From the Editor

Pink plum blossoms, white magnolias, and red, red camellias – all in bloom. Warming breezes blowing, leaf buds opening – signs of seasons changing. A glance at the calendar says that Cheongmyeong (청명,淸明), the seasonal term of clear and sunny skies, resides in this month, as does Gogu (곡우, 穀雨), the term of rain for the grain.

Spring is undeniably here! And it must be April!

In this April issue of the Gwangju News, our Photo Essay (Spring) offers beautiful buds and blossoms of the season, all of which were here to greet the Canadian Ambassador – the topic of our cover feature – on his recent visit to our city and the Gwangju Biennale site. We also feature interviews with the duo of artistic directors of this year’s Biennale (Minds Rising, Spirits Tuning).

In the month of the Biennale in the “City of Art,” we feature several outstanding artists: an interview with the Gwangju artist couple Ju Hong and Goh Geunho (People in the Arts), an international critic’s view of the art of Huh Hwi-tae (The Nature of Emotions), and a colorful look at the world and work of an Armenian artist (Beyond the Frames: Art Called Boris Yeghiazaryan).

City of Light, the GFN Radio show that’s a namesake of this bright city, is ending its twelve-year run. Read all about its career in “All Good Things…” And beginning with this issue is a new column, “Top of the Drop,” updating us with the latest on the music scene.

Relax with Hongdae Fire, a new book by the creator of our monthly Crossword Puzzle, but first read our review. Check out our review of Sage, a book and music café. Our third review is of a restaurant: Pizzeria Piazza, where you can get fine Italian-style cuisine. Or have fine dining at home with our bibimbap recipe.

Find out what’s happening with Gwangju’s urban parks (Lost in Gwangju), and venture outside the city limits to Hwasun to enjoy nature as well as a sheep farm.

You can learn some more Korean with this month’s episode of Everyday Korean, and you can learn about a language academy that teaches Korean to expats (Local Entrepreneurs). Language Teaching’s topic this month is teaching loanwords to English learners.

Don’t forget to gaze at our Photo of the Month – it’s the cat’s meow! Don’t miss the Gwangju City News, and before you call it a night, read this month’s Blast from the Past, which brings you Korean dragons and ghosts!

As always, stay Covid smart, stay Covid safe, and enjoy the Gwangju News.

David E. Shaffer
Editor-in-Chief
Gwangju News