The Purple Islands: Selfie Paradise
Ahhh, good old Shinan. Characterized by farmland, tidal flats, and all-around nice people, the 1,004 islands of the region are spread out, isolated, and beautiful.
Author: Gwangju News
Unhealed Light: Drawing Inspiration from Kim Eun-ju’s 5.18 Photography
Kim Eun-ju has spent many years behind the lens capturing images not only of first-hand survivors and the bereft of the Gwangju Uprising, but also of the Jeju Uprising and the Dirty War of Argentina.
Min Cook Barbeque: An Interview with Kang Woong-min
Southern-style American barbeque lovers – fear not! Min Cook Barbeque can be found in two locations in Gwangju: Kumho-dong and recently also in a new location in downtown on Chungjang-ro.
Is 20/20 Vision Possible for Me?
The staff at the clinic seems really nice and confident in their work, so I felt very welcome and warmly received there.
Fountain of Light: Carrying the Spirit of May 18 Through Media Arts
Ask any Gwangju citizen and it is almost certain that they know about “the fountain” (분수대). Located at the May 18 Democratic Plaza in Dong-gu, it is a significant landmark for the city. In 1980, this was the very place where citizens gathered, exchanging words of support to win over the military dictatorship. The area has now become the May 18 Democracy Plaza, and the fountain together with the clock tower nearby are a testament to the very history of the city. To further its function as a city landmark, a new project has transformed the fountain into a new tourist hotspot in Gwangju through the Fountain of Light (빛의 분수대) installation. It is expected to be unveiled some time in June this year.
Joining the Chonnam National University International Community: A Better Way to Connect Students of All Backgrounds
Simply packing your bags and moving abroad to study is no guarantee that you will connect with your new home away from home. To get the most out of the study abroad experience, an attempt at integration is often vital. The following interview explores a few of the excellent campus groups at Chonnam National University (CNU) that serve to link incoming foreign students with locals for deeper cross-cultural exchanges.
Interview with Song Seon-tae: Head of the May 18 Democratization Movement Truth Commission
The indebtedness of the survivors of May 18 should not be trapped by inaction but rather spurred into action to give back. The dedication of the survivors has managed to reveal the truth of the uprising with the help of national and international organizations, as well as activists and even non-activists.
From the Editor : May 2022
May is here! We’re now in the heart of spring with its warm and super pleasant weather, some call it the “family month,” as it boasts of numerous family-related commemorative days. Children’s Day (어린이 날) is on May 5, and Parents’ Day (어버이 날) is on May 8. There’s Teachers’ Day (스승이 날) on the May 15, Coming of Age Day (성년의 날) on the 16th for everyone turning 19 in 2022, and Husband and Wife’s Day is on the 21st. Another day of celebration on May 8 this year is Buddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일) with its countless, brightly colored lanterns gracing Korea’s innumerable temples and surrounding areas.