2024 Gwangju News 11 From the Editor

It’s that time of year again – when there’s that distinct crispness in the air and the lush greenery of summer takes on a rich chestnut brown, signaling that the advancing year is marching into its late-autumn phase. It’s the time of year that reminds me of the James Whitcomb Riley poem I learned in middle school, whose first line goes “When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.”

For me, it ushers in the month of November, as does this issue of the Gwangju News! It has already been a very busy autumn in the city. The just-concluded Gwangju International Community Week was a huge success again this year with a tremendous turnout, as can be seen from the cover photo. Read all about it in our cover feature.

Unfamiliar with the Dalbit Alliance? Though it’s started out as mainly exchange tours between Daegu and Gwangju, it has promise of developing into a much more wide-ranging cooperative endeavor. Read all about it too in our feature section.

Not sure what to do or where to go in your free time as the warmth of summer dissipates? Discover the array of fall-winter options available to you in the Gwangju-Jeonnam area – from teahouses, to markets, to temples, to hiking, to jjimjil-bang – in our third feature [The Late-Fall/Winter Collection].

Two other annual Gwangju events have just concluded. The Fringe Festival provided one weekend of art in the streets and the next of dance in the streets, while Gwangju Youth Week offered a talent show, a talk show, a dance contest, and streetside booths of all sorts. Read all about them in the Featured Events section.

And what is the GIRC? Find out what this new center has to offer Gwangju’s international residents. As well, learn about templestays, about peacebuilding, and more in our other article offerings.

That Riley poem goes on: “O, it’s then’s the times a feller is a-feelin’ at his best…” We hope that this November issue of the Gwangju News assists you in feelin’ at your best!