001, the designer has ventured
Merit Award and was elected as UNICEF’s into the fashion license business, lending
goodwill ambassador. his name to such varied products as a lin-
In November 2006, Kim showcased gerie line, eye wear, golf wear, cosmetics
his costumes representing the beauty of and children’s wear. ■
Korea at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, in Cambodia. The show ti-
Andre Kim showcases his costumes at Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia in November 2006
tled “Fashion Fantasia: Angkor Wat” is
the first of its kind ever held with the an-
cient temple as a backdrop.
His distinctive designs are represented
by the bold, rich colors and motifs of
Asian patterns including large roses,
birds and tree branches. Kim always
wears all-white outfits, which is said to
Fashion designer Andre Kim (center) stands with be his favorite color. Once American pop
actor Kim Rae-won (right) and Lee So-yeon star Michael Jackson asked him to be his
during his fashion show’s finale in May
personal designer but he declined the
proposal, saying “his clothes were for
everyone.”
Korea’s First Male Fashion Designer For the 73-year-old fashion designer,
who still holds almost 20 fashion shows a
year, a fashion show is not just about in-

Andre Kim
BY LEE JI-YOON
STAFF WRITER
troducing new collections, it is an artistic
performance showing off fashion and so-
phistication. His choice of classics as
background music makes for an elegant
and dramatic mood and white-toned set-
tings bring out the unusual colors of his
The Korea Herald

K
im Bong-nam, more widely known designs.
as Andre Kim, was born to rural The highlight of his fashion shows is
farmers in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, the final stage, featuring white suits and
in 1935. Graduating from the Kukje wedding dresses romantically embellished
Fashion Design Academy, Kim opened with Kim’s symbolic designs. The wed-
“Salon Andre” in central Seoul in 1962 at ding dress show is particularly renowned
the age of 27, becoming Korea’s first male for starring famous Korean celebrities.
fashion designer. Walking down the catwalk dressed in
In 1966 he held a fashion show in the designer’s clothes is widely considered
Paris, a first for a Korean fashion design- a great honor for a Korean celebrity and
er. Later he had fashion shows in New for young actors the stage is a huge op-
York, Washington, Barcelona, Cairo, portunity to be recognized to the public.
Sydney and Beijing. Based on connections with top
He was named as the chief designer celebrities, Kim holds an award ceremony

The Korea Herald


for the 1981 Miss Universe Beauty called “Andre Kim Best Star Awards,” to
Pageant and in 1988 he designed the uni- honor pop stars or cultural figures who
Models walk the runway during Andre Kim’s fashion show forms of the Korean athletes for the Seoul are considered to contribute to the cultur-

54 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 55


Yonhap
PEOPLE

Jhun Yong-duk
the animation industry. But he con-
fronted an unexpected challenge in Heir of the Last Royal Family
April 2003 when Big Idea Production
went bankrupt following the failure of Becomes Ceramic Artist
a major animation project. BY LEE JI-YOON
He frantically sent his portfolio to STAFF WRITER
various animation companies.
Fortunately, he got a call from an ani-
mation company in New Jersey, noti-
fying an opening for him. And then
something unexpected happened. As

T
he was settling in New Jersey, he got a he Korean media paid keen at- ceramic art at the university in 2004
call — this time from DreamWorks. tention to a recent exhibition of and graduated this year.
After a telephone interview, a rookie ceramic artist. The She also learned traditional porce-
DreamWorks hired him, opening up a artist’s attempt to apply graffiti to lain techniques under the tutelage of
new career path for Jhun — an anima- Korean traditional porcelain was a Hobong Jang-Song-mo.

Korean Power tion artist at the very studio he wanted


to work for. Jhun worked on various
new approach, but the attention was
more about the artist Yi Jin, 32, who is
Two years ago, with the popularity
of the TV drama “Gung (Princess
behind ‘Kung Fu Panda’ projects at the studio, but “Kung Fu
Panda” was special for him because it
the great-granddaughter of the na-
tion’s last Emperor Gojong.
Hours)” featuring modern Korea under
a constitutional monarchy, some peo-
BY YANG SUNG-JIN was his first as head of layout. Her father Yi Seok, professor of ple launched on-line campaigns to re-
KOREA HERALD STAFF WRITER
Working as head of layout for history at Jeonju University in vive the nation’s royal family.

Yonhap
“Kung Fu Panda” was a combination Jeollabuk-do, is a son of Prince Yi “The social system has already
of happenstance and talent. As the Yi Jin Gang, the fifth son of Gojong. changed dramatically. But we can re-

“K
ung Fu Panda,” a recent the cinematic camera technique, and project was delayed for longer than Currently Yi Seok is one of two pre- store it in an artistic way. That’s why
animated feature from he liked it,” Jhun said in an interview expected, the original head of layout tenders to the throne and the only one I’m working for the Royal Family
DreamWorks, thrives on its with The Korea Herald. moved to Disney. DreamWorks had to living in Korea. Culture Foundation,” she told Chosun
sophisticated cinematography. When It was a critical and rewarding mo- find a new layout chief. During the exhibition held at a Ilbo, a local vernacular daily newspaper.
the main character named Po suffers a ment for Jhun because he received not “I applied for the job, and I stressed gallery in southern Seoul from May 11 She is working as a committee
punch, the screen shifts into slow-mo- only Katzenberg’s recognition but also that I was born in Korea and I knew a to 17, Yi showed her 50 ceramic works member for an art competition spon-
tion for greater effect. When Po pro- got a chance to incorporate his own lot about Asian culture and sensibility, under the theme of “Clay, Energy, sored by the Royal Family Culture
vides a slapstick gag, the camera does ideas into a global animated feature — and if the company wanted to incor- Graffiti and Communication.” Foundation, which was established
not move, allowing the audiences to something he had dreamed of when he porate Asian culture and include “New energy (graffiti) is poured in- aimed at preserving the royal culture
enjoy the scene as it is. first set foot in the animation industry. many action scenes, in which I have to traditional porcelain,” she told a lo- and promoting it to the world.
The enhanced techniques have been Jhun, 36, was born in Seoul and expertise, I said I would do it better cal media outlet. “I want to communi- After her next exhibition, sched-
spearheaded by Jhun Yong-duk, head graduated from the University of than the others,” he said. The next day, cate with people around the world uled for the end of this year, she is
of layout at DreamWorks — equivalent Seoul in 1996. He entered Keumkang Jhun was told he got the job. through the messages expressed on planning to study in the United States
to cinematographer or director of pho- Communications, an advertising Jhun said “Kung Fu Panda,” which the surface of ceramics.” to get an MBA.
tography in conventional filmmaking. agency and started his work in the de- took five years to make, showcases not She shunned questions related to Pressured by growing influences
It was Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief sign department. But he decided to only a very interesting story, but also her tragic family history, sensing too of neighboring countries, the King
executive officer of DreamWorks, who study in the United States in order to rich Asian flavors in terms of distinc- much attention paid to it. While her Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty de-
asked Jhun to revamp the cinematog- achieve his dream of working in a ma- tive visual effects and angles. older sister Yi Hong is an actress who clared the Korean Empire in 1897 and
raphy to give “Kung Fu Panda” its jor animation studio such as Jhun, who is now working on appeared in several dramas and TV assumed the title emperor in order to
seamless and uninterrupted visuals. DreamWorks and Disney. “Shrek 4,” said the new installment of commercials, it was the first time Yi assert Korea’s independence.
“One day, I had a breakfast with After graduating from the presti- the Shrek franchise will be dramatical- exposed herself to the public. But during the Japanese colonial
Mr. Katzenberg, and he told me that gious School of Visual Arts, he briefly ly different. “The new Shrek film is be- While studying art management at rule, Emperor Gojong was poisoned to
“Kung Fu Panda” should be made as a worked at an art studio in New York. ing produced as a three-dimensional the Graduate School of Kyung Hee death in 1919. The death of Imperial
really cinematic film, so I did my In 2001, he moved to Chicago to Big feature that will require audiences to University, she was fascinated by ce- Crown Prince Uimin in 1955 is gener-
Ju Gallery

homework, for about two months, and Idea Productions to work as a layout use stereoscopes, so it will come as a ramic art during her trip to Europe. ally considered as the end of the roy-
then gave a presentation to him about artist, formally starting his career in very new movie,” he said. ■ Yi’s ceramic works Then she reentered the department of al family. ■

56 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 57


PEOPLE

Yonhap
Haliun, her husband Park Tae-soon and
their daughter Park Ta-na

New Musical ‘Dreamgirls’


to Stage in Seoul
The new version of the musical “Dream- But this project will be a good start for a

The Justice Ministry


girls” will be co-produced by Korean Korean musical company to reach out
and U.S. production teams and will pre- the world market, someday with its own
miere in Seoul next year. creation, Shin explained.
Premiered on Broadway in 1981, the “Instead of doing a Korean version of
show traces a girl’s dream to be a pop a licensed musical, we decided to par-
star. In 2006, it was widely recognized ticipate in the whole process of making
through its film version, starring
American diva Beyonce as the leading
the new production of the global musi-
cal,” said Shin, 41, who is well known
Woman from Mongolia
role. for his previous successful remakes of Passes
While there was a rush of inquiries “Jekyll and Hyde” and “Man of La
Civil Service Exam
World’s Youngest Professor about the musical remake, John F.
Breglio, chairman of Vienna Waits
Mancha.”
Along with Shin and Breglio, Henry

Teaches in Korea Productions, who had the license for


the show, accepted a co-production
Krieger, who wrote the music for both
the original musical and the movie, and
A Mongolian-born woman becomes Korea’s first
ever naturalized citizen working as a state immi-
proposal of Shin Chun-soo, head of OD Robert Longbottom, choreographer gration official. Haliun, 32, who passed the state
Musical Company Co. and producer on Broadway is to take exam on July 3, started working at the ministry
“I thought that to stage the show in part in the new production as well. from mid July.
East Asia, Korea could work out well as In the new production, the song “Lis- She applied in June to a special category for
home base because there was enor- ten,” which was newly featured in the applicants with foreign language skills, and took
mous interest and an active market in- movie, is to be added, along with new the annual ninth-grade civil service exam. The
dustry,” Breglio said at a news confer- tunes. ninth grade is the lowest level, but it is extremely
Alia Sabur speaks during a news conference held at Konkuk University in Seoul
ence in Seoul on July 1. Starting with its Seoul premiere in competitive because of the job security it entails.
In Korea, licensed Broadway musi- March 2009, “Dreamgirls” will tour the “Haliun’s case marks a good opportunity to
cals are favored by local theater-goers. United States at the end of the year. ■ give hope to other naturalized Koreans. The

A
19-year-old professor started the age of 19 at Marischal College, year contract with Sabur. As her re-
Justice Ministry will do its utmost to cultivate a
lecturing at a university in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1717. search achievements are superb, she is

Yonhap
society in which Korean nationals and expatriates
Seoul on June 19. Even though According to her parents, who are expected to be an inspiration to her
can live together with respect for each other,”
it happened during mid-term exams at living with her in Seoul, she started students. said the ministry in a press release.
Konkuk University, a lot of students reading at eight months. Sabur entered Starting from September, she will Haliun came to Korea in 2000 to study after
gathered at a campus hall to attend the State University at Stony Brook in begin her official courses teaching cell graduating from the Korean language department
first lecture by Alia Sabur, American 1999 at the age of 10 and graduated in science to students of the Graduate at the National University of Mongolia. She earned
intellectual prodigy. 2003 with a degree in applied mathe- School Department of Advanced her master’s degree in economics from
“I can’t recognize her young age. matics. Technology Fusion at the university. Sangmyung University and married a Korean man
The lecture was great and her attitude She doesn’t think her age will be “Although my intellectual talent is in 2004. She became a naturalized citizen in
was very calm,” said a Konkuk stu- much of an issue with her Korean stu- a gift from God, it’s nothing special March.
dent. dents, who have grown up in a coun- given that every person has their own The written exam given June 15 involves
In February, Sabur, then 18, was try where respect for elders is consid- talent,” she said, “I want to use my tal- Korean history, international law and a foreign
named a full-time professor at Konkuk ered an important virtue. ent in a good way to help others.” language of the applicant’s choice. Out of 450 ap-
University, becoming the world’s “I think that there is also a lot of Sabur is also a musical prodigy plicants, 89 passed the written exam. Of those, 55
youngest professor — officially recog- respect for professors and people in with the clarinet and hopes to exhibit passed the final interview round.
nized by the Guinness Book of World authority (in Korea),” she said at a her skills in Korea. “I’m hoping that Shin Chun-soo (left) poses with Nineteen naturalized Koreans applied for the
Records. She broke the 300-year-old news conference held at Konkuk there might some good opportunities John F. Breglio, chairman of Vienna first time to the foreign language section, which
Waits Productions, at a news was first administered in 2005. Of them, only
record by Colin Maclaurin, who be- University. while I’m here to play with some good conference in Seoul
came a professor of mathematics at The school said that it has a one- Korean musicians,” she said. ■ Haliun passed the exam. ■

58 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 59


EVENTS

Puchon Hanstyle Expo 2008


International Fantastic
Film Festival

T
PIFF he 12th annual Puchon International Fantastic Film
Festival was held from July 18 to 27, showcasing 25
films from 39 countries. Last year, films were shown
from 33 countries.
Festival films were introduced in various categories
such as World Fantastic Cinema, Forbidden Zone, and
Family Fanta. More specialized sections were also new to
the program, such as one title, “The Rebellious: Asian
Action Special” which featured eight films from Korea,
Japan, Hong Kong and the Middle East.
The opening film this year was “Waltz with Bashir,”
an Israeli film by Ari Folman, which was also featured as
a competition piece at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. In Various traditional cultural performances are delivered during the Hanstyle Expo from July 31 to Aug. 3
this autobiographical documentary animation, Ari em-
barks on a journey to remember his experiences in the
Israeli army two decades ago.
The festival’s closing film was a Korean and Japanese

H
collaboration titled “Cyborg She,” directed by Korean anstyle Expo was held from get business through the exhibition.”
filmmaker Kwak Jae-young. Kwak is most well-known July 31 to Aug. 3 with the aim Participation by local governments
for “My Sassy Girl” (2001), and once again brings his of promoting Korea’s traditional was also active. Jeonju, which has
comedic yet poignant touch to the screen. culture and its industrialization. promoted the city’s high-quality
A new program titled the Network of Asian Fantastic Initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Korean paper, also took part in the
Films was also introduced during the festival. As the Sports and Tourism, this year’s event event with other companies in
product of five years’ worth of planning, the program is was the second, following the Han Jeollabuk-do. The local government of
an initiative taken by the festival committee to strength- Brand Expo in 2006. Jeollanam-do, home of the famous
en the place of genre films worldwide and in the hearts of Focused on six main traditional Garden,” which supports seminars and bibimbab, joined the food section.
mainstream audiences. cultures including Korean language, interaction between Korean and for- Recreational events were also pre-
Another program was the “It Project.” The project fo- food, housing, clothes and music, cul- eign companies; and “Playground,” pared for visitors and participating
cuses on a different country and genre of film each year, tural events and business programs at- providing an information center and companies to better enjoy Korea’s tra-
and then run workshops to train filmmakers in that par- tracted related companies both at coffee lounge for the convenience of ditional culture. A hanbok fashion
The opening film “Waltz with Bashir” (top)
ticular style. This year the project showcased 19 Chinese home and abroad. participants. show presented the beauty of Korean
The closing film “Cyborg She” action movies. Four main programs included Jang Hwa-yoon, head of the exhi- traditional clothes and traditional mu-
These new projects are considered to be crucial to the “Hanstyle Gallery,” featuring six tra- bition’s organizing committee, said, sic performances created a festive
festival’s growing reach and reputation as an internation- ditional cultural sectors; “Business “Business programs are more en- mood for the event.
al forum or genre filmmakers and artists. Complex,” for the marketing of par- hanced this year. We have made ef- For more information, visit
For more information, visit www.pifan.com. ■ ticipating companies; “Business forts for participating companies to www.hanstyleexpo.com. ■

60 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 61


EVENTS
Participants watch a presentation at the 18th
International Congress of Linguists at Korea
University in Seoul on July 21

Two Koreas Unite at


Taekwondo Festival
BY KIM HEE-SUNG
KOREA.NET STAFF WRITER

Yonhap
T
he 10th World Taekwondo

Yonhap
Festival opened in the first week
of July from July 1 to 6. The an-
nual event, hosted by Chung Cheong
University and managed by the World Congress
Organizing Committee of the World
Taekwondo Festival, was held on the
Language Experts Gather in Seoul of Philosophy
BY YANG SUNG-JIN
campus of the school in Cheongju, KOREA HERALD STAFF WRITER The world’s largest gathering of
Chungcheongbuk-do. philosophers was held from July 30
Over 3,000 Taekwondo practition- to Aug. 5 in Seoul, featuring 2,500
ers, one third of them from some 60 scholars from 150 countries.

T
countries, showed off their skills during he 18th International Congress of “Unity and Diversity of Languages,” of- The 22nd World Congress of
the festival. Linguists ended its six-day run on fered eight plenary lectures, 10 parallel Philosophy provided a venue for
Also, it was the first time that com- July 26, with some 1,500 linguists sessions of designated topics, 19 work- leading philosophers and the gener-
petitors from the South Korea-based from 70 countries sharing the latest shops, and general sessions. More than al public alike to discuss various is-
World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and trends and research results in the field. 800 papers were presented in a way sues under the theme of “Rethinking
North Korea-based International The linguistic congress, the largest that sheds light on the latest advances Philosophy Today.” Seoul hosted
Taekwondo Federation (ITF) participated international event for language schol- in linguistics and related fields. the conference the first time for an
together under this year’s slogan “We ars, featured top linguists including As part of the opening day events, Asian country.
are one through taekwondo.” Suzanne Romain from Britain, James Susan Fischer, professor at University The Congress, which was initiat-
To stress the significance of the Pustejovsky from the United States of California, San Diego, gave a spe- ed in Paris in 1900, is regarded as
coming together of the two federations, and Grezegorz Dogil from Germany. cial presentation titled “Sign the most important gathering of
philosophers in the world. About
the first match right after the opening The Linguistic Society of Korea or- Language East and West” and Jean
1,400 papers by scholars from 97
ceremony was one between members of ganized the conference in cooperation Aitchison, from Worcester University,
countries were presented.
both the WTF and ITF. with the Permanent International England, touched on evolution of lan-
Notable participants from the
Just a day before the festival, there Committee of Linguists. Korea hosted guage in a lecture titled “Uncovering
United States include Fred
was a torch-lighting ceremony followed what is called the “Olympics of Language and Evolution.”
Dallmayr, Allan Gibbard, Tim
by a “We are one through taekwondo” Linguistics” as the second Asian coun- During the Seoul congress, top-
Scanlon, Alvin Goldman, James
music concert and other traditional cul- try to do so after Japan — which host- notch linguists and researchers dis- Pryor, Jason Stanley, and David
tural events from July 2 to 5. ed the event in Tokyo in 1982. cussed issues including the pressure to Chalmer. Kim Jae-gwon, a
The final day featured a two-hour “The linguistic congresses have achieve unity in world languages in renowned Korean philosopher who
special match between South Korea’s gradually developed into truly interna- step with globalization while at the teaches at Brown University, also
famous practitioners of mixed martial tional gatherings,” said Ferenc Kiefer, same time preserving minority lan- joined the conference.
arts and ITF taekwondo competitors. president of Permanent International guages. Other well-known figures who
Meanwhile, the farm villages of the Committee of Linguists. “The topics The official languages of the con- gave papers include Vittorio Hosle
nearby Cheongwon region were discussed at the congresses, too, reflect- gress are English, French, German and from Germany, Simon Blackburn
bustling with guests from abroad, most- ed the rapid growth of linguistics as a Spanish, but the Seoul gathering al- from Britain, Enrique Dussel from
ly taekwondo competitors and their science and its manifold interfaces with lowed for presentations in Korean. Mexico, Tomonobu Imamichi from
families experiencing traditional farm psychology, sociology, anthropology, The linguistic congress takes place Japan and Tu Wei-Ming from China.
culture during the festival. computer science, philosophy and every five years around the world, and For more information, check
For more information on the taekwon- many other disciplines.” the first CIL was held in The Hague, www.wcp2008.or.kr. ■
A participant from New Zealand demonstrates taekwondo breaking skills
do festival, visit www.tkdfamily.net. ■ The conference, under the theme the Netherlands, in 1928. ■

62 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 63


BOOKS

Photos Revisit Korean War

Just as there are many interpretations of the Korean War, there are tense curiosity about Koreans. One particular photograph, titled
many different photographs from that period, taken by different peo- “Two Orphans,” is breathtaking. It shows a young girl of perhaps
ple in different locations, from different perspectives. seven or eight, with short cropped hair, piggybacking her much
“The Korean War” and “Coreennes” are two such bodies of work, younger brother. The boy is asleep, oblivious to the fact that his sis-
showing starkly contrasting but similarly moving photographs of the ter is crying with her mouth open in the middle of an empty field.
war from opposite sides of the 38th Parallel. “The Korean War,” writ- There is no right way to interpret an event such as the Korean War, Taekkyon
ten in Korean, is a collection of photographs taken by Lim In-sik, a and therefore, no right way of capturing its effect on film. What’s
Author: Kim Joo-hyung
military photographer, during the entire length of the Korean War. most important about these two books is that they do not pretend to
The book features scenes of military and civilian life in the South, have a holistic vision of the Korean War. Rather, Lim’s panoramic Publisher: Ithink Communication
with excerpts from Lim’s diary and quotations from those who lived photographs of crumbling cities and crowds of refugees filing to Pages: 82
through the war. Most of the images show the devastation and trau- board trains have a personal depth that requires a homegrown nos- Price: 12,000 won
ma that the South Koreans underwent during that period. talgia to truly appreciate. Marker, on the other hand, does not dis-
“Coreennes,” on the other hand, is a collage of photographs and guise his foreign glance, but his photographs show an increasing ad-
translated writings by French artist Chris Marker. Marker, who was a miration for the Korean people and their culture. Despite their differ-
stranger to Korean culture, visited North Korea in 1950. Unlike Lim’s ent perspectives, both Lim and Marker agree on one thing: the
collection, Marker’s photographs show more scenes of everyday life Korean War destroyed much of Korea as a nation, a race, a culture, Even though taekkyon is Korea’s oldest tradition-
than those from the war. Marker’s photographs are not dated or and a dream. ■ al martial arts form, it is not very well-known here,
even titled like Lim’s; instead, he contextualizes them within themes and is less so elsewhere. “Taekkyon,” by Kim
like ‘Faces,’ ‘Three Women,’ and ‘Sensations.’ He also disperses ex- Joo-hyung, master of the Gangnam Training
cerpts from plays or poems amongst his images, as well as folk tales Center, and PR and international director of the
that he hears in the course of his travels. World Taekkyon Headquarters, is written in
That is not to say Lim’s photographs, by comparison, are cold or English to not only give both Koreans and non-
objective because they follow a more documentary-like style. His Koreans a taste of taekkyon’s history and place in
son, Lim Jung-ee, who put his father’s photographs together, adds a Korea’s culture, but also to allow them to try
humanist touch to the photographs using other primary materials. taekkyon out for themselves.
For instance, a letter that a soldier wrote to his mother is placed at Taekkyon dates back to the Goguryeo era, and
the beginning of a chapter on civilians. The soldier expresses his re- was originally a game for the upper classes. By
morse and regret at having killed other men, and promises his moth- the Joseon Dynasty, however, the commoners
er that he will be home soon. At the bottom of the letter, the author regularly put on taekkyon competitions on nation-
inserts a paragraph explaining that the soldier’s body was later found al holidays. During the Japanese colonial period in
in August 1950, but serious injuries prevented the body from being the early 20th century, taekkyon teetered on the
identified. The notebook in which the soldier wrote this letter was so edge of obscurity, until Song Duck-gi, the last
drenched in blood that it was difficult to read. practitioners of the Joseon dynasty, helped revive
At the same time, “Coreennes” offers something completely dif- it. Finally, in 1983, taekkyon was acknowledged
ferent in terms of a perspective on the war. While Lim focuses on the as an Intangible Cultural Asset by the Korean
destruction that occurred as a result of the Korean War, Marker Coreennes Government.
shows life as it used to be in the North. He also sews together differ- In addition to a short historical overview of
ent patches of Korean culture. Paintings, outdated maps, pictures of Author: Chris Marker taekkyon, the book features a section in which
wares sold in a marketplace, and Marker’s own musings about Publisher: Noonbit taekkyon moves and procedures are explained
Korean folk talks create a unique tapestry and interpretation of North Korean War Pages: 152 and illustrated with photographs. The explana-
Korean culture. In a way, by showing what was there before the de- Price: 20,000 won tions are simple and methodical, but also cover
Author: Lim In-sik
struction, Marker shows what was lost because of the war. fighting styles and the sprit of the game. At the
“Coreennes” features dancers, old men talking in the street, and
Publisher: Noonbit
end of the section, Kim sets out a training-
children performing an impromptu play on the outskirts of a market. Pages: 200
process table and outline of rules for those who
By using series formats and close-ups, Marker shows his own in- Price: 28,000 won want to practice taekkyon more seriously. ■

64 KOREA AUGUST 2008 AUGUST 2008 KOREA 65


FOREIGN VIEWPOINTS

Annyeonghaseyo!
Glad to See You Again in ‘Our Country’

W
hen I was in Ukraine, my impres- “hello!” for sure. And they’ll be really hap-
sions of Korea were quite different py if you answer them.
from those I have now after stay- Before coming to Korea, I thought
ing here for more than two years. I can say Korean cuisine was similar to Chinese and
for sure Korean culture is different from Japanese. But when I came here, I under-
European and other Asian cultures as well. stood it’s totally different. Before, I didn’t
I’ve been quite impressed about how hear anything about kimchi, but I really
my conception of Korea changed when I like it now. Every time I go to restaurants,
came here. “The Land of the Morning I ask the waiters to bring kimchi if it’s not
Calm” is an amazing country. What is re- on the table. In my opinion, it’s not only
markable about Korea is that in the early the most popular Korean dish, but also the
BY YURII MUSHKA 1960s it was a ruined postwar country. most delicious and healthy. I also like the
AMBASSADOR OF UKRAINE And it took only one generation for this variety of side dishes. Each Korean restau-
country to reach the top-level nations. rant serves a lot of them.
In my opinion, Koreans should be Of course, it’s worth mentioning the
proud of this. Every Korean is a part of the high potential of Korean companies from
collective, one small screw in a complete both technical and economic points of
mechanism called “our nation”. This is a view. Over the past 10 years, Korea has
country where people drop their egos for achieved numerous milestones and histo-
the common good. Koreans also pay at- ry-making breakthroughs in the IT arena.
tention to courtesies. Bowing is the most Now, every newcomer to Korea is im-
common behavior in Korea, which is pressed by the country’s progress in the IT
used to show respect to older people or sector. Those who have lived here for a
those with higher social status. The na- while have already enjoyed all of Korea’s
tion’s unity, mutual respect, high capac- achievements.
ity of work and desire to make It should be noted that the business
their country better are strategies of Korean companies are promis-
praiseworthy. ing. Ukraine became independent only 17
Koreans are also years ago and diplomatic relations with
very open-minded Korea were established in 1992. But there
and ready to help in any situation. You are already many Korean companies oper-
can always hear “annyeonghaseyo!” ating in our country. Striking examples are
around you. In the restaurants, the staff Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics,
kindly says hello to you with a big which take up leading positions in differ-
smile in order to make you ent segments of the Ukrainian market.
feel warmer. Korean Korea is a place where you want to re-
children are also turn over and over again, Korean society
taught to welcome makes you feel comfortable, even if you
foreigners, so if understand that you are different. It’s an
you meet them, amazing country that makes you feel at
you will hear home. ■

66 KOREA AUGUST 2008

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