Empower, Seek, Adapt: “Rise Together” at Gwangju’s Refugee Women Bazaar  

On the historical grounds of the May 18th square near the Asia Culture Center, the first Refugee Women Bazaar in Gwangju took place. Let me be clear and state that there is a distinct difference between “refugees” and “immigrants.” These women sought refuge in South Korea due to multiple factors ranging from war and political oppression to state-enforced imprisonment. What must be acknowledged is that they ran away from threats. No matter the variables of their individual circumstances, they shared one thought in heart: to seeking a better life.

“Waves”: A Dedication to the Sewol Ferry Victims

Eight years have passed since that day. Every year on April 16, the nation solemnly remembers what happened. For most, life goes on, but for many families of the victims, every day is difficult.
Two years after the Sewol ferry disaster, I wrote an energetic and emotional composition on the piano titled “Waves.”

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.

KONA Storybook Experiences of 2021

KONA, the Korean Organization of the Natural Approach, is a UNESCO-sponsored initiative to help underprivileged children to learn English through storybooks. Volunteers assist children in orphanages, at community children centers, at day-care centers, and at the KONA Storybook Center in normal times, and online during pandemic times.

Adopt-a-Child 2021:“Something That Has to Be Done”

Adopt-a-Child Gwangju was founded in 2010 by Al Barnum. Its main goal is to get Christmas gifts for children at the orphanages in Gwangju.

Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, Dear Alleyway

The entire city of Gwangju suffered a major blow when The First Alleyway shuttered its doors at the end of August. While so much has been said on social media about how beloved the Alleyway was, we at the Gwangju News felt it was important to go a little more in depth.

Falling in Love with Volunteering

My Experiences in Indonesia By Emmanuela Sabatini. The Initial StepMy volunteer life first started in 2015, back when I was working for a company in Indonesia. I decided to join … Read More

My Highlight of 2020

Saying 2020 was tough would be the understatement of the year. Our high hopes and aspirations were soon put to a halt. Despite it all, Gwangju pulled through and the … Read More