From the Editor: August 2021

Another hot month starts off with another hot issue of the Gwangju News! August, after all, is the month of the last of the dog days (Malbok, on the 10th) and the Lesser Heat (beginning on the 23rd). As Gwangju is known as the City of the Arts, our August issue brings an exceptional array of articles related to the arts in deep hues and soft tints.

Our cover feature starts things off with a preview of the Gwangju Design Biennale, which starts its two-month run next month. Another feature describes how Gwangju artist Kim Chang-deok combines beeswax, plum blossoms, and tea into yunhoe-mae.

In the photography category of the arts, we have a feature interview with the editor of an urban-exploring photography webzine, The Bulldozed Future. Other exceptional photography in this issue includes that of an urban explorer venturing outside the city limits for this issue [Lost in Honam], a visit to a Gwangju talisman maker [Photo Essay], and our tranquil Photo of the Month. Another genre of art is creating comics; check out our new column, the webtoon Alan and Me.

Blast from the Past this month features Gwangju and its history, along with some photos that you are sure to not recognize. Also of a historical bent is our new-column-initiating article on the hanok housing in Gwangju. Part of Gwangju’s recent history is also May 18. Read about one person’s struggle to make sense of the misinformation surrounding 5.18 [Gwangju Abroad]. Moving to Gwangju’s present, we offer one person’s suggestions for green transportation on Gwangju’s streets [Environment] and another person’s suggestions on how to give Gwangju a skateboarding future that works [Opinion].

If you’re not familiar with Suamgol Village in Cheongju, you soon will know a lot more about this art and filming site [Around Korea]. In August, we usually talk about vacations, but this month Everyday Korean talks about vaccinations. Language Teaching, however, does talk about “playfulness” (as it pertains to language learning).

We present one writer who just completed her first children’s book, The Magpie Babies, and the short essay of another, The Man Who Owned Red. From GFN Radio, we bring you the latest releases in music [Top of The Drop] and an interview with a very interesting GFN PD.

You will want to read up on Gwangju City News and see how quickly you can complete this month’s Crossword Puzzle.

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

David E. Shaffer
Editor-in-Chief
Gwangju News