From the Editor

The year 2020 has been dubbed “a year like no other”; that no one will challenge. January ushers in a new year, 2021. Let us hope also to make it a year like no other, but in a positive sense – a new year for which we make new plans, set new goals, and draft new resolutions. Here at the Gwangju News, beginning with this January issue, we are planning new content for the new year and setting a goal of increased readership as we resolve to serve our readers to the best of our ability. We hope that 2021 will be a productive and enriching year for you also.

As 2021 begins, the Gwangju News and the Gwangju International Center will be working more closely with GFN radio in serving the international community. Read our interview with the GFN president, “Collaborating for a Better Community,” for details. Our second feature is an interview with artist Song Philyong on how he represents Korea in his paintings of water.

Our Blast from the Past this month discusses the folk beliefs associated with apples and “hangover stew.” While on the topic of food, you may wish to check out our Korean recipe for soy-braised chicken and our review of the Bogwang-ok restaurant, as well as find out what’s cooking at Loft 28 in an interview with their owners.

Though the pandemic may have restricted our travels, you can still travel with the Gwangju News as it guides you on a tour of the demolition in the city’s Hak-dong area, to the May 18 anniversary exhibition at the Gwangju Museum of Art, and then to a multi-faceted husbandry experience at Sangha Farm. The tour continues over waters to the east coast islands of Dokdo and Ulleung-do, and then you sail over seas and oceans to the big island of Australia to experience a summertime Christmas down under.

One Gwangjuite describes her experience interning in New York City, while an Indonesian gives her perspective on interning at the GIC. One twenty-something reveals to us her deep reflections on her life in her “first Saturn return,” and a Pennsylvania wanderer reveals why he has quit social media for good.

Discover how to influence student behavior as a teacher for a peaceful classroom, learn of the joys of volunteering to teach storybook reading, and learn how to talk about online shopping in Korean. Learn also how many expats stranded here during the vacation beat the pandemic with season’s greeting in this month’s Photo Essay. And don’t forget to check out the Gwangju City News and this month’s crossword puzzle.

As always, stay COVID smart, stay COVID safe throughout the year, and enjoy the Gwangju News.

David E. Shaffer
Editor-in-Chief
Gwangju News