Ponderings & Contemplations: Home and Hearth
By Park Nahm-Sheik ||
It’s my privilege to call Gwangju home. It’s the abode of my genuine home and hearth.
It’s where I’m most comfortable. It’s where I feel the pleasantest and happiest even when I am physically exhausted. It’s apparently where my Dr. Quiet resides and rests round the clock, as does Dr. Merryman.
Every time we talk about hearth, we are instantly reminded of a fireplace or a stove near or around which we can afford to enjoy snuggling up close to each other sitting side by side for lazy and/ or idle chats with family, friends, neighbors, etc., etc. Such a cozy setting rarely comes free of charge, however. It always demands some steep dues from each of its beneficiaries.
So, as for home and hearth to become a reality for everybody involved, we may need a very vigilant and honest caretaking staff posted on an incessant lookout 24/7 over a long, long period of time. We must make sure that nothing, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is ever allowed to fall through the cracks.
Fortunately for us here in the Gwangju-Jeonnam region, we are blessed with well-qualified and highly loyal personnel already in place working under the guidance of Dr. Shin Gyonggu, director of the Gwangju International Center (the GIC). Surprisingly, he is a native son of neither Gwangju nor Jeonnam. He is a transplant from Jincheon in North Chungcheong Province. Yet, he has done far more for the local community than most of us braggarts. Shall we take this occasion to thank the township of Jincheon for this priceless gem of a gift to Gwangju-Jeonnam so tidily wrapped up in the vibrant persona of Dr. Shin.
Although I am a Gwangju-Jeonnam native myself, born and raised in a farming village not that far removed from Hwasun, I have not done as much for the region as Dr. Shin has. And I do feel kind of ashamed to admit that to be the case. But truth is truth. Besides, I am proud of Dr. Shin being a true and tried friend to my hometown and to myself as well.
By way of closing, shall we all rise and give three cheers to our dear home and hearth in Gwangju-Jeonnam and to the Gwangju International Center and its hardworking staff!
The Author
Park Nahm-Sheik is a native of Gwangju. After graduating from Chonnam National University, he went on to receive a master’s degree at the University of Hawaii and a PhD (applied linguistics) at Georgetown University, both in the U.S. Upon completing an illustrious career at Seoul National University, Prof. Park served as president of the International Graduate School of English.
Cover Photo: Korean-style hearth. (Courtesy of Emily Torem)