Leadership and Service: A Life Path for ELT Professionals

Many people in the Gwangju area know Professor Park Joo-Kyung for her work in the field of English language teaching (ELT) as an instructor, teacher trainer, administrator, ELT association leader, and the list goes on. But what you may not be as aware of is that she is also widely known in ELT circles throughout the nation and, indeed, throughout Asia and beyond for her leadership and service – as attested to by her recent appointment as president-elect of AsiaTEFL. Our KOTESOL interviewer recently caught up with Dr. Park to quiz her more on her leadership and service activities over the years.

Travel Blog: Touring the Heart of Europe, Part 2 – Wallonia

Crossing the language barrier over to French-speaking Wallonia, we end up at the capital of Wallonia, a city called Namur.

From Seaside to Mountainside – Sokcho and Seoraksan

Located in the northeastern part of Gangwon Province, Sokcho is so far north that it was briefly under the control of North Korea after World War II , before finally changing hands following the Korean Armistice Agreement. These days, it is a popular getaway for those wanting to swap the stifling, summer streets of Seoul for the cool sea breeze of the coast.

Dongseok-san’s Serrated Edge: Escaping Injury on Jindo’s Sketchiest Mountain

Among the ample little peaks studding Korea’s west, one that’s recently left me lovestruck is Jindo Island’s Dongseok-san. It’s about as far southwest as you can drive in Korea and a solid 2.5 hours from Gwangju.

Top of The Drop

Each month, Daniel Springer of the Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN) picks his favorite newly released tunes that you may not have heard yet, along with some upcoming albums and EPs that you might want to keep on your radar. — Ed.

Thematization of Isolation and Connection: Interview with Seo Kee-moon

Why do humans want to be connected? Why do they want to reach farther and higher? To compete and to conquer? For high returns? To control? To Seo Kee-moon, humans have to be connected to communicate, share, and be happy with each other. The direction of his vigorous force and energy are symbolized in his latest work “Cable Flower” in his most recent exhibition Metaverse.

Called by Another Name: A David Dolinger Memoir of 5.18

When David Dolinger came to Korea as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1978, the situation was very different. In his incredible book Called by Another Name, which was co-authored by Matt Vanvolkenburg, he recounts how his experiences treating tuberculosis patients in rural Yeongam and witnessing the brutality of the 5.18 uprising changed the course of his life. While speaking with Dolinger (who holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology) during his recent trip to Gwangju, it quickly became apparent how the events surrounding 5.18 laid the foundation for his considerable scientific achievements as well as his lifelong commitment to helping those that are marginalized.

From the Editor: June 2022

As the daylight hours get distinctively longer and the thermometer’s mercury climbs upward, we have become acutely aware of the changing of the seasons. The sixth month of the year ushers in not only the season of outdoor picnics, travel, and vacations but, very importantly, the June issue of the Gwangju News!