From the Editor – July 2025

It’s July! Already the latter days of June alerted us to the fact that the heat of summer and the dog days that it embraces were upon us. Our article on Korea’s dog days (Sambok) provides information on their origin, traditional foods that are eaten, and how to make this a more sustainable world, as this summer is already predicted to raise the mercury higher than usual.

Possibly the hottest event of the year in the Republic was the recent presidential by-election. We bring you the twists and turns in the lead-up to the election, insights into the election results by region, and hope for the future under the leadership of the new president, Lee Jae-myung.

Gwangju’s hottest event of the year is arguably the recently concluded World Human Rights Cities Forum, hosted by the city. Moderator of this year’s Forum was Kim Gyeongrae, director of the Gwangju Foundation for Women and Family. We have for you an interview with Ms. Kim on the Foundation’s mission and activities focusing on gender equality among others.

Planning your summer vacation? Consider beating the heat at the Boryeong Mud Festival after reading our article on the event authored by a splasher in last summer’s Daecheon Beach mud. Looking for something even more out of the box? Consider a summery workcamp, such as the Soan-do Workcamp that we bring you a report on. Is your time more limited? How about a balmy day at Gwangju’s recently opened Asian Art Garden with its cultural garden, ecological art garden, and sky bridge.

Read one participant’s exposé on this year’s Mt. Mudeung Literary- Cultural Festival. Read another participant’s account of their experience at Gwangju’s Together Day. Don’t miss our piece on the support provided by diaspora communities, and be sure to read about Korea’s hidden leprosy colony on Sorok-do.

We have for you a burning book review: Bessie Head’s When Rain Clouds Gather. A red-hot report on a bakery that’s more than just a bakery. A cool café review: Tea At in Ssangchon-dong. And a sizzling gel nail review: Unnie’s Nail Salon in Dongmyeong-dong.

In addition to our Area Sports Round-Up, we have an article on the AI Peppers’ newly acquired Shimamura Haruyo. And as usual, we round out the issue with the hottest Upcoming Events for this month. Enjoy!