From the Editor – September 2025

Have you noticed? The intensity of the “tropical nights” seems to be abating.

The chorus of the cicadas seems to be waning. And even the buzz of air conditioning units has softened. On Korea’s farmer’s calendar of 24 seasonal terms, Cheoseo (the Lesser Heat) is coming to an end to be followed by Baengno (the White Dew). These are all signals

of the arrival of the first of the autumn months: September. And synchronous with the arrival of this new month is the publication of the September issue of the Gwangju News! We hope it measures up to what you have come to expect from this magazine.

The cover announces the return of the Gwangju Design Biennale for a two-month run. Learn more about this year’s exhibition from our extensive interview with Design Biennale Director Choi Sooshin. Our second feature is on Farhana Binte Jigar Farina, one of the major speakers at the 2025 World Human Rights Cities Forum. Read about her efforts in the recent struggle to bring true democracy to Indonesia.

Our History and Tradition section features frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Chuseok. Test yourself – see how many of the Chuseok questions you can answer and what is new. Next, our Travel and Discovery section takes you from the heights of Mudeung Mountain to the Silla tombs of Gyeongju and to an island (yes) in mountainous Gangwon Province. Then take a short trip for a relaxing sip at the Damyang Café Migak or at the Damyang Coffee Farm.

As more somber reading, we bring you a report on a local university graduate student’s death, and another on a migrant worker’s abuse involving a forklift. Additional distressing news is that of recent flooding in the city – again.

We bring you a report on the recent Gwangju Future Industry Expo 2025 by one of its organizers. As well, read our report on this month’s World Archery Championships, also being held in Gwangju. With this issue, we are planning a series on Gwangju’s numerous sister and friendship cities around the world, beginning with Friendship City Torino, Italy.

Read about getting started with high-rise gardening; peruse our book review (bicycling round the world); absorb our creative writing piece (city mosquitoes?); get to know better our Environment column writer, Chung Hyunhwa. Learn about one of the fastest-growing sports in Gwangju: cricket! And as always, visit our Area Sports Round-Up (and the Asani saga), as well as our September Upcoming Events list. All this in just one issue!