A Triumph for Pedestrians

Starting in the early months of 2022, there were signs that a major transformation was taking place. The large wall on the east side was repainted and covered with beautiful, colorful murals. The police box on the south end (whose purpose I’ve yet to determine, as it had nothing to do with making sure cars weren’t clogging up the street) was removed. Most significantly, huge “No Parking” banners were hung along the wall and large planters were placed along the entire length of the street about two meters from the wall.

Fear No More! Our Trip to Chosun University Dental Hospital

If you have a child and are looking for a dentist, either for the kid or for yourself, I truly recommend going there.

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.

Top of The Drop

This is the latest installment of “Top of The Drop,” by Daniel Springer of the Gwangju Foreign Language Network (GFN). Each month, “Danno” picks his favorite newly released tunes that you may have missed, along with upcoming albums and EPs that you might want to keep on your radar.

Diving into Deep Ocean

Our beloved City of Light is the host of one underground subculture hotspot called Deep Ocean (Simhae, 심해). Run by young enthusiasts who transformed their hobbies and passions into a lifestyle, the place is a must-see for music lovers of this genre. It is the place you have been searching for! I was in awe when I discovered it, not knowing that Gwangju had such a precious hidden gem.

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.

“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.”

Keeping the Beautiful Game Alive

Every Sunday at 2 p.m. – come rain, shine, or scorching summer heat – players from countries like Canada, Iran, the US, Uzbekistan, the UK, and Korea take to the pitch to show off their skills for a couple of hours. Like all sports, there can be a competitive edge to the game, but the team does not take itself too seriously, hence its slogan “You’ll Never Drink Alone.”