Dreamers: A Harmonious and Unbiased World

Written by Tobias Hills
Photographed by Tobias Hills and Taesang Park

“I thought of the prejudice in our minds against other nationalities. I realized it could all be from fear that we don’t know each other, and that fear makes walls. Those walls force us to forget our conscience; they make us irrational and prejudiced. I wanted to break the walls in our minds, wanted the people to understand each other, to have open hearts. I wanted to create a harmonious and unbiased place in Gwangju.” — Taesang Park

Tucked away near the west entrance of Daein Market is a modest little shack. If you did not know it, you would pass it by, thinking nothing of it or the man who runs it. You would perhaps glance at its beat-up shutter door, hundreds of photos on the windows, or the busy man in the maroon cap hastily washing beer glasses and sweeping the cracked floors of the establishment. If you gazed at each other, he would certainly give you a smile. As you continued your journey, you would likely forget that moment of your day, unaware of what you just saw.

The space to which I am referring is Dreamers Open Space, and that man, the one in the maroon cap, is Taesang Park. Taesang is an idealistic, humble, and deeply compassionate human who is overflowing with love and renowned among the Gwangju community.

“Taesang is like my real brother. He has no greed, but I feel rich when I’m with him. He is always satisfied with the small things and always takes care of his friends with his great love. He is the best.” — Edward Kim

He is easily recognizable, perennially sporting: his trademark maroon cap, a camera around his neck, a wispy goatee, and his soft smile. Taesang is a friend, planner, and leader; however, perhaps more important than any of that, he is responsible for founding Dreamers Open Space: a Gwangju haven cherished by locals, expatriates, and tourists alike.

“Dreamers is a safe space, a place for friends to gather and new friendships to form, an open space welcoming anyone who will join. You never know what new face will show up on any given night, but you always know a familiar face will be there.” — Eden Jones

“It’s a church without a religion, a community without color of skin, wealth without possessions, a piece of land without a border. It’s a place for love, for friendship, for creation – a place for us, Dreamers.” — Laureline Claeys

Dreamers’ official tagline is “Dreaming of a World Without Discrimination and Prejudice.” Inspired by John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Taesang created Dreamers with a similar mantra in mind: to give people a space that promises inclusion and harmony among those who visit.

“Dreamers has taught me to look at the world without prejudice. It is the place where all people can communicate and where we can heal each other’s hearts.” — Dongmin Lee

“Dreamers is as much a realized idea as it is a friendly yellow shack in a thriving night market. It inspires creativity, grows and strengthens relationships, and provides an intimate space for artists of all kinds to share their talents with the community. I couldn’t ask for a better home away from home.” — Andrew Vlasblom

It encourages artistry and creativity. It brings together people from all corners of the earth and forges kinships that would not necessarily occur otherwise. Dreamers emboldens all to abandon their inhibitions, to break down the walls, to feel freedom in being themselves. And, with that mission, it creates an ever-enveloping atmosphere of togetherness to which all are entitled.

“I’ve never felt so free to be myself with such kind-hearted and passionate individuals. Dreamers is the creative pulse in the heart of the Gwangju community, giving us all the little extra energy we need to get through and thrive.” — Ashley Johnson

Every Saturday night on which Daein Market is operating, Taesang opens Dreamers’ yellow sliding door, pulls up the ragged metal shutter, puts out the various pieces of seating, taps the keg of Kloud, and waits for his perpetually growing group of friends to arrive.

As soon as the first note of music is played, people flock to Dreamers to watch the myriad of performances. Hordes come to watch the Irishman’s folk songs; the soulful Korean trio; the masterful violinist from Wisconsin, and the Canadian piano virtuoso; the soothing voices from France, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and America; and the Mancunian’s strum of the guitar. They come to immerse themselves in the dream that Taesang has brought to life.

“Dreamers is a place where I felt at home; it stopped me from being lonely. There is no other place I will visit before Dreamers when I return to Gwangju. I love it and I miss it.” — Tao Don Tajaroensuk

“When I look around, I wonder how many of those strangers now gather here as friends. Perhaps I can’t count, but enough for me to know that every new face at Dreamers is a story to be learned and a future to be shared.” — Jazz McClure

With Dreamers, Gwangju has a small utopia that, although modest and unassuming, welcomes any who wish to walk through the yellow, picture-laden threshold. Dreamers has become a cornerstone of the community and, for many, a second home. The door is always open and even when it is closed, it is still open. A simple “Hi, my name is…” makes you family.

Come say hello.

**Thank you to the Dreamers – Edward, Eden, Dongmin, Andrew, Laureline, Don, Ashley, and Jazz – for their contributions. And a special thanks to Taesang for allowing us to dream.

The Author
Tobias Hills is among many English teachers who have found a home in Gwangju. Toby made his way to Korea from Toledo, Ohio, in July 2017 and has become a well-known member of the community. He’s usually found frolicking through Daein Market discovering food spots when not doing photography, teaching, or writing.