Korea [2008 Vol. 4 No. 12]

www.korea.net Opening a communicative space between Korea and the world

December 2008 VOL. 4 NO. 12

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28 Cover

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Death of Korean Student Remembered in Japanese Film

The Experience of Foreign Students in Korea

Korean B-boying Performances Wow New Yorkers

Korea Becoming More Foreign-Friendly

Three Renowned Film Directors Meet in ‘Tokyo!’

46

Lee Warns against Trade Protectionism at G20 Summit

48

Art

More Professionals Become Naturalized Koreans

Diplomacy

30

Food

Making Hot Foods Hotter and Mild Foods Milder

Korea Proposes Creation of Pacific Rim Free Trade Area

48 18 Publisher Yoo Jin-hwan

Ramsar 2008 Adopts ‘Changwon Declaration’ on Humanity and Nature

Editing & Printing Herald Media Inc. E-mail [email protected]

26

Culture

The World of Korean Calligraphy

Letters to the editor should include the writer’s full name and address. Letters may be edited for clarity and/or space restrictions.

Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty Revived in Digital Form

A Look at Contemporary Korean Artists in Paris

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56

Books

Goguryeo: In Search of Its Culture and History

59

Special Series

The Republic of Korea at Sixty — Guy Sorman, French Philosopher

New Growth Engine Industries-1 : Planting Seeds of Growth in Key Sectors

People

Kim Yu-na Set to Dominate Figure Skating World Japanese Artist Focuses on Beauty of Korean Traditional Culture Jang Han-na Shows New Side of Vivaldi

4 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

36

Seoul Lights Up for Holiday Season

Hanbok Artist Makes Style Simple and Easy

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Events

Daegu Biennale Shows Charms of Photography

Museum Prepares to Celebrate Centennial Next Year

The articles published in Korea do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. The publisher is not liable for errors or omissions.

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Experiencing Korea’s Traditional Boudoir Culture

Design toga design

A downloadable PDF file of Korea and a map and glossary with common Korean words appearing in our text are available by clicking on the thumbnail of Korea on the homepage of www.korea.net.

Festivals to Mark Korea’s Winter Season

Global Korea

Korean Culture Introduced to South America

Korean Culture and Information Service

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from Korea and the Korean Culture and Information Service.

Travel

66

Foreign Viewpoints

Multiculturalism Starts at Home — Luis T. Cruz, Philippine Ambassador to South Korea

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DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 5

Vladmir V. Saveliev (right) from Russia makes an oath at his naturalization ceremony held by the Ministry of Justice on Oct. 27

More Professionals Become Naturalized Koreans BY LEE JI-YOON STAFF WRITER

A

ceremony for 26 new Koreans who became naturalized in October was held by the Ministry of Justice on Oct. 27. To become a Korean citizen, one is required to have lived here more than five years and pass the naturalization test. According to Korea Immigration Service, over 9,000 people from foreign countries have become naturalized Koreans this year as of September. The number is expected to surpass the record 13,000 by the end of the year. 6 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

Only 54,000 people have taken Korean citizenship since the country’s independence from Japan’s colonial rule in 1945. Chinese account for almost 45,000 of that total, followed by people from the Philippines, Mongolia and Pakistan — most seeking a better life here. However, as the number of naturalization applicants from other regions like Europe has increased, their nationality and occupations have become varied and more professionals

with higher education are included. Vladmir V. Saveliev from Russia is one such individual. Saveliev, 54, is an expert in the field of three-dimensional image display and has published some 10 articles in international journals and holds five patents. After two failures, he finally passed the naturalization test and made an oath in Korean at the ceremony representing others. When asked why he became a Korean citizen, he told reporters, “Because I love Korea more than

A family is awarded naturalization certificates The Korea Herald

Koreans do.” He first visited Korea in 1998 when he was invited by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology to take part in a project with the Ministry of Information and Communication. After the successful completion of the work, he came to Korea again and has stayed here since 2000. It did not take long for him to make a decision on naturalization because he had already been fascinated with Korean history, culture and food. Of course, the country’s advanced technology was the decisive reason. “I have wanted to work in Korea — which has the world’s best technology in the display area,” he said. He is currently working at the Research Institute of Electrical and Computer Engineering, which is affiliated with Hanyang University in Seoul. Another is Kim Myung-kuk. Kim, 38, who was born in China and majored in animal husbandry, also became naturalized in October. Since earning doctor’s and master’s degrees at Seoul National University, he has been working as a researcher at the school. He studies eco-friendly pig raising without using antibiotics in their feed. His research is expected to help Korea’s livestock industry, largely dependent on feed materials from abroad, and struggling to compete with cheaper imported products. Han Yeon, 35, is a naturalized Korean citizen from China who has exported Korean children’s books of more than 100 titles. After studying the Korean language and literature at a local university, she has been working at a publishing company and has written two books in Korean. Two sisters who had Taiwanese nationality also became newly naturalized citizens. Both studied pharmacology at a university in Korea and are planning to open a drug store. ■

The Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice

COVER

Foreign engineers work with their Korean fellows

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 7

COVER

The Experience of Foreign Students in Korea

Exchange students from abroad learn how to make a traditional fan

back to India and teach Korean. I also plan to open an institution for stronger ties between Korea and India.” Hema is one of the 64,000 foreign students studying in Korean universities. Thanks to increased scholarship opportunities, the number of students from abroad surged by more than five-fold compared to 12,314 in 2003. Seventy percent of them are from China and another 12 percent are from other Asian countries. Seoul has sought to attract more foreign students through its “Study Korea” project devised in 2004. It plans to extend state scholarships to

Female students try on Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing

3,000 students in 2012, up from 837 this year. About another 3,000 foreign students are on scholarships provided by Korean universities themselves.

The Korea Herald

Some, like 23-year-old Ali from Pakistan, come as exchange students. Ali, a business management student at Seoul National University, chose SNU on the advice of his professor back home and hopes to learn from Korea’s advanced industries before returning to Pakistan to run his own packaging material business. International students are admitted to various departments ranging from cultural properties to computer science, but not all of them come with a good command of Korean. Still being a fraction of the student population, many face difficulties as minorities. Malla Thakuri, studying atmospheric science at Yonsei University, did not know she’d be taking some of her courses in Korean. After filling her lab hours from morning through evening, the Nepalese student strives to learn Korean and do assignments for her major. “This semester, I’m taking five courses and one is in Korean language. It is so difficult as 8 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

I’m learning basic Korean now,” she said. “But language is the one problem I have. I like the food and the culture.” A Cambodian student studying urban engineering signed up for English courses only. But because he is the only non-Korean in his class, the professor often uses Korean during the lecture and gives him separate lessons. “About 35 percent of the foreign students major in engineering,” said Sohn Sung-moon,

Education Minister Ahn Byung-man (left) meet with 26 students from Asian countries.

Yonhap

H

ema Haninway started learning Korean in 2003 while doing her master’s program in political science in Delhi. She chose Korean after much thought because she was impressed by the country’s dramatic economic growth. “In order to learn about a country’s politics or culture, I believed it was essential to learn the language,” she said. She is now a master’s student of Korean language and culture education at Korea University. “Upon graduation next year, I plan to go

The Korea Herald

BY KIM SO-HYUN KOREA HERALD STAFF WRITER

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 9

The Korea Herald

COVER

P

Yonhap

Students listen to a lecture at a university

Students from abroad play traditional shuttlecock

10 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

Yonsei University’s coordinator of international affairs. “Unfortunately, not all professors in all departments are ready to teach entirely in English. Most international students studying for a degree are required to learn Korean to a certain level.” Tran Thi Thuy from Vietnam plans to work as an interpreter upon graduation for Korean businesses operating in her home country.

“I found that knowledge of economics was required to be a good interpreter for companies and decided to study economics in Korean,” she said. “I learned Korean before coming to Korea but I’m the only foreign student and it is hard to make friends in school.” Education Minister Ahn Byung-man met with 26 students from Vietnam, Mongolia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan on Monday. The minister had a lunch meeting with Chinese students last month. In addition to the limited English courses, students raised several issues such as the need for cheaper dormitories and childcare facilities as well as diversity of the school cafeteria menu. “We will include the assistance of international students as an evaluation factor for universities to encourage them to work more on that,” Ahn told the students. “We will also improve the quality of English-only courses as well as Korean language programs, provide more international students with dorm rooms, job finding services and a chance to experience Korean culture.” ■

olicies toward foreigners have taken on increasing significance in Korea where the number of foreign residents has topped the 1 million mark, accounting for over 2 percent of the total population. Expatriates who have stayed here for more than 90 days accounted for 1.8 percent of the Korean population estimated at 49.35 million, according to the recent data released by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security. Migrant workers totaled 437,727, nearly half of the immigrants. The numbers of spouses and children from international marriages are 144,385 (16.2 percent), and 58,007 (6.5 percent), respectively. Together with short-term foreign residents here, non-Korean residents totaled 1,145,660, over 2 percent of the total population, according to the Korea Immigration Service. The number is expected to rise to 2.9 million in 2020, or about 5 percent of the population. In recent years, the Korean Government has introduced plans to relax immigration and naturalization rules in a bid to sharpen global competitiveness with foreign human resources. Under the banner of “multiculturalism,” it has also crafted various policies to promote social integration among non-Koreans. The Justice Ministry established the Korea Immigration Service last year to comprehensively deal with social integration, immigration and naturalization. The ministry also enacted the nation’s first law aimed at guaranteeing better treatment for foreigners in Korea in July 2007.

The Korea Herald

Korea Becoming More Foreign-Friendly

Efforts for Expat Families The Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs is currently implementing a support

A female tourist learns traditional Korean oil painting

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 11

The Korea Herald

COVER

U.S. Engineer Starts New Life at KAIST BY KIM SO-HYUN KOREA HERALD STAFF WRITER

As part of efforts to boost interna-

ber, others make special efforts to

tional competitiveness, the Korea

help me.”

Advanced Institute of Science and

Morrison was happy to hear that

Technology (KAIST) offers more than

the Korean government is planning

half of its courses in English.

to provide large grants for universi-

Seventeen percent of full-time

Expats make kimchi for the needy

Children from various countries show their national flag-shaped cakes

He was involved in his depart-

university are non-Koreans, most of

ment’s proposal for the “World-

whom are engineering experts or

Class University” state funding to

scientists.

create a research group focusing on

James Morrison, a former advisory

the design of next-generation semi-

engineer at IBM in Vermont and as-

conductor wafer/LCD fabrication

sistant professor at Central Michigan

plants.

University, joined KAIST early this

“We identified several internation-

year as an assistant professor of in-

ally famous world-class scholars in

dustrial and systems engineering.

the United States who expressed a

“KAIST offers a competitive start-

Expats learn how to play Janggu, traditional Korean drum

The Korea Herald

project for the families of foreign residents, which is divided into four major stages. The four stages are: preparation ahead of arrival; starting a family; settling and raising children; and helping those families develop useful skills. Before foreigners arrive, they will be able to obtain information about life in Korea through consultations with international marriage or immigration management officials in the Philippines and Vietnam, according to the ministry. Cultural classes — regarding understanding the differences in cultures, conjugal relations,

the roles of parents and communication methods — for the Korean spouses are also held at the 80 branches of the Transnational Marriage and Family Support Center located nationwide, its officials said. Private visits are also made by Korean language instructors for foreign brides and they will be encouraged to form their own groups to help keep their identity. To provide a wider range of information for foreigners, a quarterly magazine that contains essential living information for foreign residents is being published in different languages — with the goal of translating it into five different languages — and an interpretation and translation hotline is expected to be launched by next year, the ministry said.

Policies to Attract More International Brains Through the “World-Class University” (WCU) project, Korea seeks to nurture promising new fields in basic sciences and develop interdisciplinary studies by attracting more academic from abroad.

12 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology set aside a budget of 200 billion won (about $13.2 million) for the WCU project to be invested between 2008 and 2012. The applications for WCU grants are categorized into three types. Type 1 is to set up new academic departments or specialized majors with at least 30 percent of the faculty from abroad. Type 2 is to hire researchers from overseas universities, think tanks and companies as full-time teaching staff for existing departments. Type 3 invites renowned academics, such as Nobel laureates, who will be required to stay in Korea for at least two months a year. As the result of the type 3 evaluation, the Education Ministry announced in November that a total of 81 academics have been appointed by 30 universities. Starting next year, they will teach students and take part in 79 projects with their Korean fellows. They include nine Nobel laureates, 18 members of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, 12 members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and three members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. ■

ties to hire academics from abroad.

teaching staff at the state-funded

willingness to participate,” he said.

up package, salary and benefits

“In addition, I played a minor role

comparable to large state schools in

in reviewing another WCU proposal

the United States. The start of a

to create a new department at KAIST

tenure system is also similar to that

— the Department of Intelligent

of the United States,” Morrison said

Service Engineering. I am concur-

in an email interview.

rently appointed to that department.”

“As one of my areas of interest is

The professor has clear goals for

semiconductor manufacturing au-

himself — to design and evaluate so-

tomation or high-tech manufactur-

lutions for problems of substantial

ing, the fact that Samsung is based

importance, publish the results, ob-

in Korea is also appealing.”

tain grant money to support his work

Morrison chose KAIST also be-

and serve his academic community.

cause he knew the students would

“In particular, as electronics is a

be excellent. He described his stu-

cornerstone industry in Korea, solv-

dents as “driven to succeed, well-

ing problems in semiconductor

prepared and smart.”

manufacturing automation can have

“As my Korean is very poor, I am

significant value — increasing mar-

fortunate that most students and vir-

ket share and improving efficiency,”

tually all faculty have a command of

he said.

English to such a degree that com-

Morrison is a part of the KAIST

munication is always possible,” said

Mobile Floating Port project which

the American, who has a Korean wife.

seeks to develop next-generation

“I feel that KAIST has welcomed

port service concepts with an eye to-

me. In some ways, I think that be-

ward extending Korea’s strengths in

cause I am a foreign faculty mem-

this area. ■

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 13

DIPLOMACY

Korean President Lee Myung-bak (second from right, front row) and other world leaders pose for a group photo during the G20 Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Washington on Nov. 15

Lee Warns against Yonhap

Trade Protectionism at G20 Economic Summit

P

resident Lee Myung-bak called on world leaders to conclude a long-delayed accord to reduce subsidies and tariffs, warning that trade protectionism will hurt emerging markets. In a keynote speech at the G20 economic summit in Washington, he also suggested currency swap lines between advanced and emerging economies and more funds to developing countries to help alleviate a credit crunch in the global financial markets. 14 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

“G20 nations must lead the way for the stalled WTO Doha Agreement to be concluded as soon as possible,” he said, referring to the World Trade Organization’s seven-year-old talks. “What we are concerned about is spread of protectionism due to the current difficult economic situation.” He said any spread of protectionism will make the global economy more susceptible to recession and harm weak emerging economies. In this context, Lee called for global leaders to agree on a “Stand-Still”

declaration in which they would no longer create new barriers to trade and investment. Lee, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and several other heads of state have called for sweeping reform of the IMF and the establishment of a new global financial system to keep pace with recent changes in the global economy. Lee told the summit forum, “I think this short session should prioritize stabilization of the global financial market and minimizing its adverse impact

on economic fundamentals, although today’s session was supposed to deal with reform of the international financial systems to prevent recurrence of the financial crisis.” Lee also urged the world’s leading economies to establish currency swap lines to help provide foreign currency liquidity to emerging economies. Korea currently has a $30 billion currency swap arrangement with the United States, a currency line of $13 billion with Japan and a $4 billion currency deal with China.

In a speech at the working lunch, Lee urged global leaders not to repeat the “beggar-thy-neighbor policies” of the Great Depression days in order to bring about a speedy recovery from the ongoing financial crisis. “Going further back in history, we also learn that during the Great Depression of the 1930s, countries decided to increase tariffs and raise trade barriers, which inevitably stifled trade and prolonged worldwide economic stagnation. We must not repeat such beggar-thy-neighbor policies.”

“Beggar-thy-neighbor policies” refers to international trade regimes that emphasize competitive devaluations and increased protective barriers that one country institutes to gain at the expense of its trading partners. Meeting Korean journalists after the economic conference, Lee categorized the G20 summit as a major power shift from a handful advanced countries to a number of countries representing a variety of economic developments. “This summit should be seen as a historic one that can happen only once in a hundred years as emerging economies were taking part in the process to discuss major global issues, which were monopolized by G7 advanced economies,” Lee said. Lee expected that the summit of the world’s 20 biggest economies will develop into a major forum to discuss energy, global warming and other major global issues as well as the global financial crisis. “From now on, such global issues should be discussed both by developed and emerging economies, and I presume that they will be,” he said. The President noted that Korea will be the chair country of the summit in 2010, after Britain next year. ■ DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 15

Yonhap

DIPLOMACY

“Sets of bilateral and multilateral FTAs will help accelerate the WTO’s bid for global trade and investment liberalization,” Lee said, noting that Korea, Peru and Indonesia conducted a preliminary joint study on the FTAAP earlier this year.

Leaders of the countries that belong to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) including Korean President Lee Myung-bak pose for a group photo after attending the APEC summit conference in Lima, Peru, on Nov. 22

Bilateral Summit Meetings

The Asia Pacific leaders wrapped up their two-day summit in the Peruvian capital of Lima after adopting a 12-point joint declaration calling for “quick and decisive action” to prevent a severe global economic downturn. They also warned against sealing trade borders in the face of financial turmoil and also called for a “prompt, ambitious and balanced conclusion” to the WTO’s stalled Doha round of global trade liberalization talks. Notably, the leaders voiced hope that the ongoing financial crisis could be overcome in one-and-a-half years.

Korean President Lee and his Peruvian counterpart, Alan Garcia agreed at a summit in Lima on Nov. 21 to begin negotiations on a two-way free trade agreement in the first half of 2009. In addition, Lee also separately met with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to discuss ways to expand bilateral economic cooperation. President Lee and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet also met just ahead of the APEC summit and agreed to cooperate to form a new multilateral FTA involving about 10 Pacific Rim countries, including New

Korea Proposes Creation of Pacific Rim Free Trade Area

K

orean President Lee Myung-bak proposed launching discussions on concluding a multilateral free trade agreement among Pacific Rim countries. He made the proposal in an address at the closing session of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Peru on Nov. 23. He said the 21 APEC member nations need to conduct an extensive study on the potential economic impact of the so-called Free Trade Area 16 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

of the Asia-Pacific Region (FTAAP), a proposed free trade area involving almost all APEC member economies, which account for more than half the world economy and almost half of world trade. “Sets of bilateral and multilateral FTAs will help accelerate the WTO’s bid for global trade and investment liberalization,” Lee said, noting that Korea, Peru and Indonesia conducted a preliminary joint study on the FTAAP earlier this year.

On the sidelines of the APEC summit in Lima, President Lee, U.S. President George W. Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso held a three-way summit meeting on Nov. 22 and agreed to resume the six-nation talks on North Korea’s nuclear program early December. President Lee’s spokesman Lee Dong-kwan told reporters that there is a consensus among all participants that the North Korean nuclear problem should be discussed within the framework of the Six-Party Talks. Following the three-way summit, Lee and Bush held bilateral talks for discussions on North Korea, the ongoing financial crisis, the long-delayed legislative approval of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) and other pending issues.

Yonhap

Summit Talks among Lee, Bush and Aso

Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, the United States, Australia, India and Peru. Before flying to Peru, the Korean President visited Brazil and held summit talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The two leaders agreed to closely cooperate in combating the global economic crisis and widen bilateral economic and commercial exchanges during their summit talks in Brasilia on Nov. 19. In Brasilia, Lee also held unscheduled summit talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. They discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in energy and resources and agreed to cooperate more closely in overcoming the global financial crisis. ■

President Lee (left) shakes hands with Brazilian President Lula before holding summit talks in Brasilia on Nov. 19

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 17

GLOBAL KOREA

Korean Culture Introduced to South America Traditional musician Ahn Sook-sun

Pianist Kim Sun-wook

18 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

A

Korean Music and Film Festival, held in Sao Paulo on Nov. 11, ended with a positive response from audiences. Sponsored by the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOIS), the event was attended by 350 guests including Brazilian government officials, diplomats and Korean expatriates living there. Renowned traditional musician Ahn Sook-sun performed “Shimcheong-ga,” one of the most well-known Korean pansori songs, which was also designated as part of UNESCO’s world cultural heritage category. Amid the cheers of the audience, she also sang the song “Arirang.” Pianist Kim Sun-wook, who is currently working in London, played Schumann’s Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) and Beethoven’s Sonata No. 31. The audience applauded the 20-year-old piano prodigy for his brilliant performances. During the event, Korean traditional food was also provided for participants to experience Korean culinary culture. Several cultural events were held to introduce Korean culture to South American countries to commemorate the 16th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which took place in Lima, Peru, in November, with the participation of President Lee Myung-bak. Before the Lima event, some Korean films screened on Oct. 30 and 31 and performances by the National Theater were presented on Nov. 3, both in Santiago, Chile. “Chile, Brazil and Peru have a 50-year history of diplomatic relations with Korea,” said Chung In-kyu, an official at KOIS. “These cultural events were prepared to reaffirm the friendship with those three South American countries before the APEC summit.” On Nov. 7 and 8, Korean films were also shown to Peruvians at the Korean Cultural Center. ■

‘These cultural events were prepared to reaffirm the friendship with those three South American countries before the APEC summit.’

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 19

Yonhap

Ramsar Changwon 2008

GLOBAL KOREA

Jogaedongneup in Odaesan, Gangwon-do, a newly designated Ramsar wetland

Officials of the Ramsar Convention including Environment Minister Lee Maan-ee (second from right) and Anaga Tiega, secretary general of the Ramsar Convention (middle) celebrate at the closing ceremony in Changwon

Ramsar 2008 Adopts ‘Changwon Declaration’ on Humanity and Nature BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

T

he 10th meeting of the contracting parties of the Ramsar Convention — an international gathering to protect wetlands — closed amid cheers on Nov. 4. A total of 2,288 government and NGO officials from 140 countries attended the meeting at Changwon Exhibition Convention Center. The participants said the meeting was about 10 years ahead of its time, with its thorough preparation and stable management. The meeting was an eco-friendly one, befitting its goal. A total of 2,500 people, including

20 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

both participants and citizens, chipped in for the carbon offset funds. Personal stainless steel cups instead of paper ones were used. Also, USB flash drives took the place of paper. Of the 33 draft resolutions discussed during the session, 32 were adopted. The one regarding a change in the frequency of meetings was rejected. The “Changwon Declaration,” which was led by the Korean government, was adopted. It envisions a way of harmonizing humanity and na-

ture by highlighting positive actions under the themes of water, climate change, people’s livelihood and health, land use and biodiversity. “The declaration is different from the other issues discussed during the session, as it offers practical measures to assure it will have an impact,” a Korean delegate said. A joint resolution by South Korea and Japan on the preservation of rice paddies, titled “Enhancing biodiversity in rice paddies as wetland systems,” was also adopted. The goal is to promote proper water management of rice paddies to ensure conservation of biodiversity and sustainable food production. The meeting was an opportunity for citizens to take another look at the wetlands. More than 20,000 people participated in the various events held at the convention center. The high interest led to the revitalization of wetland tours. More than 135.000 people visited Upo wetland and the Junam reservoir during the meeting period. “The meeting elevated Korea’s status as an environmentally advanced country,” said Kim Tae-ho, governor of Gyeongsangnam-do. “We need to keep the interest up in order to preserve wetlands in the future.” The next Ramsar Convention is to be held in Romania in 2012. ■

Yonhap

Books containing artwork by 4,400 students depicting the nature and culture of the 158 Ramsar member countries (top), volunteers wave hands on the closing day

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 21

Experiencing Korea’s Traditional

The Museum of Korean Embroidery

GLOBAL KOREA

Boudoir Culture BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

The Museum of Korean Embroidery

Korean traditional five-sided cushion

Korean traditional spools

22 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

F

ifteen foreign women gathered at The Museum of Korean Embroidery in Nonhyun-dong, southern Seoul, on the last day of October to learn how to make “bojagi,” a Korean traditional wrapping cloth. The museum held sewing classes from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3 for migrant women who are married to Korean men. A total of a hundred women participated in the program, in which they made five-sided cushions and bojagi. “We wanted to teach them Korean culture and history so that they can better adjust to Korea,” explained Lee Hye-kyu, the curator of the museum. “Plus, it will also help them raise their children. Their children will be Korean. It would be a shame if the mothers didn’t know anything about Korean women culture.” The women were eager to learn. Every minute of the class was vigorous, with all the sewing, fluffing and asking of questions. No translators were needed — being wives of Korean men, — most were fluent in Korean. A Japanese lady who brought her daughter along to the class stopped her sewing several times to exclaim “So beautiful!” in Korean, holding up her cushion with a huge smile. Established in 1969, The Museum of Korean Embroidery is practically the only institute in Korea that displays the cultural assets of Korean women’s boudoir, such as bojagi, needles, spools and embroideries. It holds more than 3,000 cultural assets including a couple of treasures. The founders of the museum busily ran back and forth between antique art markets to make the collection. “These are very precious items, but Koreans didn’t seem to realize that,” say Huh Dong-hwa, one of the founding members and the current director of the museum. “So we decided to collect them, and preserve

them before they all get lost.” Thanks to their efforts, attention has increased on the culture of Korean women’s handicrafts. “About 80 percent of the visitors are foreigners, since the museum is more famous overseas than in Korea,” says Lee. “This museum is a must-stop spot for tourists. Including those held overseas, more than 7 million people have come to our exhibitions.” The museum has held about 50 exhibitions in other countries, including the United States, England, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. “Western countries don’t have bojagi culture, so Western people simply think that it is another kind of painting,” says Huh. “But the thing is that they think our bojagi is more beautiful than the paintings of famous Western artists. That is why they get drawn into bojagi.” Huh assumes that bojagi started about 1,500 years ago in Korea, during the Goguryeo Kingdom. “Chinese, Japanese and Korean bojagi all have their unique styles. But Korean bojagi is best at pulling out what is supposed to be the original charm of cloths quilted together — by delicately showing the stitch marks,” he says. Now, according to Huh, bojagi is practically considered a proper noun, like kimchi. “Bojagi is the most environmentally friendly wrapping material that can be reused more than a hundred times. It was recently chosen as the main item in many design shows. As far as I’m concerned, it is time for revolution of bojagi.” The museum plans to hold the education program every year. “Next year, it will be bigger and we will invite people from more countries,” says Huh. Meanwhile, the museum is holding “The Exhibition of Korean Traditional Spool” through

Migrant wives concentrate on making five-sided cushions (top) pose with their work

March 5. A total of 150 spools made of various materials, such as stone, cow bone, ivory, straw and embroidered cloth, are displayed. Some were used by the common people, and some were only used inside the palace by the royal family and aristocrats. People carved in little passages hoping for happiness in the family or a baby boy. To get to the museum, get off at Hakdong Station, subway line No. 7, and come out of exit No. 10. For more information, contact www.bojagii.com ■ DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 23

Korean and foreign experts attending the seminar at the Korea Press Center Ministry of National Defense

World Ocean Forum 2008

GLOBAL KOREA

Busan Hosts World Ocean Forum 2008 BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER Lecturers of the World Ocean Forum 2008

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he “World Ocean Forum 2008” was held Nov. 11 to 12 at the Lotte Hotel, Busan. More than 2,000 participants from around the world gathered at the forum, and 10 world renowned scholars gave speeches. This is the second time the forum was held in Busan. It is the first international forum that specializes in the marine field. It aims to become the Davos Forum of the marine field. Under the theme “Toward the Future of Wealth in the New Ocean Era,” the participants sought ways to best generate national wealth through the ocean, to overcome global risks and to preserve the sustainability of the ocean. The first day started with the special session “Stories on Future Values of Ocean by World Leading Scholars.” Karl Laustein, president of World Maritime University, Michael M. Bernitsas, professor of naval architecture and marine engineering at University of Michigan, and O.C. Phang, president of International Ports and Harbours Associations, gave speeches on “The Importance of MET and National Development,” “Marine Renewable Energy” and “Future Co-

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Prospect through Port Networks,” respectively. The rest of the forum was composed of three sessions — “Ocean Resources and Energy of New Growth Engine,” “Creating National Wealth through Shipbuilding and Logistics Industry” and “Future Vision toward a Marine Power.” The participating scholars gave positive remarks about the forum. “The forum is filled with enthusiasm,” said David Lincoln Fluharty, professor of ocean fishery science at University of Washington, who gave a speech on “Ecosystem Based Management” during the second session. “Busan’s status as a maritime city will emerge, and its marine industry and forum will also rise internationally,” Fluharty said. One of the forum’s achievements was the inauguration of the MITO award. Kim Jong-ryeol, president of the Marine Industry and Technology Organization, and Peter Marlow, president of the International Association of Maritime Economist, created an MOU to present 1,000 pounds to an

Defense Experts Discuss Korean Peace at Global Forum

A participant speaks at the forum

international maritime economist who is contributing to the development of the marine industry. “The many suggestions discussed during the forum should be reflected in the government’s future policies and should gain commercial interest,” said Lee Jin-bang, co-chairman of the World Ocean 2008 Committee and president of the Korea Shipowners’ Association. “This forum will be able to move our maritime industry to an advanced level. We aim to keep the forum growing.” The forum was hosted by the Ministry of Land, Transport, and Maritime Affairs, Busan Metropolitan City, and the Marine Industry and Technology Organization. More information can be found at www.wof.kr ■

BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

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he Ministry of National Defense hosted an international seminar on “Global Trend of Arms Control and Peace on the Korean Peninsula” at the Korea Press Center from Oct. 29 to 30. Nineteen experts, including six foreign ones, attended the seminar and introduced 10 new papers and held discussion sessions. The 18th MND Arms Control Seminar and the 26th International Conference of the Research Institute on National Security Affairs were also held on the occasion. “The seminar is organized to grasp the vast knowledge and experience of

local and foreign experts while working to develop various policies to establish military trust and set up an arms control system between the two Koreas, which is one of the 100 main policy goals of the government,” said a ministry official. On the first day, the participants discussed many subjects regarding arms control. Debates on “Building Peace on Peninsula and Arms Control” followed the next day. Some significant arguments were introduced during the seminar. Narushige Michishita, a professor at the National Institute for Defense Studies in Japan, said that North Korea

will change from the current assaultive control policy to a defensive one — if its government changes. James Acton, an associate in the Nonproliferation Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the cases of North Korea and Iran show the serious weak points of the existing Nonproliferation Treaty. He asserted the need of a new forum to enable discussions of a nongovernmental level. The MND has annually held a seminar on arms control since 1991. This is the first time the ministry hosted an international seminar on the issue with this many participants. ■ DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 25

National Museum of Korea

CULTURE 1 Changgyeonggung Yanghwadang, a former building of the museum which was used from 1908 to 1938 2 The renovated capital building, which was used as the museum from 1986 to 1996 3 A building in Gyeongbokgung, which was used as the museum from 1972 to 1986

historical significance of the 100th anniversary of the Korean museum.” Many cultural figures participated, including Lee, Kim Jang-sil, vice-minister of culture, sports and tourism, and Go Heung-gil, chairman of the Culture, Sports and Tourism and Broadcasting and Communications Committee of the National Assembly. After the seminar, the participants looked around “Autumn in Art,” a special exhibition of the museum. A total of 140 pieces of landscape paintings, genre paintings and other cultural assets regarding autumn were displayed. An emblem to commemorate the centennial was also unveiled. It consists of the Korean letters “Bak Mul Gwan,” or “museum,” and the colors are inspired by “bojagi,” or Korean traditional wrapping cloths. It implies that it will carefully wrap and preserve various Korean cultural artifacts. The first Korean museum that was open to the public was the Imperial Museum, founded on Nov. 1, 1908, at Changgyeonggung Palace. It was opened to the public for the first time in 1909 by Sunjong, the last emperor of the Empire of Korea, who hoped to share cultural assets with the people. Next year, to commemorate the

Visitors take notes at the National Museum of Korea

Museum Prepares to Celebrate Centennial Next Year BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

The National Museum of Korea

26 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

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100th anniversary of the Korean museum, the National Museum of Korea will hold various commemorative events along with the Korean Museum Association. It plans to hold a ceremony and an international conference in November

Visitors take a look at a collection in the National Museum of Korea

National Museum of Korea

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ore than 200 museum officials gathered at the National Museum of Korea on Nov. 3 for a ceremony to proclaim 2009 as “the 100th anniversary of the Korean museum.” Lee O-young, chairman of the Commemoration Promotion Committee and the former minister of culture, sports and tourism, gave the proclamation. “It has been 100 years since the first Korean museum opened. We need to preserve our cultural assets and their value in their original form,” he said. It was held under the theme “The

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2009. It will host three international conferences before that, all regarding the meaning of the centennial year. A special exhibition with 200 pieces of cultural assets is planned from November 2009 to February 2010. The museum will also publish a book on the history of Korean museums and start a donation fund. “We hope to make next year a starting point to raise the importance of museums and make them more familiar to the people,” said Choe Kwang-shik, the director of the National Museum of Korea, during the ceremony. “We will look back on the achievements of Korean museums and prepare for the next centennial — all the while preserving and boosting Korean culture.” To visit the National Museum of Korea, get off at Ichon Station, subway line No. 4, and come out of exit No. 2. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr ■ DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 27

loset hy on a c Emograp

Calligraphy of Kim Jeong-hee

black Chinese ink, but the thickness of the ink varies. Calligraphers adjust the strength put into each stroke, creating a spectrum of brightness from complete black to nearly white, even on one single letter. The unique thing about Korean calligraphy is that it uses “Hangeul,” or Korean characters, as well as Hanja. It has even a wider range of letters to express the art with. Great Korean calligraphers, such as Kim Jeong-hee, are considered some of Asia’s best.

Calligraphy Museums in Korea The Korean Museum of Calligraphy opened in Suwon in October 2008. It is the first museum specializing in calligraphy to be established by a local government. At the museum, visitors can see how Korean calligraphy changed and developed over time. The museum holds more than 6,000 works by famous calligraphers from various dynasties. The works of King Youngjo and Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty can be found there. Before the museum in Suwon opened, the Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul was the sole place that held expositions on calligraphy. It has held nearly a hundred expositions since its establishment in 1988. The Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum contains more than 1,300 works of calligraphy. Some works of foreign calligraphers are also included in the collection.

Korean Calligraphy BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

Calligraphy of King Hyojong of the Joseon Dynasty

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oreigners are often puzzled when faced with Korean calligraphy work. “Is that a piece of art or a document?” they would say. Even though it is unfamiliar in the West, calligraphy is a traditional form of art in Asia. Originating in ancient China, calligraphy caught on in many Asian countries that use “Hanja,” or Chinese characters, such as Japan, Vietnam and Korea.

The Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum at Seoul Arts Center

Charm of Korean Calligraphy No matter how simple it looks to stroke letters on a paper with a big brush, calligraphy is a complex genre of art. It is the art of shape. Just the right accordance of dots and lines are needed. Regarding this, each calligrapher has his or her own style. Little variances, even a simple shift in the order of writing each letter, make a big difference. The works are usually done in

Huh Hoi-tae writes calligraphy with a big brush

Huh Hoi-tae

Contemporary Korean Calligraphy Some calligraphers seek to modernize Korean calligraphy in a creative way. Huh Hoi-tae, a veteran calligrapher of 47 years, is one. He recently held the exhibition titled “Emography” at Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum. “Emography” is a new concept of calligraphy that Huh created. It signifies the collaboration of emotion and calligraphy. Huh’s works not only stay in expositions and museums but are used as designs for closets, beds and even Korean traditional costumes. “I tried to push Korean calligraphy out into the open rather than to leave it isolated from the public — stuck in the frame called ‘tradition’ or ‘oriental,’” Huh explains. “If it comes out into the open, people will know that Korean calligraphy is like a creative treasure box.” Huh’s unique style is gaining interest around the world. “The idea of expressing emotions within the smallest forms of letters — such as a dot or a stroke — can be highly attractive to everyone,” he says. ■

Emography on a Korean traditional costume Huh Hoi-tae

The World of

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Huh Hoi-tae

CULTURE

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 29

CULTURE

A Look at Contemporary Korean Artists in Paris BY LEE JI-YOON STAFF WRITER

“Deux Sceurs-Tricoteuse (A Woman Who is Knitting)” by Sung Ji-yeon

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“A High Place” by Oh You-kyeong

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hile New York is a dynamic art market where artists compete fiercely for artistic opportunities, Paris has long been an inspiration in itself for many renowned artists around the world. Korean artists are no exception. According to the Korean Embassy in Paris, there are some 1,000 Korean artists officially registered in its database. Many belong to local galleries and are helped financially by the French government, which supports artists regardless of nationality. “France is a country that has a long artistic tradition of respecting artists and art. People there under-

stand and accept any forms of artistic trials. So artists can attempt anything regardless of the trend at the time,” said Kim Mi-jin, art director of the exhibition “Contemporary Korean Artists in Paris,” which was held in November at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul. Last year the museum launched a city-themed project introducing artworks of Korean artists doing art in overseas countries. Following the first New York exhibition, this year’s exhibition featured 21 artists based in France coming from different generations. The first section “Root of a Myth” showed works by the first generation of artists who were sent to the country as government scholarship students in the 1950s and 1960s, the artistic heyday of Paris. They explored the root of contemporary Western art based on Asian identity. Rhee Seun-dja, now in her 90s, expresses beautiful nature treasured in childhood memories through trees and light. Inspired by Buddhism and Taoism, Kim Tschang-yeul, who has stayed in Paris since 1969, examines the movement of water drops that change and disappear as time goes by. The next generation has pursued the essence of art by dealing with the issue of abstractness and representation, as presented in the “Exploring Expression as the Material” section.

“METRONOME II” by Park Soo-hwan

Kwon Sun-cheol, 65, focuses on faces of ordinary Koreans by using thick and rough matiere. Kwon stayed at an atelier building, called “Sonamu” (pine trees in Korean), located in Elssyles-Moulineaux, southwestern Paris, in the 1990s. Some Korean artists transformed a steel structure, once a military hangar during the Second World War, into an artistic space housing 46 ateliers — 20 for Koreans. Until its dissolution in 2001, it had been a beloved space where expat artists from around the world used to exchange artistic ideas. Much attention was paid especially to the “Temperate Desire” section, which showed unique and exciting artworks of young artists ranging from those who worked in the 1990s to 20-somethings who recently arrived in Paris. Yoo Hye-sook, who moved to France in 1987, takes everyday objects such as towels and clothes, turning them into a black mass. With countless pencil touches on them, the mass becomes a lively fur-like creature. “A pencil was the most humble tool I could

take,” she said. For Yoo, France has been a space where she is able to concentrate solely on herself and understand other people and things, she said. The photography of Park Soohwan, who majored in composition, visualizes city landscapes through musical images. “We are living in a world where visual images are dominant. I want to revive our losing sense “Le Visage (The Face)” by Kwun Sun-cheol

of hearing along with imagination,” Park, who has been in Paris for 13 years, said in an e-mail interview. Park pointed out the family atmosphere of the city’s Korean art community as the most special thing about Paris. “Unlike New York, Korean artists in Paris get along with one another like family members. We don’t hesitate to talk about the works of others and accept their advice very sincerely.” Contemporary Korean art has been overshadowed by Japanese and Chinese art in the international art scene. Compared to those of the other two countries, Korean artists have expressed Asian identity less openly and people regarded Korean art as not unique, said Kim, the art director. “Times have changed. Old boundaries that divided and defined the art world have disappeared. Ironically, the high quality of Korean art and the newness of ideas started to be reappraised and are gaining attention. And that is best represented by Korean artists in Paris,” she said. ■ (Photos courtesy of Seoul Arts Center) DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 31

CULTURE

Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty Palace Records Revived in Digital Form BY SHIN BYEONG-JU HISTORY PROFESSOR AT KONKUK UNIVERSITY

(Left) Protocols of the investiture of King Gojong’s two sons (for the king’s perusal) (Right) Protocols of Gyeongmo Hall for Crown Prince Jangheon (for the king’s perusal)

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ince June 2008 the Cultural Heritage Administration web site has featured digitalized palace records of the Joseon Dynasty (1391-1910). These fascinating digital files cover part of some 300 volumes of official records on court events of Korea's last monarchy, which are currently kept by the French National Library (Bibliotheque nationale de France). The Joseon palace documents were carried away from the royal archives in Ganghwa Island by invading French troops in 1866.

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Expatriation of the displaced royal documents has been a prominent pending issue between Korea and France over the past decades.

Official Reports on State Events The Joseon Dynasty maintained a unique tradition of compiling detailed reports on major state rites and events in the royal household throughout its five-century rule. These reports were usually accompanied by colorful illustrations. They were primarily intended for use by the throne

and concerned offices as references for organizing similar events. Hence they were called uigwe, literally the "exemplary protocols." Among the recorded state and royal household events were weddings of kings, investitures of crown princes, feasts and funerals for the royal family members and construction of palace pavilions. Detailed records were made on the entire procedures of these events and afterwards, a temporary office was set up to compile the records into a full report. What singles out these reports is a strong commitment to documentation. The reports fully described the procedures of an event, and listed all the participants and logistics as well as leftover goods, thereby ensuring thorough transparency and openness in state management. Another prominent characteristic is the rich visual material, including illustrations and diagrams. Most of the reports were actually fantastic picture books that featured realistic depictions of grand processions of officials of all ranks as well as diagrams of ritual objects and pavilions. The colorful illustrations offer vivid glimpses of the circumstances of the events and the equipment and objects used, which defy accurate description through words alone. The Joseon royal protocols are now scattered at several places such as the Kyujanggak

Institute of Korean Studies at Seoul National University, the Jangseogak Archives at the Academy of Korean Studies, the Japanese Imperial Household Agency and the French National Library. In 2006 the Korean government nominated the entire uigwe collections at the two Korean national archives for inscription on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. In 2007, a total of 2,940 volumes of 546 kinds of Joseon royal protocols at the Kyujanggak Institute of Korean Studies and 529 volumes of 287 kinds at the Jangseogak Archives were placed on the UNESCO list of documentary literature of "outstanding universal value."

Protocols of the daesarye by King Yeongjo (daesarye: a rite where a king shoots an arrow after paying respect to his ancestors)

Suffering of Palace Documents As one of the first projects upon his accession in 1776, King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, established Kyujanggak as a royal library and palace institution for academic research. When Kyujanggak was set up completely in Changdeok Palace, he ordered the construction of another royal archive building on Ganghwa Island, where he believed the valuable books and documents of the royal palace could be preserved in a safer environment. In the second month of 1782, the sixth year of the reign of King Jeongjo, the DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 33

CULTURE

documents of the Joseon period. She made a list of all the uigwe volumes at the library. Thanks to her efforts, the valuable Joseon court relics became known a century after they had been taken away. The Korean royal documents at the French National Library again drew public attention in 1993, as then French President Francois Mitterrand said the French government would return them to Korea. Mitterrand made the remarks during his visit to Seoul to promote the French high-speed train TGV. France won the bid but its leader's commitment still remains unfulfilled on the grounds that it had not been officially discussed. The two governments have since undertaken several rounds of negotiations on the repatriation of the Joseon royal protocols, with the conclusion not in sight yet.

Digitalized Royal Protocols

Protocols of the wedding ceremony (for preservation at state archives)

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magistrate of Ganghwa reported the completion of the outer royal archive, named "Oekyujanggak." It was 11 months after the king ordered the construction. Joseon made remarkable cultural advancement under the reign of Jeongjo. Kyujanggak served as a bastion of academic research and publication under his leadership. In the next century or so the royal archive in Ganghwa took firm root as a treasure trove of Joseon royal culture, where the personal profiles and writings of kings, official records of court events and books written by prominent authors were systematically preserved. Particularly, the uigwe kept there were special copies produced for review by the kings. However, the royal archive on Ganghwa was completely lost when a French flotilla invaded the island in 1866. The French troops encountered fierce resistance from the Joseon army and retreated but carried away 19 boxes

of silver ingots and luxurious copies of royal protocols specially produced for perusal by the kings. Among other archive holdings the French soldiers focused on pillaging the royal protocols. They probably discerned the outstanding value of the beautiful books made of top quality paper and bound in silk covers with bronze ornaments.

The two uigwe volumes brought by the visiting French president aroused great interest in their regal style of calligraphy and bookmaking techniques. They were made of excellent paper and mineral and plant pigments were used for illustrations, which all contributed to their perfect preservation. The Korean government has persistently tried to persuade the French authorities to return the Joseon royal protocols. Since 2001, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has conducted surveys on the records kept at the French National Library. In 2005 both sides agreed on

producing digital files from 30 out of the total 297 volumes in the French government possession, that are the only extant copies. The digitalized protocols are provided through the Cultural Heritage Administration web site. The digital files include the 30 exclusive copies in the French collection as well as the original silk covers of 12 volumes. These luxurious editions have green silk covers and bronze ornaments with the chrysanthemum emblem of the Joseon royal household. Also, the digitalized documents include 50 pages from The Protocols of the Wedding Rites of King Yeongjo and Queen Jeongsun (Yeongjo Jeongsun Wanghu Garye Dogam Uigwe), depicting grand ceremonies attended by officials of all ranks and files. The resplendent ambience of palace ceremonies vividly comes alive, even in digital files, successfully conveying the uncompromising principle of thorough documentation that ran through the Joseon bureaucracy. These files will be useful sources for research in a variety of fields, including the general history of the Joseon period as well as art history, costume history and bibliography. As many researchers find them a crucial trove of knowledge, it will gradually become apparent within and outside the academic community where the invaluable documents should properly belong — why the displaced documents should be returned to their place of origin. ■ (Source : Cultural Heritage Administration, Korean Heritage)

Protocols of Jongmyo Shrine and Jongmyojerye Ritual (for the king’s perusal)

Negotiations for Return of Royal Protocols Most of some 6,000 volumes of books at the Ganghwa archive were burned. Only about 340 volumes of uigwe and some maps were carried away by the retreating French troops. Most of the plundered books and documents are preserved at the French National Library but classified under the Chinese collection. In 1975, Dr. Park Byeong-seon, a Korean librarian working for the library, found they were Korean palace DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 35

CULTURE

Hanbok Artist Makes Style Simple and Easy BY LEE JI-YOON STAFF WRITER

Hanbok artist Lee Hyo-jae

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ee Hyo-jae, traditional clothing artist, had no idea when the media first introduced her as Korea’s Martha Stuart or Korea’s Tasha Tudor — both internationally wellknown for their dexterity in homemaking and gardening respectively. “I learned about Martha from her book, which was sent by a reporter. And Tasha’s book is what I receive most frequently as gift,” she said. Now 51, she runs a Hanbok workshop which was passed on by her mother nearly twenty years ago, along with sewing skills. She usually creates Hanbok, traditional Korean dress, and other goods such as bedclothes and Hanbok accessories, used especially for wedding preparations, called “yedan” in Korean.

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After her house and homemaking activities based on tradition were featured in several publications and television programs, her name “Hyojae” became a household brand that reinterprets Korean style in a simple and practical way. “People easily misunderstand that I’m good at decorating. But I pursue an extremely simple and practical style. I just put some hint of tradition and my style to hide some ugly things like a nail on a wall,” she said. “For me, roses are too complicated.” She has recently moved to a new house and a TV channel aired a onehour program featuring her moving process in May. Located in Seongbuk-dong, northern Seoul, the two-story house, once the former res-

idence of a foreign ambassador, has transformed it into a beautiful home with a Korean touch. Even though it is rented, her care reaches each corner of the house. The empty walls of the house were covered with ivy. A small space in the corner of a living room turns into a tea room with a small pond. Electronic devices are covered with a white cloth handembroidered with colorful flowers. And she relocated her Hanbok shop and showroom to a garage at the entrance of the house, which has become a popular spot for visitors. “My friends and husband say I’m addicted to working, but for me it is a kind of time to reflect and conceive designs, concentrating solely on my inner self,” Lee said as she kept sewing a piece

A tea room at the corner of her dining room (left) and her artworks

of white linen, which would become a dishcloth with delicate embroidery. Another important reason her ideas are spotlighted is they are ecofriendly. When serving food, she puts pine needles on the plate. And she always reuses empty plastic bottles or boxes with a little design. “I don’t think I’m special. Mothers are professional. You know, people always say their mother’s kimchi is the best. People pay attention to me just because I’m a designer who does daily activities artistically and happily,” she said. Despite her humble remarks, the seats for her living class, which takes place at her house sponsored by a local home decorating magazine, have already been fully-booked until next spring. Recent lectures in November

were focused on Korean-style ornament making, gift packaging and table setting for Christmas. Along with Koreans who started sensing a new aspect of Korean style, many people from abroad such as wives of foreign ambassadors to Korea visit her house and workshop to experience Korean culture. Among her several lectures, the most favored is bojagi wrapping, a traditional way of packaging by using bojagi, square-shaped clothes made of a variety of materials. She has some 60 patents for unique and different styles of wrapping and knotting. Recently, she has taken part in an eco-friendly product exhibition, wrapping a Volkswagen’s New Beetle with bojagi clothes.

“It was a symbolic performance breaking the borders between two worlds and connecting them. Although it’s physically difficult, I will continue to do similar experiments — like wrapping a building — to make people think differently,” she said, still sewing, with her left hand bandaged. “I’m trying to enjoy every moment of my life. If I’m not happy, I couldn’t do things with this much passion,” she said. “I will keep doing what I’m doing now, such as Hanbok design, giving lectures, writing books and homemaking. And I want my creations to be not only praised for high quality, but also enjoyed widely by ordinary people,” she said. ■ (Photos by Eric Gillet) DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 37

Kim Yu-na Set to Dominate Figure Skating World Kim Yu-na performs at the women’s free skating gala show in the Cup of China in Beijing on Nov. 9, after winning the competition the previous day. The Cup of China is the third of six events in the International Skating Union’s Grand Prix series

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Yonhap

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PEOPLE

Kim Yu-na responds to cheers after winning the Cup of China in Beijing

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orean Kim Yu-na is set to dominate the figure skating world as she advanced to the Grand Prix Final.

The 18-year-old Korean top figure skater defended her Cup of China title in Beijing on the International Skating Union’s Grand Prix of Figure Skating circuit Nov. 8. It was her fifth straight Grand Prix win. In the competition at the Capital Gymnasium in Beijing, Kim scored 191.75 points, defeating her Japanese rival Miki Ando by 20.87 points. That victory followed her winning the Skate America title in October. With her latest win, Kim has qualified for the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final to be held in Korea in December. The event is open to the top six skaters after their performances in two Grand Prix events. Dancing to the rhythm of Russian symphony suite Scheherazade and dressed in vivid red, Kim pulled off a se-

quence of near-perfect jumps except for a single attempt in which she landed in a faulty step. “I performed feeling less nervous than during the short program,” Kim told reporters. “I was confident. Even though I was shaken in one of the jumps, I got good results. I’m glad to have won a chance to compete in the Grand Prix Final.” “Many have played against the backdrop of Scheherazade, but I have tried to lead a performance of my own,” she added, following her performance which won loud applause from the crowd that included a throng of her Korean supporters. Kim, a high school student who was recently granted admission to a top university in Seoul and commands a wide fan base, has won gold in the last five consecutive Grand Prix events she has competed in, including the 2006 Trophee Eric Bompard and the 2007 Cup of Russia. ■ DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 39

Credia

Moon Young Doo

PEOPLE

Japanese Artist Focuses on Beauty of Korean Traditional Culture BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

Jang Han-na Shows New Side of Vivaldi Watanabe Tsuneko

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ot many people know much about their own traditional culture, and fewer have in-depth knowledge about it. That is why it is shocking and even grateful when a foreigner is so into your culture. Watanabe Tsuneko, a Japanese artist, has more interest in Korean traditional culture than most Koreans. She studied the culture for years and recently published the book “Enduring Traditional Art and Crafts of Japan and Korea.” Her 240-page book is filled with photos and explanations about the two cultures. The first half contains Korean culture in step with the changes of the seasons. The other half is on Japanese culture, talking about Hakata dolls, kabuki and Japanese traditional plays. It was in the late 1980s when Watanabe first set her foot on Korean soil with her husband. She was fascinated by Korea’s cultural assets in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Insa-dong, Seoul. Watanabe was also relieved to see that tradition still remained here — 40 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

“Enduring Traditional Art and Crafts of Japan and Korea,” by Watanabe Tsuneko

even though it was tucked away in deep corners. She decided to write about Korean culture. During the last two years, Watanabe visited Korea often to study and collect items to include in the book. Korean staff helped with the collection. “I am very happy to have made this book through the cooperation between two countries,” she said. “The work done by the Korean staff was in-

troduced in one of Japan’s major magazines and gained a great reputation.” From traditional food and clothing to musical instruments and “Hahoetal,” Korean mask, her collection holds practically every cultural asset in Korea. She added explanations on the history and origin of each item to help Japanese readers better understand. “Japanese readers are shocked to realize that Korean metal craft started in 7 B.C. and that Hahoetal was first made in the 12th century — during the Goryeo dynasty,” Watanabe says. The book contains huge photos and specific details about each cultural asset, including human beings themselves. Watanabe says that she covered both cultures in the book to help both Koreans and Japanese better understand each others’ culture. “I found out that the cornerstone of Japanese traditional culture was influenced by Korea,” says Watanabe. “The Japanese should be thankful for this. Korean traditional culture has left a deep echo in the hearts of the Japanese.” ■

BY KOH YOUNG-AAH KOREA HERALD STAFF WRITER

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ost of us know the Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) from his “Four Seasons.” Even those with only a passing knowledge of classical music enjoy its melodic, hummable score. On the other hand, few know about Vivaldi’s other works. With her new album, “Vivaldi Cello Concerto,” however, Korean cellist Chang Han-na is set to bring to light this side of Vivaldi — which is still largely unexplored, even by the majority of classical music insiders. In June, Chang shrugged off a finger injury amid a sweltering London summer to record seven of Vivaldi’s cello concertos. “I wanted to go back to the beginning of classical music, which was Baroque music, and chose Vivaldi, who was the first to convert the cello from

an accompaniment instrument to a solo instrument,” said Chang at a press conference held October in Seoul. Compared to Bach’s serious and rigorous music, Vivaldi’s works are rhythmic and colorful. Chang said that while Vivaldi’s nearly 30 cello concertos were known to sound similar to one another, they can be differentiated by the performer’s interpretation. “I think depending on the performer’s interpretation, a certain tune can enrapture the audience or make them fall asleep,” said Chang. Chang recalled the recording process as being far from easy. Because of the scarcity of existing records, it took Chang and the organizers more than eight months just to find the scores. The concertos were not published while Vivaldi was alive and have survived only in manuscript form.

Performing the music was another challenge. Not only were the musicians unfamiliar with the concertos, but the many high-pitched passages made playing it a technical challenge. It is the first time Chang, one of the best classical musicians to hail from Korea, has recorded Baroque. Chang, who won the 5th Rostropovich International Cello Competition at age 11, is better known for performing work by composers like Prokofiev and Shostakovich. Chang, 26, is currently on leave from Harvard University where she is majoring in philosophy, but she said at the press conference that she would also like to study conducting in New York. Conducting, according to the cellist, helped her gain a better understanding of the timbres of different instruments, and the harmony they create. ■ DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 41

PEOPLE

ART

Shin Hyun-su

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Yonhap

BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

loud applause from the audience filled the Gala concert hall of Concours LongThibaud in Paris on Nov. 15. It was for Shin Hyun-su, a Korean violinist who won first prize there, one of the 10 prestigious concours of the world. There was no second place winner this time. Instead, the 21-year-old violinist was awarded with two more, the Prize of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Prize of the Prince Albert II of Monaco. Shin’s talent is especially praiseworthy because it was very hard for her to maintain it. After her father’s failure in business, she managed to keep practicing violin. Her entire family lived in a dim single room that let in little sunlight. Studying overseas was out of the question for her. Her family could not even pay for her own violin. “I tried to make good sounds with cheap violins, and I think that helped me improve,” Shin said after the Gala concert. Shin still uses rentals or her teacher’s instrument. Now, she uses a Guadagnini, one of the best in the world, which is also borrowed. She was able to borrow it after winning second place in the Hanover Concours last October, but has to give it back next year. Fortunately, Shin had many people who cared for her. Her mother never mentioned their financial situation to her daughters, so that Shin and her older sister, Shin A-ra, who is also a violinist, could concentrate on practicing. Kim Nam-yun, a well-known violinist in Korea and the principal of the School of Music at the Korean National University of Arts, acknowledged the Shin girls’ talents. Knowing their heartbreaking situation, Kim taught them free for 10 years. “I could never thank her enough,” Shin said. Whenever her mother brought up the idea of studying abroad, she replied, “Where I am is the best place to learn.” Shin is passionate, optimistic and hardworking. She went back and forth from Seoul and Jeonju, in Jeollabuk-do, every day for her lessons. She did that for years but never complained. “When I’m down, I convince myself into thinking that things will get better if I work harder,” she said. ■

Death of Korean Student Remembered in Japanese Film BY LEE JI-YOON STAFF WRITER

A scene from the film “26 Years Diary”

B

ack in 2001, a Korean university student was killed by a train at a subway station in Tokyo. Lee Soo-hyun, then 26, was trying to rescue a drunken man who had fallen onto the track, but he could not dodge the train and three people, including a Japanese photographer who was helping Lee, all died at the scene. Based on this story, the Japanese film “26 Years Diary,” which was released here in October, traces the young hero’s short life and dream. The movie opened first in Japan last year. In early 2000, Lee Soo-hyun, played by Korean actor Lee Tae-sung, who has recently come back to school after completing his military duty, moves to Japan to study. One day he saves a female street-band singer, played by www.soohyunlee.com

A

Young Korean Violinist Impresses the World

The late Lee Soo-hyun

Japanese Maki Onaga, from gangsters, and the two become close through music. His Tokyo life sometimes faces prejudice from Japanese, especially Yuri’s father, who hates Korea. But Lee’s sincerity starts to change his attitude. As in real life, his short life ends as he throws himself on a train track. “The movie shows well what my son used to be. Whenever I see the movie, it reminds me of my son,” said Lee’s parents, Lee Sung-dae and Shin Yoon-chan, at the movie’s Seoul premiere on Oct. 27. Even though Lee’s unfortunate death is tragic, his courageous act has inspired people of both Korea and Japan. And still many people are making efforts to remember him in various ways. About 280 students from 16 Asian countries are helped by the LSH Scholarship Foundation, which was established in Japan by donations in memory of Lee. The film’s premiere in Tokyo last year was attended by many celebrities, including the Japanese royal couple, who had invited Lee’s parents to their palace. In 2001, a month after the accident happened, Korea University awarded Lee an honorary diploma, the first in its history. Lee was studying trade at the school. ■ DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 43

ART A scene from “A Ballerina Who Loves a B-Boy” (top) and the show “Break Out”

Three Renowned Film Directors Meet in ‘Tokyo!’ BY LEE JI-YOON STAFF WRITER

B-boying Performances Wow New Yorkers BY LEE JI-YOON STAFF WRITER

K

orean b-boying theaters made a successful U.S. debut by performing on Off-Broadway stages in New York. The longer, staged form has yet to take hold there. With victories at world competitions and some crews becoming well known too, b-boying has exploded in popularity. While many new attempts are being made to incorporate other artistic genres into b-boying performances, staged works are trying to branch out to overseas audiences. One of the first such pieces is “A Ballerina Who Loved a B-Boy,” which was staged at 37 Arts theater in New York October. As the title suggests, it follows a ballerina who falls for a bboy in a record store. After he shows his b-boying moves, they end up dancing together. Featuring Extreme Crew, a group of Korean break dancers who won the 2007 World B-Boy Championship, the show offers a visual pleasure to experience the collision of the two worlds of ballet and break dancing. 44 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

(From left) Renowned directors Michel Gondry, Leos Carax and Korean Bong Joon-ho

T Two kilometers away from the theater, another Korean performance, “Break Out” was shown at the Union Square Theater from Sept. 18 to Nov. 30, extended one month thanks to positive responses. Three prisoners — Tricky, Lump and Dandy — attempt a prison break, and a magic book falls from outer space and gives them the gift of breaking and beat boxing. The show climaxes with a helicopter chasing them in the last five minutes. Before the U.S. debut, it was performed in Malaysia, China and Thailand. The U.S. debuts of the two works were possible after they were shown last

year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, the world’s largest arts festival, gaining great attention from participants. Their first showings in New York are expected to stimulate other Korean b-boying staged works to reach to the world’s performing arts scene. The Korean Government has hosted the annual International R16 B-boy Championships & Urban Arts Festival since last year to support youth culture by offering a healthy environment for them. For more information on the competition and Korean b-boys, visit the multilingual website www.r16korea.com ■

he film “Tokyo!” an international collaboration of Korea, Japan and France, was released on Oct. 23 here, following its French premiere in April and in Japan in August. Set in Tokyo, the 107-minute omnibus movie was produced by three renowned directors Korean Bong Joon-ho, Michel Gondry and Leos Carax both from France. There is nothing in common among the films — except the genre and the fact that they were shot in Tokyo — reflecting their different styles and ideas of filmmaking. In the first segment, “Interior Design,” Michel Gondry, who has been recognized internationally for his previous films “The Science of Sleep” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” features the increasing problem of irregular employment among young Japanese. His unique explanation of the world, so-called

“The Gondry World,” unfolds as he shows a woman suffering from social indifference and isolation and finally turning into a chair. In “Merde,” Leos Carax, who direct-

ed the famous “Les Amants du PontNeuf (The Lovers on the Bridge)” in 1991, mocks society in the eyes of a strange man who is living in underground sewers and appears out of a manhole to scare people. French actor Denis Lavant, who appeared in Carax’s 1991 film plays the unusual character. Director Bong Joon-ho completes the three-segment project with “Shaking Tokyo.” It explores the problem of hikikomori, a Japanese term referring to those unable to adjust to society and never leave their homes. A hikikomori man falls in love with a pizza delivery girl, played by a famous Japanese actress, Yu Aoi. The man, after locking himself in his home for 10 years, decides to go out to find her, but on that day an earthquake shakes the city. The movie was first opened to the public at the Cannes Film Festival in May. ■ Scenes from the movie “Tokyo!”

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 45

FOOD

Making a delectable meal requires a lot of time and effort. In Korea, new tastes are continuously being created. Recently, fusion foods have become a trend. Fusion food blends Korean ingredients with Western spices, captivating the palates of Koreans and non-Koreans alike. Recent trends in Korean cuisine are to make hot foods hotter and mild foods milder.

Making Hot Foods Hotter and Mild Foods Milder

Saessak Bibimbap Saessak bibimbap is a leading health food in Korea. Instead of using stir-fried or charbroiled mountain greens, (the traditional ingredients of bibimbap), young broccoli sprouts, turnips, lettuce, and other greens are mixed with gochujang (red pepper paste), sesame oil and steamed white rice. The sweet scent of sesame oil enhances the taste of the fresh greens and rice.

Buldak Buldak (literally fire chicken) has become a standardized term in the dictionary of Korean foods. Chicken is steamed to remove the fat and then basted with a hot and spicy sauce made with kimchi and gochujang (red pepper paste). The boneless chicken is then barbecued over charcoal.

Osam Bulgogi

Wine Samgyeopsal

This fusion dish is a combination of squid (ojing-eo) and Korean bacon (samgyeopsal). Pork is sliced into small bite-size pieces and mixed with slices of squid and gochujang (red pepper paste) before grilling on a hot iron plate. This hot and spicy dish is very tasty, as it is also fiery hot. ■

Samgyeopsal, or thick slices of bacon, is a favorite for many Koreans. The pork is grilled over charcoal or on a hot iron grill, dipped in bean paste and wrapped in a lettuce or sesame leaf. Methods of eating samgyeopsal vary by regions and restaurants. Wine samgyeopsal is marinated in wine overnight, which makes the meat soft and odorless.

Exploring Seoul’s Food Alleys

(Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

Sundae Town in Sillim-dong

Sindang-dong Tteokbokki

Bukchang-dong Alley

Sundae is cow or pig intestines stuffed with seasoned rice, onions,

About 30 small restaurants are gathered around Sindang-dong’s

Bukchang-dong Alley consists of small back alleys lined with

noodles, and other ingredients. It can be eaten steamed or as a

Tteokbokki Alley. Thin, cylinder-shaped rice cakes are mixed in

about 500 restaurants. From traditional Korean cuisine to formal

soup. Located in the southern part of Seoul, Sundae Town in

gochujang (red pepper paste) to make tteokbokki, a favorite fast

Japanese sushi and casual Western dining, there is a wide

Sillim-dong consists of small restaurants, which have been

food in Korea. Tteokbokki is commonly sold on the streets by street

selection to choose from. This vibrant area is also close to many

operating for more than 30 years.

vendors. Sindang-dong has also become a highly popular area, and

downtown hotels.

pop songs have been dedicated to this special area. A 500-meter walk from Exit 4 of Sillim Station on Seoul subway Line 2

Exits 7 or 8 of City Hall Station on Seoul subway Line 1 and 2 A 300-meter walk from Exit 8 of Sindang Station on Seoul subway Line 2

46 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 47

TRAVEL

Inje Ice Fish Festival The 12th Inje Icefish Festival will be held this winter on Soyangho in Inje, Gangwon-do. Soyangho is the largest fresh-water lake, formed by the water flowing from Seoraksan and Naerincheon. Icefish, also known as smelts or sweet fish, are small silvery fish that only live in cold water. The winter is the best season to experience the taste of icefish. The festival holds various events such as a fishing competition, ice bowling and ice soccer tournaments. The festival offers English, Chinese and Japanese translation services and many events that both locals and foreigners can enjoy. Programs for foreigners include a fishing contest and a sleigh ride on the frozen lake. The festival runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2. For details, call (033) 460-2082 or visit www.injefestival.co.kr

Night view of the Sancheoneo Ice Festival

How to Get There: Take a bus to Sinnam Terminal. It takes

Festivals to Mark Korea’s Winter Season BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

Some may think that the best way to enjoy winter is to curl up on the sofa. But even for couch potatoes, it will not be easy to resist the many fun fetes Korea offers. Gangwon-do, famous for its beautiful snow-covered scenery, allures tourists with its fabulous winter festivals. They vary in theme and features — from ice fish-

Gangwon-do invites visitors to fish mountain trout in Hwacheon-gun. Mountain trout, also known as cherry salmon or masou salmon, is a native Korean fish that lives in freshwater. At the festival, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of catching the fish by sticking their bare hands into a hole on the frozen Hwacheongang. The festival holds many events such as a fishing contest, ice sleighing, bobsleighing, ice biking and bumper car rides. There is also a creative sleigh-making contest. Snow sculptures and fireworks at night add to the merry ambience. The festival runs from Jan. 10 to 27. For details, call (033) 441-7575 or visit www.narafestival.com/icenara/

How to Get There: There is a bus that runs from Seoul to Hwacheon. On train, get off at Chuncheon station and take a bus from there. In both cases, it will take about three hours from Seoul to

ing to sleigh rides. 48 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

from there to the Inje Icefish Festival.

Hwacheon.

Inje Ice Fish Festival

Sancheoneo (mountain trout) Ice Festival

about three hours. A free shuttle bus runs

Sancheoneo (mountain trout) Ice Festival

Kids fish at the Inje Icefish Festival

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 49

Goseong Myeongtae Festival

TRAVEL

The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, arguably the biggest winter festival in Korea, will take place in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, in January. More than 20 events will be held, including ice fishing, hunting, dog sleigh rides, igloo experiences and half-naked marathons. More than a hundred snow sculptures will be displayed all over Daegwallyeong. There will also be events at sheep ranches nearby. The festival runs from Jan. 15 to 19. For details, call (033) 330-2761 or visit www.snowfestival.net

How to Get There: By bus or train, get off at Hoenggye Bus Terminal. It takes about two and a half hours from Seoul.

Daegwallyeong Snow Festival

Daegwallyeong Snow Festival

A participant enjoys dog sleigh ride in Daegwallyeong Snow Festival

A snow sculpture at Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

50 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

How to Get There:

Kids hold up Myeongtae they fished at the Goseong Myeongtae Festival

Goseong Myeongtae Festival The Goseong Myeongtae Festival is to be held around Geojin harbor, the only Myeongtae fishing spot in Korea, located northeastern Gangwon-do. Myeongtae, meaning Alaskan pollack, is a fish mostly caught during the winter season. The festival is all about myeongtae, promoting events like the myeongtae throwing game, a street parade with people wearing costumes made of myeongtae and the myeongtae tower game. The festival’s edge comes from the beautiful scenery of the winter sea. It will have a fireworks show by the sea each night, creating a romantic mood for couples visiting Geojin harbor. The festival will operate free boat rides. It runs from Feb. 21 to 24. For more information, call (033) 680-3221 or visit www.myeongtae.com ■

Goseong Myeongtae Festival

Various events will be held in the highlands of Taebaeksan, 800 meters above sea level, at Taebaeksan Provincial Park, Hwangjiho and the city of Taebaek, Gangwon-do. The 16th Taebaeksan Snow Festival includes a snow sculpture exhibition, an outdoor concert and a fireworks show. It also offers various familyfriendly programs such as dog sled rides, a curling competition and snow train rides. The festival runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8. For more information, call (033) 550-2081, 2828 or visit festival.taebaek.go.kr/part2/home/html/ main.html

Goseong Myeongtae Festival

By train or bus, get off at Taebaek. It takes four and a half hours by train and three and

How to Get There:

a half hours by bus from Seoul.

Take a bus to Geojin terminal. It takes about four hours from Seoul.

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 51

EVENTS Daegu Photo Biennale 2008

1 “Gyeongbok Palace,” 1888 2 “The Night Prior to an Event,” Yang Jae-kwan 3 “Another Episode,” Liu Lijie 4 “The Three Fates,” Yanagi Miwa

1

BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

Visitors look at photos at Daegu Biennale

T

“Women with Updo Hairstyle in front of a Folding Screen before 1901,” Louis Marin Collection, Musee Guimet

52 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

he international Daegu Photo Biennale 2008 photo festival ended on Nov. 16 after a 17-day run. It placed the spotlight on Asia, featuring some 1,500 photos by 200 leading photographers from 10 countries. “We have a lot of interest in Western photos but don’t really know about Asian photos, even though we live in Asia,” said Koo Bohn-chang, the biennale’s artistic director. The biennale attracted more interest this year as Koo is one of Korea’s top photographers and is a wellknown figure around the world. “This biennale focused on three Asian countries — Korea, China and Japan — and it provided a chance to learn about them,” he said. The main exhibition looked at the artistic trend of modern photographers as well as documentary photos in

Asia. Under the theme “Then & Now — Memories of the Future,” the biennale sought a balance between the two roles of photography: art and record. “Memories of the Future,” one of the two main expositions, held 400 works by modern Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese photographers at the EXCO in Daegu. Each had a unique theme related to the countries’ socio-cultural backgrounds. “The Sensibility of Life: The Reconfigured Eye” is an exhibition of 12 Korean photographers who offered incisive commentary on modern Korean society. In “The Night Prior to an Event,” Yang Jae-kwan criticized Korea’s tendency to put too much emphasis on the cause and result of an event without trying to understand the details or procedures.

Fifteen Chinese and Taiwanese photographers expressed their unique thoughts about life in the exposition “While Alive.” The photos reflect the various changes China went through in the last 20 years. Liu Lijie expressed her feelings about the miscellaneous and seductive world in the series “Another Episode.” In the exhibit “Body Images in Digital Era,” 12 Japanese photographers displayed bold and provocative photos. In “The Three Fates,” Yanagi Miwa visualized the Moirae, who are the three sisters of Greek mythology in charge of fate. The oldest, Cloto, spins human life out of her hair but grows old and miserable because she can no longer control her ever-growing hair. “Photographs from 100 Years Ago,” the other main exhibit at the EXCO, displayed 350 rare photos of the three Asian countries back when cameras were just introduced. The unfamiliar faces and forgotten backgrounds in the black-and-white photos remind viewers of the importance of using photos to record and remember. However, the Korean section seemed too brief due to the dearth of old photos. “There weren’t many pho-

tos of Korea from that time that we could collect. Actually, I wanted the viewers to realize that,” Koo said. “The original role of photography is to record. If we can’t see that, then in another 100 years we might still be lacking photos.” Some of the Korean photos came off as quite a discovery. The panoramic photo of Gyeongbok Palace taken in 1888 was shown to the public for the first time. More exhibitions were held throughout Daegu. “Changing Social Landscape: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 1950-2008,” at the Daegu Culture and Arts Center, showed pictures of people and landscape in North Korea. They were taken by 12 well-known photographers, including Margaret Bourke-White, a former photographer for Life magazine. “The last 10 years have been a very progressive time for Korean photography,” said Wendy Watriss, a reviewer of this biennale and one of the founders of FotoFest, an internationally known photographic arts and education organization based in Houston. “The biennale exposes many photos that show an Asian perspective, which was not seen outside of Asia.” ■

2

3

4

Louis Marin Collection, Musee Guimet

Daegu Biennale Shows Charms of Photography

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 53

EVENTS Korean exhibition room at the 2008 Dubai Media & Marketing Show in Dubai

Built in a form of a giant TV, the Korean exhibition room caught many eyes. Englishdubbed Korean programs were showcased on the monitors. The exhibition team handed out program brochures to the visitors. The officials of the show put banners of Korean soap operas — “Beethoven Virus” (MBC) and “Ilji-mae” (SBS) — at the entrance of the center, proving the popularity of Korean programs in the Middle East. “Dae Jang Geum” (MBC) aired in Iran last year, taking a 90 percent share in program

Seoul Lights Up for the Holiday Season

ratings. “Sorry, I Love You” (KBS), which reYonhap

Korean Media Take Aim at the Middle East digital effects. There is also a skating rink in front of city hall with magnificent lights and a giant Christmas tree. Some of the main buildings around there, such as the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, are lit with different colors of light. Many events are being prepared in central Seoul during this period. A “Hope Tree” will be decorated with small light bulbs — each holding notes with citizens’ wishes written on them. For details, visit http://www3. hiseoulfest.org ■

moted Korean soap operas and documentary

ones,” said an official of KBS at the event.

films at the 2008 Dubai Media & Marketing

“Korean soap operas are not just a product of

Show, which was held Nov. 3 to 5 at the Dubai

cultural content but a means to raise the

International Convention Center, Dubai.

brand value of Korea,”

MBC, SBS, SBS Production and KBS

Lee Kyeong-ja, a member of the

Media exhibited 25 soap operas and docu-

Broadcasting

mentary films such as “East of Eden” (MBC)

Committee, attended the show and promised

and “The Painter of the Wind” (SBS).

to support the export of Korean programs. ■

and

Communications

The Korean Cultural Center in Tokyo is set to

troduce the charms of Korean traditional cul-

nine songs and exorcism dances will be

hold the Korean Traditional Song · Dan-

ture to Japan.”

showcased.

Korean Music and Dance Set to Impress Japan

ce · Music Festival on Dec. 11 at the Yotzuya Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture

district center.

54 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

Korea’s major broadcasting companies pro-

Middle East, but no Japanese or Chinese

The Korean Cultural Center in Tokyo

C

mination director of the festival. “Seoul is always packed with tall buildings, flashing lights and noise. Through pure white color, we will purify this messy city and help citizens experience a new light.” Highlights include music, lights and digital artworks, which are lined up on the main street from Cheonggye Plaza to city hall. Various illumination patterns and a countdown video for New Year’s are displayed on a big white wall which is set up in Cheonggye Plaza. Cheonggye Stream is decorated with

cheers of local fans. “There are Korean soap operas in the

BY PARK MIN-YOUNG STAFF WRITER

entral Seoul is glowing for the holiday season. Seoul City and the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture are holding the winter version of the ‘Hi Seoul Festival 2008’ from Dec. 19 to Jan. 18. Under the theme “Pure Seoul, Pure White Winter,” the festival is all about white light. The goal is to present a warm ambience to citizens who are suffering from the recent economic depression and to show a new aspect of Seoul’s nighttime view. “This winter festival pursues ‘empty Seoul,’” says Sohn Jang-bok, illu-

cently aired on Dubai TV, finished amid

The festival also celebrates the construction of its new building in Shinjuku.

It will be a rare chance to see various Korean traditional instruments, such as

“The Korean Cultural Center has been do-

Many human cultural assets of Korea, such

“Ajaeng,” a seven-stringed Korean instru-

ing many cultural exchanges with Japan so

as Jeong Cheol-ho, who does “Pansori,” or

ment, and “Gayageum,” a 12-stringed

far,” said an official at the center. “This festival

Korean traditional narrative song, and Lee Ok-

Korean harp.

will be a chance to commemorate what we

cheon, who specializes in “Heung-bo-ga,”

have achieved in 2008 and to once again in-

which is also Pansori, will perform. A total of

For more information, visit http://www.koreanculture.jp ■

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 55

BOOKS

Goguryeo: In Search of Its Culture and History

Long Long Time Ago Publisher: Hollym Page: 128 Price: 15,000 won

Author: Jeon Ho-tae Publisher: Hollym Page: 288 Price: 35,000 won The author explores one of the most powerful and prosperous times in Korean history by examining mural paintings found on the walls of ancient tombs. Located in North Korean cities of

A total of 20 most loved Korean folk tales

Pyongyang and Nampo, the Complex

have been collected in this illustrated book.

of Goguryeo Tombs consists of 30 in-

Readers can meet a variety of beloved char-

dividual tombs from Goguryeo, one of

acters that have made Korean children happy

the Three Kingdoms running from 57

and excited for generations: a rabbit who out-

B.C. to A.D. 668.

wits a tiger; a brother and a sister who be-

In 2004, it was designated as the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the country.

came the Sun and the Moon respectively; a tortoise and a hare who are totally different

The tombs are assumed to have been used as a burial site for kings, queens

from the ones in Aesop’s fable. Illustrator Kim

and other members of the royal family and contain beautifully colored mural

Dong-sung, who majored in Oriental painting

paintings showing daily life and mythologies of the time.

at Hongik University, has created beautiful il-

The author, a professor of history and culture at the University of Ulsan and curator at the National Museum of Korea, specializes in ancient cultural histo-

lustrations by using a dreamy ink painting, adding to the fun. ■

ry and has published numerous articles on Goguryeo tomb murals and ancient Chinese art. ■

Big Bang in Capital Market Edited by The Korea Herald Publisher: Jimoondang Page: Price: 15,000 won The recent downfall of top U.S. investment banks calls into question the validity of the Korean Government’s scheme to foster investment banks as a catalyst for capital market growth. Isn’t the plan based on a wrong model? Hasn’t the era of investment banks come to an end with the ongoing turmoil on Wall Street? To these questions, this book gives unambiguous answers. The researchers of the Korea Securities Research Institute, who jointly authored the book, argue that it is not investment banking per se that is challenged. What has been found defective is the Wall Street model of investment banking. The authors provide a penetrating analysis of the problems of what they call Wall Street’s “free lunch model” and offer astute policy recommendations for financial regulators. They also stress that financial companies should foster a sound risk management culture. What made the difference between Goldman Sachs survival and Merrill Lynch’s failure, they explain, was the attitude toward risk management. For further information, visit www.koreaherald.com. ■

56 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 57

THE BEAUTY OF KOREA-17

SPECIAL SERIES

White Porcelain Jar Decorated with Bamboo and Plum in Underglaze Iron Oxide National Treasure No. 166

Special Contribution-1

The Republic of Korea at Sixty BY GUY SORMAN

The Seokguram Grotto

S

This jar from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) is well known for its refined charm and beautiful painting. It is 41.3 cm tall, and the diameter at the widest point of the body is 37.9 cm. The technique used for the main designs — bamboo on one side and plum on the other — indicates that this piece was not decorated by regular potters, but rather by the members of the royal painting bureau. The wide, thick portions of the bamboo leaves were made

58 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

with a layer of underglaze iron, which burned through the clear glaze to form rust-colored areas that lend texture and volume to the painting. The jar is an example of 16th-century Joseon white porcelains and buncheong wares, which are shaped like Ming China jars of the mid-15th century. The flowery borders on the shoulders are reminiscent of Ming Chinese blue-white porcelains of this period. ■ (Photo courtesy of National Museum of Korea)

outh Korea at sixty in the Western eye has an image problem due to the Bengali Nobel prize winner, Rabindranath Tagore, an influential poet and a world traveler. After he visited Seoul in the early twentieth century, Tagore wrote a poem called “The Land of the Morning Calm.” The poem became famous the world over and the name took. South Korea became known globally as Morning Calm and the West still perceives the country this way. These days, the name feels inaccurate, to say the least. This motivated former President Kim Dae-jung to rekindle the country’s reputation, not as calm but as dynamic, so far with limited success: dynamism lacks any specific Korean flavor.

Calm or Dynamic Within South Korea, the debate still lingers as how best to represent the country on the international stage. South Korean officials and their public relations advisers can often be heard complaining that they lack the equivalent of the

Japanese Fuji Mountain, the French Eiffel Tower or the American Statue of Liberty. Whenever consulted on this matter, I suggest the well known crossed-legged Boddhisatva, which can be admired in the National Museum of Korea, as the South Korean logo and icon. This Buddha, reminiscent of the Thinker by the French sculptor Rodin, has no competitor; I think that through its unique aesthetics and transcendental strength it could convey the spirit of the nation. My suggestion, however, has never been taken into consideration. Isn’t it dynamic enough? Or is it too Buddhist in a country where religions are so diverse? So far, the logo problem for South Korea remains unsolved; probably it cannot be solved easily while Korean identity is not that easy to describe nor to understand, at least for non-Koreans. It cannot be denied that in spite of the outstanding global success of South Korean brands, many buyers of these brands hardly know they are made in Korea. Western consumers who esteem Samsung cell phones are not sure whether they are Korean, Chinese, or Japanese. Hyundai cars have found their niche in the world market because DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 59

SPECIAL SERIES

Video artist Paik Nam-jun’s works

they are perceived as reliable and not too expensive; but they are not grasped as Korean the way a Mercedes car is bought because it is German. South Korea as a trademark, in spite of recent progress due to its leading export companies, is still moderately acknowledged. Is this weak brand recognition due to insufficient efforts to promote South Korea as such? To a certain extent, yes, South Korean governments never packaged the Korean identity as a clear message nor promoted it in a systematic way, as Japan did in the 60s and still does. True enough, the message escapes easy definition. How to promote Korea when the country itself is divided? How to promote modern South Korea alone as it is so different from ancient Korea? How to send a unifying message when the South Korean people are so greatly diversified by region and religion? The solution to these dilemmas could very well emerge from the art world. South Korea now is popular abroad not only thanks to its industrial exports; artists do play a decisive role. Beware of the ambiguities however. The so-called Korean Wave is carrying American rock music to an enthusiastic Chinese audience: the music is played by Koreans but it is hardly related to Pansori. Korean television sitcoms may be closer to the true Korean soul; we know how they have been useful in bringing together the Japanese and the South Koreans in a more thorough way than many years of diligent diplomacy. Eventually, I consider that to really understand the South Korean identity, the South Korean movies and contemporary art have been more revealing than pop entertainment. Im Kwon-taek’s “Painted Fire,” Kim Jee-woon’s “A Tale of Two Sisters”, Park Chan-wook’s, “Old Boy”, have brought to an international audience a unique civilization, Asian but definitely not Chinese and definitely not Japanese. These movies have produced in the West a culture shock comparable to the European discovery of Japanese prints in the late 19th century. In fine arts, similarly, the video art pioneer Paik Nam June and his follower Jheon Soo-cheon have opened the eyes of art lovers everywhere; thanks to these artists, South Korea has been discovered as if it were a new continent. Korea was there but we, in the West, could hardly see it. Can these artists, to whom I shall add the writer Yi Munyeol, help us understand who South Korea is at sixty? It is the Morning Calm and Dynamism simultaneously. When Jheon Soo-cheon displays his installations in Seoul , Venice , Paris or New York, ancient funeral statuettes in a contemporary light, he connects the oldest tradition with cutting edge modernity: like Yi Mun-yeol’s novel , “Hail to the Emperor”, 60 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

he makes evident the continuity from Shamanism to Confucianism, Buddhism, Christianity and the postmodern nihilism of Old Boy. Because of this outstanding continuity, we celebrate South Korea’s sixtieth birthday today as well as its 3000year-old civilization. This is a reason why, when visiting the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, I regret that it does not incorporate the most recent creation of contemporary artists: the continuity would be for all to see. It would make clear that South Korea does not lack identity but does suffer from a still weak identity promotion policy. What use would be such a policy? It would convey some economic benefits. Strong national brands sell: world consumers buy French perfumes because they are French, Germans cars because they are German, Japanese technology because it is Japanese. Korean products sell for many reasons but rarely because they are Korean. Among industrial advanced nations, South Korea, so far, has not yet built a decisive cultural advantage.

Rising Expectations In sixty years, however, South Korea went from one of the poorest countries on earth to one of the most successful. Its civilization alone would not have permitted such progress if the right strategy had not been followed, a free market economy and a progressive shift from enlightened despotism to full-blown democracy. For the younger generation who takes South Korea’s present status for granted, it is difficult to imagine a different evolution. But a glance at the neighboring countries which benefit from superior basic resources show how communism could bring nations to their knees. History has thus proven that South Korean leaders made the right choices at an early stage when liberal democracy did not necessarily look like a winning choice: whatever the rational (resist North Korea? emulate Japan? follow the United States?), South Korea had it right. This needs to be reaffirmed as Korean society at sixty doesn’t escape the turmoil which goes with maturity. Is South Korea in a crisis? Of course it is; only stagnant nations mired in poverty, under despotic regimes, ignore crisis. Because it is an actual democracy, and a modern economy, South Korea has entered into the cycle of rising expectation: only when life is improving do you start wondering why it is not improving more rapidly. When free speech is allowed, why not become vociferous? As seen from abroad, especially from Western Europe,

the street demonstrations and strikes which take place in South Korea do not surprise us: we have lived through those kind of events before and we still live with them. In democratic countries, elections never fully solve social conflicts; the purpose of elections is to quiet those conflicts so that they would not degenerate into civil war. What we now see in South Korea is business as usual in Western democracies. Are South Koreans disappointed with democracy? This is common as well: democracy is always disappointing while people expect too much of it. It is an imperfect regime but it is non-violent and it doesn’t pretend to dictate individual life. Maybe South Koreans are not yet accustomed to the inherent modesty of democratic institutions. They also are not fully reconciled - no nation is - with the imperfections of the free market economy. Free market economy brought South Koreans out of poverty; this was hardly debated when the growth rate hovered around ten percent. When the growth rate plummets to four percent, enthusiasm for the market tends to decline. The very high growth rate could absorb many imperfections of the system such as long work hours, unequal redistribution, brutal exodus from traditional activities to mass industry. But a slower growth rate underlines these imperfections: hard work is less well-tolerated, the gap between rich and poor, between regular and irregular workers fall under harsher scrutiny. A slower growth rate generates social frustration from the less educated toward the better educated, from the less paid toward the wealthy entrepreneurs. The search for scapegoats (the Americans, the chaebol), and a fiery nationalism, close to jingoism, take root easily when expectations are not met. Shall we conclude that South Korea is in a crisis, or in a transition? It seems to me as a transition to the next stage, when South Korea will become a major global player on the world scene.

Global Player South Korea at sixty has unique resources that remain untapped: its civilization as mentioned above is the most evident. By promoting its cultural resources, from its museums to its cuisine, by pursuing the globalization of its economy, South Korea could be better recognized as a global player. A stronger economy, more cultural value would bring a stronger diplomatic position; South Korea does not need to remain dwarfed between China and Japan. More global clout would make reunification easier against those who do not want it. Not only against North Korea, which is an economic midget but against China and

Japan as well; those two countries are not enthusiastic about Korea’s reunification. The goal of a unified Korea, which is now closer than ever, could be the ambition of a new generation, the success of the present administration and a tremendous booster for the Korean economy. How will it happen? It is anybody’s guess but, based on my knowledge of North Korea and my memories of Russia, I bet on an implosion of North Korea under the stress of mass poverty. The North Korean people are no longer ignorant of the global reality. Many in South Korea fear the cost of this reunification; but the benefits in terms of market opportunities and new work force would rapidly offset the costs. Moreover it would bring peace to North East Asia, which remains unstable and very much depending on the good will of the U.S. military. A stronger and larger Korea could balance its influence between Japan and China with the ultimate goal of a North East Asian economic zone, following the lines of the European Union. Such a grand design could become the new national ambition of the South Koreans and overcome short-term domestic conflicts or short-sighted nationalism. This grand design should not exclude some significant DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 61

SPECIAL SERIES President Lee Myung-bak, government officials, experts and entrepreneurs attend a mammoth meeting to announce the nation’s new economic growth engine industries at the the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute in Daejeon on Sept. 22

changes within South Korean society. Among those, education comes first. South Korean schools, colleges and universities are still very much in the grip of a traditional system which goes back to Confucian rote learning. This authoritarian pedagogy was perhaps well-geared to the first stage of South Korean industrialization when it required an obedient workforce. But in a transition toward a more hightech and service-oriented economy, South Korea needs a more initiative-based workforce and more entrepreneurship-minded individuals; this requires a fundamental shift in the education style, toward a more individualistic and less Confucian type of students-teachers relationship. A more open education would be able to retain in South Korea many of its best students who now emigrate to the United States; it would also attract students and scholars from other parts of the world, not only from the Asia Pacific region. A whiff of cosmopolitism would enhance the creativity of the Korean education and its performance. More and better educated, Koreans would produce less “irregular” workers, while most of these “irregular” workers presently suffer from a lack of proper education. Better educated Koreans will be more ready to understand the harsh process of destructive creation, which is the core of rapid economic development: adaptation through education should be the Korean answer to the challenges of globalization. This adaptation will not be a smooth nor an instantaneous process; no country so far has been able to strike an easy balance between the flexibility requirements of the global market and the collective desire for stability. Some turmoil will happen that cannot be avoided, but more open political debates, better public explanations, better education and constant negotiations should lead to more consensual solutions. To achieve such a delicate balance between competition and social stability, South Korea should not necessarily follow other models, be it Japan, the United States or Europe. There is room for creativity in a still young State: South Korean economists, state officials, union leaders, and entrepreneurs could experiment with new solutions such as a competitive welfare system, permanent training, negative income tax for the poorest, and social “flexi security” (flexibility for the employers, security for the employees) mechanisms as now practiced in Scandinavia. Beyond these still to be created public institutions, government, at the national and local levels, should focus on the quality of life in Korea. The Korean people have worked, and still work, hard; they deserve reliable health care, spe62 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

cial attention to the old and retired, safety and a more beautiful environment. The beautification of Seoul under the leadership of former mayor and now President Lee Myungbak and his successor Oh Se-hoon has demonstrated that government officials can make a difference in the daily life of the Korean people. This is a model to be followed.

Korea in Sixty Years’ Time I have no doubt about Korea’s economic or diplomatic status sixty years from now. But I wonder what Korean will mean then? All nations today are torn apart between their ancestors’ roots and fusion into a global melting pot. Most probably, the recent nationalistic outbursts among young Koreans express a disarray towards these contradictory trends. The tension between local and global will only increase as more Koreans will live abroad or be exposed to diverse cultural experiences. Moreover, more foreigners will come and live in Korea; Korea cannot escape immigration and its developing economy will need immigrant workers, at the top as well as at the bottom of the economic scale. Will this confrontation between Koreans and foreigners, abroad and at home, be smooth and easy? Will xenophobia prevail, or intermarriage? Probably, both will happen, like in the rest of the world. Koreans who always defined themselves through their bloodline and family history, will then be compelled to change their self definition: a Korean in the future could well be Korean by culture without being Korean by genetic origin. Moreover, a Korean could be Korean and something else simultaneously. This is not to be feared: we are all shifting from a world dominated by the cult of our ancestors, to a world based on shared identity. Many Koreans will remain Korean and become global citizens as well; and many global citizens could become Korean by choice. ■ Guy Sorman is a French journalist, economist, philosopher and author of twenty books on contemporary affairs, covering the five continents. He is a regular columnist for Le Figaro in France, the Wall Street Journal and City Journal in the United States, and other publications around the world. Sorman taught economics at the Paris Institute of Political Sciences from 1970 to 2000. He has held several public offices, including advisor to the prime minister of France (1995-1997) and deputy mayor of Boulonge, near Paris. He was appointed by President Lee Myung-bak as a member of the Global Advisors and Friends of Korea in June 2008.

New Growth Engine Industries-1

Planting Seeds of Growth in Key Sectors BY CHOI HE-SUK KOREA HERALD STAFF WRITER

A

s the country’s economic growth rate slows, the government has been seeking what it calls “new growth engines.” In its search for new industries to fuel economic growth, Seoul has set up a special team of more than 360 experts from the industrial, academic and research fields led by Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) president Suh Nam-pyo. Together with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, the team worked for about six months to select new growth engine industries out of

more than 400 candidates. The result is 22 industries from six fields, announced on Sept. 22. The six categories are energy and environment, transportation systems, new information technology, industrial convergence, biotechnology and knowledge-based services. Under the plans the government will inject 7.9 trillion won ($5.4 billion) into these areas, hoping to persuade the private sector to foot the 91.5 trillion won that remains from the total of 99.4 trillion won investment planned for its new growth engine scheme.

Although observers have commented that success will depend on whether or not the private sector spends as much as the government is hoping for, the Lee Myung-bak administration has high hopes for its ambitious plans. According to the government’s estimates, the project will raise the country’s value added production output to 253 trillion won by 2013 from this year’s 116 trillion won and increase exports from this year’s $120.8 billion to $306.9 billion by 2013 and to $795.4 billion by 2018. The government also expects DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 63

SPECIAL SERIES

880,000 new jobs will be created over the next five years and 2.26 million jobs made available over the next 10 years as a result of the projects.

Energy and Environment The Lee Myung-bak government has placed great emphasis on promoting “green growth,” and such intentions can also be seen through the new growth engine scheme. Of the 22 new growth engine industries, six are in the field of energy and environment, five of which are concerned with alternative or renewable energy sources. The six industries singled out are clean coal energy, maritime bio fuels, solar cells, carbon dioxide capture and recycling, fuel cell power generation systems and nuclear power facilities. The total investment required in these areas is estimated at 30.47 trillion won over the next five years. For clean coal energy, converting low-grade coal to synthetic petroleum using eco-friendly methods, the government hopes to induce investments worth 22 trillion won over the next five years. According to the government’s projections, the clean coal energy industry will generate 150,000 new jobs and produce 80 million barrels of synthetic petroleum on an annual basis or about 8 percent of Korea’s annual petroleum consumption by 2018. Maritime bio fuels - referring to petroleum alternatives produced from aquatic plants and carbon dioxide capture and recycling techniques - use carbon dioxide produced at highemission facilities such as power plants as gas in the production of other chemicals. Overall, the government expects the five alternative energy projects to reduce the country’s petroleum dependency by 13.4 percentage points from 64 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

last year’s 43.3 percent by 2018.

Transportation Systems The transportation system category consists of two subcategories - environmentally friendly automotive technology and technologies related to ships and maritime facilities. In the case of environmentally friendly automotive technologies, the government plans to direct 1.3 trillion won over the next five years with the aim of developing the local industry into one of the world’s top four nations in terms of related technologies. Although local carmakers have already made significant headway without much help from the government, the inclusion of the subject in the new growth engine plans have been welcomed by the industry. Hyundai Kia Automotive Group already has a number of hydrogen fuel cell driven vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles around the world and the company is scheduled to begin commercial production of the liquefied petroleum gas-electric hybrid version of the compact sedan Avante next year. The auto giant has also succeeded in locally developing much of the technologies used in hybrid vehicles allowing it to significantly reduce production costs. “There has been no change in policies concerning environmental car technologies as of yet and no support - other than what had already been in place - has materialized,” said an auto industry official, adding that policy changes are likely to be implemented within the next couple of years. “But the process of fine tuning the policies takes time and many in the industry consider it highly significant that the president is personally involving himself in drawing up such plans.” For plans concerning ships and maritime facilities, the government estimates that 733 billion won needs to

be injected by 2013. In addition to the conventional ideas such as developing more advanced ships, the category includes innovative ideas such as mobile harbors that move out to sea for larger ships that require deeper waters, a prototype of which will be introduced at the Yeosu Expo 2012.

New Information Technology Under the new information technology category, the government has included semiconductors, displays, nextgeneration mobile telecommunications and LED lighting as future growth engines. The fifth and final subcategory that comes under new information technology is RFID and USN. RFID, short for radio frequency identification, is a method of identification using RFID tags, which is currently being used in a wide range of areas including product tracking, transportation payments and in passports. USN or

ubiquitous sensor networks refer to the ubiquitous use of RFID tags for purposes ranging from monitoring pollution and environmental conditions to military applications. Over the next five years, the government estimates that 28.3 trillion won needs to be injected into these areas. Of the total, 13.5 trillion won will be directed towards semiconductor-related areas with the emphasis on system semiconductors, the market for which is about four times larger than that for memory chips.

Industrial Convergence The industrial convergence category concerns areas that require two or more industries to converge. The category consists of four industries: robotics, new materials and nano-convergence, IT-based convergence, and broadcasting-telecommunication convergent media. The total investment estimated for the category

is 34.5 trillion won. For robotics, the government hopes to raise the local industry to one of the top three globally by 2018 to capitalize on a world-wide market expected to grow to $420 billion by 2020. For the new materials and nanoconvergence category, Seoul has penciled in 12.6 trillion won for the next five years in the hopes that the country will grow to be one of the world’s top four nations in terms of materials technology and solve the country’s trade deficit problem by 2018. IT-based convergence refers to the addition of information technology to telecommunications to develop IT applicable to automotive, shipbuilding and other key industries. For the broadcasting-telecommunication convergent media, which includes internet protocol television and mobile broadcasting services, 18.7 trillion won is estimated to be required in order to meet the target of developing a world class industry by 2018.

In the biotechnology sector which according to the plans will receive a 900 billion won investment over the next five years - focus will be placed on developing new medicines from biological sources and nurturing medical equipment technologies, much of which Korea still imports. According to the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, of the more than 2,300 medical devices costing more than 100 million won that were in use at university hospitals in 2005, less than 4 percent was produced by local firms. In addition, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute’s data showed that last year the country imported $2.2 billion worth of medical equipment, while exports came in at only $1 billion. The final category is knowledgebased services. It consists of four different industries: software, design, healthcare and cultural contents business. The government is aiming for 6.6 trillion won in investments by 2013. ■ DECEMBER 2008 KOREA 65

FOREIGN VIEWPOINT

Multiculturalism Starts At Home South Korea has instituted several programs

particularly bullying, should be instituted.

aimed at promoting awareness of a nation

■ Foreign spouses, who are often welleducated in their home countries, should be given opportunity to pursue higher learning in South Korea. This will also make them become more productive members of society.

evolving towards a more diverse constituency; from local governments to the national level, laws have been enacted to ensure a proactive approach to the challenges of a multicultural society. For the Philippines, multiculturalism takes on greater significance as more than 50,000 of our countrymen reside in South Korea as students, workers, missionaries or spouses of Korean nationals. With this trend expected to continue, I wish to offer my views on multiculturalism, particularly as it relates to mixed marriages: ■ It is not enough that South Koreans help foreign spouses adjust to life in South Korea. The Korean spouses must also learn and understand the culture of their foreign spouses. ■ President Lee Myung-bak once proposed having Korean men undergo mandatory education prior to interracial marriage. The Philippines already implements a similar program whereby Filipinos going abroad as fiancés or spouses are required to attend guidance and counseling sessions before their departure. ■ Aside from the cultural gap, Korean institutions should also address the mismatch in expectations between the Korean husband and the foreign spouse. The former expects his spouse to help him with the family trade and take care of his parents, but the latter enters the marriage hoping to be gainfully employed and thus be in a position to extend economic help to her own family. ■ Ties to the home country are nurtured and strengthened specially during special festivals akin to Chuseok for Koreans, when families take extra effort to be together. These events include Christmas, New Year, birthdays and the like. Recognition by the Korean spouse of the need to commemorate these important occasions will go a long way in fostering mutual understanding. ■ More opportunities for civic service 66 KOREA DECEMBER 2008

BY LUIS T. CRUZ PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR TO SOUTH KOREA

should be given to naturalized Koreans. Many have already taken up positions as civil servants in their respective local governments. ■ Foreign spouses should be encouraged to form interpersonal networks, particularly with other foreign spouses. These networks provide invaluable support systems and reduce the feeling of sadness and isolation. ■ The Philippine Embassy carries out a program that introduces Filipino culture not only to children of multicultural families, but also to Korean spouses and in-laws. There should be more of these, and Korean government institutions and NGOs should come up with cooperative projects with embassies and other institutions that promote inter-cultural understanding. ■ There is a need to educate educators as well. Because behavior forms at an early age, parents and teachers must be aware and wary of discriminatory practices-including their own.

■ People-to-people exchange must be further strengthened. Government agencies like the Korea Local Authorities Foundation for International Relations, an agency under the Ministry of Government and Home Affairs, assist in developing sister-city arrangements. ■ Some local and national government units sponsor a program where family members of the foreign spouses are invited to South Korea to get acquainted with Korean life and culture. Conversely, Korean NGOs like the YWCA, through its Migrant Women’s Homeland Visiting Project, sponsor trips of Korean husbands to the country of their spouses. These should be encouraged. ■ South Koreans must remember that foreign countries stood by South Korea when it needed help. Several countries rushed to its aid during the Korean War. Now that South Korea is a developed nation, it is now in a good position to pay back and help others in the global society who are also in need. ■ Koreans who study abroad are exposed to other cultures over a period of time. They should be harnessed to help promote multiculturalism in Korea. To be really effective, programs must not only permeate all levels of government but also be endemic in the grassroots. Multicultural families must themselves be active in promoting

■ Some Filipino parents I talked to send their kids to school overseas because of the reported bullying of their children, the high cost of education in South Korea and the strong pressure born by young students to extend their study and extracurricular sessions until late at night. Programs that address the added challenges faced by multicultural children,

consciousness about the issue. Instead of merely helping a foreign spouse become assimilated to Korean culture, South Korea will do even better by embracing the richness of cultures naturally present in the homes of interracial couples and using the knowledge derived from multicultural families to equip the nation with a truly global perspective. ■