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October I November 2012
SIWA Woman
SIWA Style
Designer
Lie, Sang Bong
Exclusive Interview
Bazaar 2012
Tours for every Style
Romantic Weekend Away
Car Tax
S e o u l I n t e r n a t i o n a l W o m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n
October I November 2012 DISCOVERY
SIWA supports a variety of groups that are organised
by our members. Contact us at coursecoordinator@
siwapage.com or vpactivities@siwapage.com
2
www.siwapage.com
Contents
SIWAStyle!
2 Table of Contents
3 President’s Letter
Special Announcements
Welcome to new Board members
4 SIWA Board
5 Editor’s Letter
SIWA Interest Groups Chair – Thank you
On the Cover, About Discovery
FocusonSIWAActivities
6 SIWA Coffee Mornings
Newcomers’ Meetings
SIWA Clubs: Moms & Tots
Cultural connection
7 Enrichment Classes – Fall Sign-Up Photos
Looking back at OASIS Club: Interviews
10 Bazaar Updates
Welfare– Where does the money go?
11 CulturalViews–GangnamStyle?
Korean Lesson, by Hyejin Kim
SIWATourstoDreamAbout!!
13 Past tour photos
14 SIWATours:Teamupdates
15 UpcomingTours: OverviewandDetails
FeatureStories
19 InterviewwithDesignerLie,SangBong
byBockheeLee&MariyaMaderich
21 CarTax–when&howmuchtopay?
byMariyaMaderich
23 Weekend Getaway, by Kerrie Matthee
26 Events around Seoul, by Anne Ladouceur
Advertisers
Adaptable Human Solutions (AHS)
Ambassador Hotel, Chadwick School
IVY Dental Clinic, Seoul Selection
Maria Fertility Clinic
Pumex International Movers
WY Dentistry
Seoul International Women’s Association
28 Changeuimun-ro 5th Street Jongno-gu,
Seoul, Korea 110-819
www.siwapage.com
Whether you’re a newcomer to Seoul,
long-time expat or Korean resident,
SIWA
has something for you!
Founded in 1952, the Seoul International Women’s Association is
Seoul’s largest and oldest international women’s group. Bringing
together women from over 50 countries,
SIWA provides opportunitites for friendship, cultural exchange,
personal growth and community service.
Come join the fun!
Find out more at www.siwapage.com
SIWA Woman
SIWA Style
Book Club
Our members
take turns to host
once a month to
discuss a chosen
book.
Mums & Tots
Mums take turns
hosting and have
special gatherings
for Christmas,
Halloween, baby
showers, etc.
Korean/English
Conversation Group
Exchanging
conversation tips in
Korean and English
over lunch in a
restaurant.
Cultural
Connection Group
Our members take
turns to host once a
month and give a
presentation on their
home country.
Transitions
Supporting members
who are in the
process of a global
transition. The group
meets for lunch and
discussions.
SIWA Working
Womens Network
Meeting outside office
hours, come along for
dinner and tap into our
network of professional
women.
August I September 2012 DISCOVERY
Message from the PresidentMessage from the President
Welcome New Board & Committee Members
4
President’sLetter
A
utumn is my favorite time
of year, especially in Seoul.
Although the calendar doesn’t
say so, it always feels like the
beginning of a new year, a fresh
start. SIWA has a renewed
energy as well. You can see it with our new clubs and
tours, and the buzz at our SIWA Enrichment Classes
Sign-Up in September.
Perhaps our biggest change in SIWA this year is our Bazaar
venue. Thanks to the help of the Seoul Metropolitan
Government, we are having the Bazaar at the Seoul
Museum of History (http://www.museum.seoul.kr/eng_
new/index.jsp). This museum is in a great location, walking
distance from Sejong Center. Best of all, admission to the
museum and the Bazaar is free! Make plans to be there on
November 13, to purchase items and sample food from
around the world. All the proceeds go to support SIWA
charities, all in Korea, so get a start on your holiday
shopping and help those in need at the same time.
Have you checked out our new website (siwapage.com)? It
is attractive and easy to use, and best of all, easier for us to
update to bring you the latest SIWA news and information.
Don’t forget to “friend” us on Facebook as well.
The beautiful women who serve on our Board and
committees are bringing fresh ideas, clubs, and events to
SIWA. We have re-started our moms and tots group,
opened up the SIWA Book Club, and have begun a new
support group for women that want to transition into the
workforce in Korea. Check out the website to find out
more.
Johanne Marias – Mom’s & Tot’s Leader
J
ohanne is an Australian mother of three children, one of
whom is still young enough to stay home with Mum.
Johanne and her family have lived in Canada, Australia and
China before moving to Seoul. Johanne dreams of adding
France to the list. “The nicest surprise about moving to Seoul
has been making Korean friends. How nice it is that SIWA
includes both expatriate and local women.”
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Organizing Committee will hold a “Special Scarf
Campaign” to motivate participation of people, wishing for a successful 2013 Games. SIWA
members participation is requested to assist in this mission:
* To deliver a warm welcome message to athletes participating in the 2013 Special Olympics by
giving scarves knitted by moms in Korea.
* To Raise awareness of the 2013 Special Olympics and encourage citizen’s participations for the
success of the 2013 Games.
Date/time: October 30 (Tue) 2012 / 10:30 ~ 12:00 (1 hr 30 min)
Place: International meeting room, The National Library of Korea
For additional event details and schedule please visit:
www.siwapage.com and www.2013SOPOC.org
Premium Platinum Sponsors Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
DISCOVERY October I November 20123
I also want to acknowledge our new members, who may be reading this magazine
for the first time. We need you! We need your friendship, your ideas, and your
presence at our clubs, tours and coffee mornings. Interested in getting involved or
have a great idea? Email me at president@siwapage.com. Let’s go have a coffee
and talk about it.
New website, new Bazaar venue, new clubs, new members, along with the great
tradition of SIWA. That’s how we do it, SIWA style!
Sincerely,
Terri Hartman
SIWA President
SIWA Executive Board
2012/2013
President, Terri Hartman
president@siwapage.com
Vice President Fundraising
Shelby Bupp-Crockett
vpfundrising@siwapage.com
Vice President Membership Isabelle Min
vpmembership@siwapage.com
Vice President Activities Ursula Tarasyants
vpactivities@siwapage.com
Board Admin Katia Edrenkina
boardadmin@siwapage.com
Treasurer Pamela Curley
treasurer@siwapage.com
Standing Committee
2012/2013
Arts & Exhibitions Mihe Shin
Art@siwapage.com
Communications Mariya Maderich
communications@siwapage.com
Diplomatic Liaison
Panagiota Konstantinopoulou
diplomat@siwapage.com
Discovery Editor Pilar Perez-McKay
discoveryeditor@siwapage.com
Hospitality Liudmila Kosareva
hospitality@siwapage.com
Interest Groups Teodora Suciu
interestgroups@siwapage.com
Memberships Amanda Beal Barut
membership@siwapage.com
Public Relations Eugenie Lee
publicrelations@siwapage.com
Special Events Bockhee Lee
specialevents@siwapage.com
Sponsorship (Open Position)
sponsorsiwa@siwapage.com
Tours Mildred Berenschot
tours@siwapage.com
Welfare (Open Position)
welfare@siwapage.com
Committees 2012/2013
Advertising Elena Rizzo Neglen
advertising@siwapage.com
Bazaar Bockhee Lee
bazaar@siwapage.com
Book Club Capucine Lartigue Andrade
siwabookclub@siwapage.com
Cultural Connection Jinsung Yang
culturalconnection@siwapage.com
Moms & Tots Johanne Marias
momsandtots@siwapage.com
Newcomers Jennifer Kim
newcomers@siwapage.com
Transition Group Isabelle Min
transition@siwapage.com
Working Women’s Network
Elmira “Ella” Urazaeva
workingwomensnetwork@siwapage.com
www.siwapage.com
Liudmila Kosareva – Hospitality Chair
L
iudmila came to Korea from
Russia in 2009 as part of her
international career. Previously, she
enjoyed studying in Seoul during
which time she was engaged in
organizing a wide range of activities
as a fellow of the scholarship
program and a participant of UNESCO projects. She
acquired a passion for volunteering eight years ago and
since then she has been developing training sessions and
presenting leadership programs in Europe and Asia.
Liuda enjoys exciting hobbies like surfing, public speaking
and travelling. With an outgoing and energetic personality,
she loves to chat with friends over a cup of coffee and will
be happy to see you at the SIWA Coffee Mornings, an
opportunity to spend one more wonderful morning in our
lives.
I am glad to have this opportunity to make a contribution
to the society we all live in. That’s why being a part of
SIWA, the oldest and the largest Women Association in
Seoul is a great honor. Together we can make life in Seoul
more interesting for both expats and Koreans. It is great to
know that your efforts and work will lead to changes that
will help people in need. I love interacting with people,
that’s why welcoming new members and organizing
Coffee Morning events is a big pleasure for me. As a
Hospitality Chair I intend to create friendly atmosphere
and amazing feeling of doing common activities for all
women who have this wonderful chance to be a part of
this family called SIWA.
I would like to thank Andrea Garay for a fabulous job as
SIWA hospitality chair and wish her success in her new
path.
Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013
Special Scarf Campaign
DISCOVERY October I November 20125
SIWA Coffee Morning
Coffee Mornings are held monthly and members and non-members are always
welcome. It is a great opportunity to make new friends and chat with old ones
as well as enjoy interesting and diverse presentations by guest speakers.
SIWA OCTOBER 17nd
Coffee Morning
with Kip Richardson
How come oatmeal is 15,000 won a box? Why is there no veal in Korea? Have the
free trade agreements helped to bring down the cost of foreign food? Get the
answers to these questions and more from our guest speaker, Kip Richardson,
owner of High Street Market. Kip has spent many years in Korea in the food
business, importing meat and other foreign foods. Find out why some products are
difficult if not impossible to import and what is changing in Korea. If you’ve ever
wondered why your favorites don’t seem to be here in Korea, Kip can tell you why..
Kip Richardson is the owner of High Street Market in Itaewon and he will discuss
many issues of interest surrounding imported foods in Korea.
When: October 17, 2012 (9:30 am -11:30 am)
Where: Grand Ambassador Hotel
Entrance Fee: 15,000 (SIWA Members), 20,000 (Non-Members)
Cultural Connection Group
SIWA Cultural Connection group was formed to bring all of our different
backgrounds together. Our purpose is to help one another understand
and appreciate each other’s diverse culture.
October 8: “Vietnamese Food Culture”
Our October Culture Connection meeting will be hosted by Dinh Ha,
a native Vietnamese,who will share with us the pleasure of cooking
Vietnamese food. A great opportunity to learn Vietnamese culture through
cooking. Hosted by Dinh Ha, a native Vietnamese who will share with us
the pleasure of cooking Vietnamese food. This will be a great opportunity
to learn Vietnamese culture through cooking. Very limited places, must
RSVP.
When: October 8th, Monday; 11:00am - noon
Venue: Dongbinggo-dong house
Presenter: Dinh Ha Coordinator: Jinsung Yang
November 6: “Scape from Paradise: North Korea”
Every year thousands of North Koreans cross the border to flee the
most isolated country in the world. The vast majority of those finding
refuge in South Korea are women. unprepared for the challenges of
living in capitalist, democratic, and multicultural societies, thus lacking
the necessary skills to cope with the modern world. This presentation
will address the issue of the situation inside North Korea and how North
Koreans adjust to the South Korean society.
When: October 19, Tuesday; 10:30am - 12:30pm
Venue: Antonette's house
Presenter: Joanna Hosaniak Coordinator: Jinsung Yang
RSVP to: culturalconnections@siwapage.com
Event Capacity: Limited to first 15 registrations
Moms & Tots Club - Play & Picnic!
The group provides an opportunity to meet with other moms to form
friendships and to meet playmates for your children! Activities range
from casual get togethers at local play areas and parks to mom’s odd
nights out, themed parties (Halloween, Christmas etc.), baby showers
and much more!
When: October 19th, Friday; from 10:30 am till 1:30pm
Venue: Olympic Park East Gate 2 (convenient for access via subway line 5)
or find us at the “Family Playground Area”
Transport and parking information at:
http://www.olympicpark.co.kr/jsp/english/index.jsp
What to bring: A ball or kite if you wish, and a picnic lunch (or buy lunch near
East Gate 2)
RSVP: Advance booking will need to be made by e-mail to momsandtots@
siwapage.com
Group members will be informed
of planned activities to assist
you in “getting out” into the
community and having fun! The
kids in our group range in age
from newborns to approx. 5
years.
If you are interested in joining Moms & Tots Club: You have to be a
current SIWA member.
Application is available at: http://siwapage.com/join-us/join-us/
Newcomers' Welcome: October 16
th
& November 12
th
If you are new to Seoul or new to SIWA, we encourage you to join our Newcomers’meeting.
An intimate get-together, and a great chance to learn more about SIWA and a little
about life in Seoul. All are welcomed to attend this meeting.
Kip first arrived in Korea
in the early '80's and has
lived a total of 20+ years in
Korea. He speaks Korean
fluently and has worked
in the Korean food sector
for 25 years. In 1996, Kip
moved to Korea as The
Asia Director for Cargill.
He managed sales throughout Asia until 2004, when he negotiated
the Aussie/Korean joint venture known as Kobeak Foods. As Kobeak
CEO, Kip worked closely with well known restaurants such as
Outback Steakhouse, TGI Fridays, On The Border and Tesco to name a
few. He started High Street Market with some friends in late 2010.
High Street is an upscale shop specializing in imported goods for the
expat community living in Seoul, Korea. Meats, wines, cheeses and
their own bakery as well as a full kitchen combine to bring to foreign
customers those items not easily found in the local supermarkets
- and in the authentic flavors and recipes we know and appreciate.
A little slice of home located in the most exciting neighbourhood in
Seoul... The company also directly imports and processes meats at
their Authentic Foods facility in Yaksu-dong.
Time: from 10:30AM
Venue: M-plaza Seoul Global Cultural Center
Location: Fifth Floor, Myeong-dong M Plaza, Seoul
Directions: Myeongdong station, subway line 4, Exit #6,
walk 5 minutes
Kip Richardson
October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 6
Hello – Welcome once again to your Discovery Magazine!
How fast the time has gone by…. Did you enjoy the summer? And all the Korean
traditional holidays…. Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol – 광복절), Chuseok (추석),
National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol – 개천절), Hangul Day (Hangeulnal –
한글날)….?? I am writing from San Sebastian, Spain, where I will be based until
next February with my husband. It is very exciting to be back in my country of
birth and getting reacquainted with the language and culture – talk about reverse culture shock! We
were lucky to have Korean friends visiting us during the Chuseok break and celebrated ‘Korean/
Spanish fusion’ style, which also meant eating lots of food! There was much for SIWA to celebrate
too: new sponsors, the sign-up morning was great success with many new members joining us, new
website launch, new brochure, new groups, over 330 ‘likes’ on facebook, exciting weekly
eNewsletters and fun contests, invitations to special events, amazing tours and activities…. just a
few of the benefits SIWA provides to our members. Enjoy your magazine and remember to take
note of all event dates on the calendar – we hope you will join us!!
	 Best wishes, Pilar
Calendar
2012
Regular
Meetings
Newcomers
	October 9
November 14
December 5
Coffee Mornings	
October 17
November
(Bazaar & Exhibition)
December 5
In addition to our regular
meetings, SIWA organises
many Tours and Events. For
updates and bookings visit
www.siwapage.com
Save the Dates!
SIWA Bazaar
Tuesday, November 13
SIWA Art Exhibition
“Colours of Seoul”
November 14 ~ 21
SIWA Holiday Brunch
(Coffee Morning)
Wednesday, December 5
featuring wine tasting
and holiday spirit
courtesy of Pieroth Wine
Public Holidays
(days off)
December 25
Christmas Day
January 1, 2013
New Year’s Day
Membership
Directory 2012/2013
Remember to renew your
Membership and let us
know If you agree to be
listed in the 2012/2013
Directory
Editor’sLetter
CONTRIBUTORS WELCOMED!
Discovery Magazine is always looking for contributors. Whether you are an experienced journalist, a budding writer, or just want to
write up a special experience, please contact us to inquire about guidelines and themes for upcoming issues, at: discoveryeditor@
siwapage.com All submissions must be approved for Publication and may be edited for clarity and length. Next Deadline for
Contributions 10 November 2012
Discovery is published by SIWA bi-monthly (six issues per year) with articles and content written by our members. It is printed and distributed
exclusively for SIWA members. All opinions expressed in articles are those of the respective authors, and may or may not reflect the official
position of SIWA. All rights reserved SIWA 2012. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of
SIWA. If you have not received your copy of Discovery, please contact Amanda Beal Barut at membership@siwapage.com. Advertising related
inquiries should be sent to Elena Rizzo at: advertising@siwapage.com.
DISCOVERY PHOTO FILES
All photos used by Discovery magazine, unless otherwise stated, have been provided by SIWA photography group and are the
property of SIWA
EDITOR Pilar Perez-McKay | PHOTO EDITOR Mihe Shin
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Shin Eun-Ji | PRINTING COORDINATOR Ko Yeon-Kyung
PRINTED BY Seoul Selection | ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Elena Rizzo
CONTRIBUTORS: SPECIAL FEATURES
Bockhee Lee, Pamela Curley, Isabelle Min, Mariya Maderich, Kerrie Matthee, Ursula Tarasyants,
Diane Wermenlinger, Genie Barnes, Kerstin Poepplau
CONTRIBUTORS: Regular Features
Hyejin Kim, Anne Ladouceur
Cover photo
Seoul Museum of History, Main Lobby area. Photo by Ms Mihe Shin, SIWA Art & Exhibitions Chair.
ON THE COVER
SIWA Regular Activities
SIWA Regular Meetings
SIWA page
Thank you to our members
who ‘like’ our facebook page
and visit us regularly.
Teodora Suciu, SIWA Interest Groups Chair: Thank you!!
I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to all the teachers for their interest in
collaborating with SIWA. For their dedication, patience and understanding in
fulfilling all the procedures in order to facilitate the smooth running of the
sign-up morning. We were very lucky to have such a great variety of classes
being offered to our members. I would have liked to express my thanks
personally and regret not to have had enough time to thank everyone on the
day. What a busy and exciting morning we had! Thank you to all of our members who joined us at
the SIWA Enrichment Classes Sign-Up Coffee Morning. I hope that the classes offered reached your
expectations and will satisfy your cultural and social needs in order to make your stay in Korea even
more rewarding. I would also like to thank the SIWA team who did such an amazing job in
organizing tasks and helping at the reception desk on Sign-up day and who proved once more their
passion, dedication and professionalism that characterize our association!
See you all again at the January Sign-up!!!
October I November 2012
SIWA Woman
SIWA Style
Designer
Lie, Sang Bong
Exclusive Interview
Bazaar 2012
Tours for every Style
Romantic Weekend Away
Car Tax
S e o u l I n t e r n a t i o n a l W o m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n
Diane Wermenlinger
My name is Diane Wermenlinger
and I was in Seoul from August
2002 to August 2007. These were 5
memorable years. My husband was
in Korea as the Canadian Military
Attache and it was the first time
for us that we moved without the
children who were young adults with
life of their own.
I remember arriving in Seoul wondering if I would be able to connect
with people interested in meditation, self-development and self-healing
subjects. Within a week of my arrival I was given a SIWA magazine and to
my amazement, there it was, a sub-group of SIWA called Oasis. For the
next 5 years Oasis became my extended family. Even if we were a group of
people from around the world and changing on a yearly basis, we became
family and a great support to each and others, which continues even
today. We are now back in Canada where I started my own Oasis group in
my hometown to the delight of eight wonderful women, and it all started
in Seoul thanks to SIWA!
Congratulations SIWA for giving the ex-path community such a
wonderful possibility of connection and I wish you long and a successful
future.
dianecwerm@yahoo.ca
It’s a common saying that you live life looking forward, but you understand
it by looking back. Perhaps the same can be said of SIWA in this our 50th
year anniversary. A time to reflect on SIWA’s past set goals for our future.
SIWA celebrates its 50th birthday in difficult times, in the midst of
a lingering economic crisis that has affected the capacity of people to
donate and increased the needs of those less fortunate. Nevertheless, the
SIWA Bazaar remains a cornerstone of SIWA and the SIWA women, and
the friends and family and community that support them while they work
tirelessly to make it a success.
Another cornerstone
is SIWA’s enrichment
classes, groups and clubs;
as your participation in
the September sign-up
morning demonstrated!
We can be proud when looking back at the positive effect that these
activities bring to our members. In this issue, we have contacted members
of the Oasis group that, while no longer in Seoul, continue their friendships
and still feel the benefits of their chance meeting in Seoul and their
membership of SIWA. We thank Geinie, Diane, Anne and Kerstin for their
contributions! I look forward to bringing you more reviews of member’s
experiences and feedback in future issues, please write to me if you would
like to share your story. Enjoy reading!
Genie Barnes
I did many things with SIWA during the four years (2001-2005) that my husband David
and I spent in Seoul. His employer, Philips Electronics, was doing a joint venture with LG.
Although I had visited Korea several times, I only knew a few people when we set up
home in April 2001. SIWA was an opportunity to meet people, learn some new things
(survival Korean!), use my skills (writing articles and editing others for Discovery), and
do some good in the community. One of the most important gifts to me from SIWA was
the Oasis interest group. We met once a week to discuss a topic of spiritual or metaphysical interest and to
meditate together. It was indeed an oasis of calm in a busy life in a bustling city. Now David and I live in a
quiet retirement community in Georgetown, Texas. I still use my “heart in Seoul” volunteer apron from one
of the SIWA bazaars. It’s been washed so many times that the lettering has almost worn away, but wearing
it reminds me of all the good times and good friends in Seoul.
d_and_g_barnes@hotmail.com
Kerstin Poepplau
I joined the SIWA Board as the Recording Secretary, now Board Administrator, shortly
after my arrival in Seoul in 1998, until 2001. In addition to a wide range of administrative
functions, I assisted other Board members with their responsibilities and the running of
the SIWA office, plus I was involved in the start of the SIWA homepage; a major learning
experience since it wasn’t as common to have websites then as it is today. In fact, when I
started on the Board, we still worked from a phone tree. I also helped Anne Ladouceur, appointed Program
Chair at the same time I joined the Board, with setting up the Working Women’s Network. I’m proud to see
that both the website and WWN are still integral parts of SIWA.
My greatest joy however, came from helping newcomers adjust to their new life in Seoul. I’m happy to still
be doing so by helping Anne out on Korea4Expats. I still feel connected to Seoul in many ways because the
wonderful friends I made, many of whom I’m still in contact with. I even came to Seoul just to attend the St
Andrew’s Ball. My husband Andreas and I discovered Scottish Country Dancing while in Seoul and we loved
Gavin Mckay’s practices. Imagine, a German couple discovering Scottish dancing in South Korea…..one
of the many positives of life as an expat! We are now back in Germany and I am currently a self-employed
Shiatsu practitioner – a passion which started with SIWA’s Interest Group classes, on top of being a Global
Moderator for Korea4Expats, and a resource for newcomers to Hamburg. My time in Seoul and my SIWA
experiences remain one of the highlights of my life and I wish the same to all of you. “Just get involved”.
What Enrichment Classes and SIWA Groups Mean to our Members
the best of SIWA is Friendship that last to
this day between Isabelle Min and myself.
Picture 2005
Enrichment Classes
Fall 2012 Sign-Up
Over 130 members attended the
Coffee Morning on Sep 19
Thank you!!
The Many Faces
& Styles of the SIWA
Woman
Anne Ladouceur
At one of my first Coffee Mornings, I asked about evening and weekend activities and
was told to see the Program Chair, but when I asked her name, discovered she had just
left Korea. I put my name to be contacted by her replacement – resulting in an invitation
to fill the vacancy. Lesson learned – if you complain about a lack, be prepared to take
responsibility! No complaints though, since that decision helped shape much of what I’ve
done during my 15 years in Korea.
I was elected president in 1999-2000, experienced having the First Lady attend our Bazaar, served on the
Welfare Committee for about 10 years and remain an active member in some form or other. It is because
of SIWA that I started my Events Newsletter (2000), which I then linked to K4E when the site went on line
in July 2007. At the start the newsletter went to about 35 people, now it reaches over 7,000. The path on
which I embarked when I first joined SIWA lead me to the honour of being named ‘Honourary Citizen of
Seoul’ in 2010. Thanks to SIWA, I’ve made many enduring friendships with women from all over the world,
including Korea and, as a result, could travel all over the globe and connect with someone in almost every
country. What a gift!!!
anne@korea4expats.com
DISCOVERY October I November 20129 10October I November 2012 DISCOVERY
◦ Foreigners’ questions answered by a real Korean
◦ Clears up all your doubts regarding Korean culture, lifestyle and history
◦ Discover the Korea you want to see, not the Korea Korea wants to show you
◦ Contains years of knowledge and experience accumulated
by former reporter Kim Hyung-geun
◦ Available at Seoul Selection, major bookstores and Amazon.com
Ask a Korean Dude asks all the questions
and provides all the answers:
all you have to do is sit back and read.
An Authoritative and Irreverent
Guide to the Korea Experience
Ask a Korean Dude
Facebook Page Opened
Find out more by visiting Ask a Korean
Dude's own Facebook page. The Korean
Dude is open to answer any question you
may have on Korea!
Written and Compiled by Kim Hyung-geun (Hank Kim)
344 pages | US$ 30.00 | 19.000 won
B1 Korean Publishers Association Bldg., 105-2 Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-190, Korea
fran@seoulselection.com | 82-2-734-9565 | www.seoulselection.com
The book every expat has been waiting for!
I’m Hank. Annie.
Last November the SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar
raised revenue in excess of KRW120 million. As so much of
the work and preparation of the Bazaar is undertaken by our
hardworking SIWA members, the costs of the Bazaar were less
than KRW34 million, leaving a whopping KRW91 million to be spent
on Charities.
Since November 2011, SIWA has donated over KRW 91 million to
support Women, Children, the Elderly, the Disabled, the Sick and
the Dying, people less fortunate than ourselves.
Our Welfare Team visits all charities to determine their
requirements and to ensure that all the hard earned SIWA monies
are spent where they are needed most.
To present the data differently:
Out of every 1,000 won earned at our 2011 Bazaar, 730 won was
available to our charities. That is 73% of the 2011 Bazaar earnings
was available to charities.
Lets make the 2012 Bazaar even more successful at our new
central venue, The Seoul History Museum.
If you can help us in any way, please contact our Bazaar Chair
Bockhee Lee at: siwabazaar@siwapage.com
SIWA woman style: she excels at work and play, and has a
giving and generous spirit.
“SIWA operates as a voluntary not-for-profit organization in
Korea, qualifying as a tax-exempt organization under the Korea
Corporation Income Tax Law. The main objective of the Association
is to further opportunities for sharing of social, cultural, community
and welfare interest among women of different nationalities. In
addition, the Association provides assistance to those in need in
Korea. SIWA engages an independent Auditor to audit its affairs
annually, the fiscal year operates from 1 May to 30 April”.
SIWA Welfare – Where Does the Money Go??
SIWA and the Diplomatic Community Bazaar 2012
at the Seoul Museum of History, Jonggno-gu
2011 SIWA Bazaar
Outcome Distribution
27%
Operational
Costs
* Operational costs include venue hire and printing.
73%
Donations
to
Charities
SIWA Bazaar Team awaits you
on November 13 at the Seoul
Museum of History, 9:30am start
We are very excited to have been welcomed to host the Bazaar at this elegant
and spacious venue, so centrally located and within easy access of public
transportation – and no entry fee. We are confident that it will bring much success
and assist us in our fundraising efforts.
Experience “Seoul Embracing the World” at the Bazaar on Thursday, November 13.
We invite you to come and enjoy International foods & wines, antiques, handicrafts
and entertainment from around the world. Take part in the Lucky Draw and Raffles
to win amazing prizes!!
* Call for Volunteers: Never too late - There are many ways in which you can help;
you may volunteer either the day before or on Bazaar day, also by promoting the
event and inviting your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours to the Bazaar.
* Vendors Welcomed: We encourage vendors to take part in the Bazaar and,
together with the Diplomatic Community, help us bring together the exotic, delicious
and colourful foods, products and gifts that make the SIWA Bazaar an event to
remember and a ‘must have’ in your calendar.
* Sponsorship & Donation Opportunities: no donation is too big or too small -
Without you, the Diplomatic Community and our valued and generous sponsors,
SIWA would not be able to support the Korean charities that are so much in need of
our help.
For more information about the Bazaar or how to volunteer: please contact
Bockhee Lee, Bazaar Chair at bazaar@siwapage.com or visit www.siwapage.com
DISCOVERY October I November 201211
Feature Story
At first I thought it was another one of those patriotic
exaggerations. For years, Korean media had been publicizing
about the increasing number of international fans who love K-Pop
and Korean movies/dramas and to this Korean, they sounded way
too inflated. So when I first heard of these TV reports about the
latest K-Pop hit on youTube by a certain singer Psy, I thought it
was yet another one of those. But then my husband showed me
this hilarious youTube video where a white man was recorded
singing ‘Gangnam Style’ at the top of his voice while driving. And
a couple of days later, when I was told by a visiting Canadian (my
friend’s nephew who had just landed in Seoul), that he too had
heard of this hip song, I stopped doubting the media and Psy with
his ‘Gangnam Style.
To date, this song has been viewed 200 million times on youTube
and the number is likely to skyrocket before this article is
published. In New York, people were spotted dancing with Psy
in Time Square, and elsewhere a wedding couple was filmed
dancing to the tune before and after their ceremony. Psy himself
appeared on some of the major US TV shows being his natural
self as he explained how he had not for a single moment planned
or imagined this worldwide, overnight stardom. So, the question
remains: Why this sudden fame and craze? Certainly the tune is
quite catchy and the visuals are as Psy put it ‘cheesy,’ so…? My
guess is that first of all, the world is responding
to Koreans’ love for doing things together, as
in group horse riding dance. This new dance is filling the vacuum
since the Macarena, Saturday Night Fever and, of course, Michael
Jackson. Another reason for this phenomenon is the wry humor
rampant in the music video that is typically Korean, but had
seldom been exported until now. Gone are the days of Asian
mysticism and in are the days of Korean humor. Finally, for many
international viewers, this would have been the first time they saw
a Korean singer’s kitschy video displaying the many streets, nooks
and corners of Seoul, What a novel surprise this must have been!
From purely Korean perspective, I am amazed by how natural
the young man is posing with American TV hosts and speaking
up without an inch of hesitation, even raising his arms to shout
‘DaeHanMinKuk ManSe’ (Long live Korea) and jokingly saying that
he hopes folks won’t think that all Korean men look as he does.
You’ve come a long way baby!
Cultural Views- Gangnam Style?
Korean Pronunciation Translation
병원 byeong-won hospital
약국 yak-guk pharmacy
동물병원 dong-mul-byeong-won veterinary clinic
한의원 han-ui-won Korean clinic / Chinese clinic
의사 ui-sa doctor
한의사 han-ui-sa oriental clinic doctor
침 chim acupuncture
주사 ju-sa injection
물리치료 mul-li-chi-ryo physical therapy
처방전 cheo-bang-jeon prescription
내과 nae-ggwa internal medicine
소아과 so-a-ggwa pediatric
이비인후과 i-bi-in-hu-ggwa otolaryngology
산부인과 san-bu-in-ggwa obstetrics and gynecology
정형외과 jeong-hyung-oe-ggwa orthopedics
안과 an-ggwa ophthalmology
Hyejin Kim is a Korean language teacher.
She can be reached at dearhyejin@hotmail.com.
Hospital, Emergency expressions
by Hyejin Kim
Isabelle Min is a “Cultural Interpreter” supporting cultural
transition of expat executives and Koreans going global
through lectures, workshops and coaching. At SIWA she
leads the Transition Group and serves as a Vice President.
DISCOVERY October I November 2012 October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 14
SIWA Tours Team AnnouncementsSIWA Tours
13
Past tours and events
Bycicle tour
Ginseng tour Palgakjeong Tour
Norebang Night on september 6 Ginseng tour Ginseng tour
Tours Announcement
SIWA Tours fees are set from the estimated tour cost per person, which usually includes
transportation, tour guide fee and admission. Our Tour Coordinators are all Volunteers
and always do their best to keep tour prices as low as possible. Non SIWA-members are
charged an additional 10,000KRW for tours arranged through SIWA (all proceeds go directly
to the SIWA account and are used to support Charities)
SIWA TOURS TEAM:
tours@siwapage.com
Coordinator:
Eugenie Lee
laliberta@gmail.com
010-7202-6324
Coordinator:
Michelle Morrison
michelle_19jph@hotmail.
com
010-3575-952
Coordinator:
Ruth Ann Porter
porterrap@aol.com
010-4228-8470
Coordinator:
Heike Giegerich
heike@luva.de
010-8440-8559
Coordinator:
Bockhee Lee
soundofspring2000@
yahoo.co.kr
010-3325-0770
Chairperson:
Mildred Berenshot
mildred.berenschot
@gmail.com
010-4949-2238
Coordinator:
Patricia Tiedemann
patricia.tiedemann
@usa.net
010-2514-9897
Coordinator:
Ursula Tarasyants
ursulat@mail.ru
010-4810-2592
For all upcoming SIWA tours, please visit our website page at www.siwapage.com/activities/tours
Positions open: Tour Coordinator
The SIWA Tours team is committed to helping SIWA members and friends discover our host country. Come with us and experience
the many wonders of Korea; it’s a great way to settle in, meet new friends, and have lots of fun! Would you like to be part of
the Tours team…. Become a Coordinator. To request further information, please email Mildred Berenshot, Tours Chairperson,
at: tours@siwapage.com Upcoming August / September tours and events are detailed in the following pages, and all tours and
events will be posted to SIWA’s homepage, remember to visit us often: www.siwapage.com/activities/tours
Gyongkido Museum on August 14
Gyongkido Museum August 14
Myeong-dong Temple of Heaven tour September 7 Ginseng tour Norebang Night September 6
Karma Fantasy performance on September 7 LaBoheme
PalgakjeongTour
Myeong-dong Temple
of Heaven tour September 7
DISCOVERY October I November 201215
SIWA Tours to Dream About: fun, friendship, laughter….& beautiful memories!
Seoul International Dance Festival (SIDance)
When: October 5, Friday 7:20pm (Cullberg Ballet) &
October 10, Wednesday 7:20pm (Seoul Ballet Theater)
Meeting point: Godeok Station (Line no.5 to Sangil-dong direction) Exit no.4
Cost: 30,000KRW for Cullberg Ballet; 21,000KRW for
Tour coordinator: Eugenie Lee (laliberta@gmail.com)
SIDance was established in 1998 by UNESCO International Dance Council
to encourage the introduction of Korean dance worldwide and bring
International dance styles to Korea. It has become one of best dance
and performance festivals in Korea and has influenced Asian and other
International dance associations and projects. Enjoy these fascinating and
wonderful dance performances!
River Rafting (Family tour) - Naerincheon
Stream
When: October 7, Sunday; from 7:30am - 5:00pm
Meeting point : Bus Parking lot in front of Hyatt Hotel Grand Ballroom
Cost: SIWA members 50,000KRW; non-members 60,000 KRW.
*All Children under 12 y.o. 45,000KRW
Price includes bus transportation, rafting equipment and Korean buffet lunch.
Additional cost for wetsuit + footwear hire – 10,000KRW
Tour Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants
Naerincheon Stream in Inje-gun, Gangwon-do Province, flows into the
Hangang River and its rapids are comparable to well-known rivers in
other countries. The waters are clean and clear, and the lush, wooded
valleys offer spectacular views. A perfect balance of high, rough rapids
and smooth, gentle rapids, mean ideal conditions for outdoor recreational
sports. Anyone can learn simple paddling maneuvers, making rafting a
great family activity! Swimming in the calmer stretches is also a treat.
National Folk Museum & Lunch Box Café
When: October 9, Tuesday; from 10:00am – 1:30pm
Meeting Point: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line #3), outside Exit #2
Cost: SIWA member – 10,000KRW, non-member – 20,000KRW
Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison
Experience something unique in an unconventional lunch setting and
learn about the history & culture of the Korean people’s life style. Come
along and experience both in one morning! The National Folk Museum of
Korea offers a ‘window’ into Korean culture and traditional life. Observe
the magnificent collections depicting daily routines and occupations of
pre-modern Koreans. After, enjoy a unique lunch at the traditional Tongin
Market - collect your individual ‘lunchbox’ container and go shopping for
food of your choice. After a round of the food stalls, back to the upstairs
café to purchase fresh rice & soup.
Ganghwa-do, Korea’s 5th
largest island
When: October 11, Thursday; from 8:00am - 5:30pm
Meeting point: Sinyongsan Subway Station (Blue Line #429, exit #1), next to
Yeongsan Post Office. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking.
Cost: SIWA members – 43,000KRW; non-SIWA members – 53,000KRW
* It includes transportation and entrance fees, not lunch. You may bring your own picnic or
purchase a Korean lunch.
Tour Coordinator: Ruth Ann Porter
Famous for its ginseng and woven mats, Ganghwa is situated on the West
Sea at the mouth of the Han River. First stop DukJin-Jin fortress, where
the cannon openings along the wall offer magnificent unobstructed views
towards the wide southern end of the Yomha Channel. Then, Dr Kim’s
beautiful traditional Korean residence and unique garden. Jeondung-
sa (Temple of the Inherited Lamp) is next, built in 381 AD by a famous
monk named Ado, it contains some of the remaining Tripitaka Koreana,
woodcarvings from the 13th century. Gam Dok Gyeohwe, Korea’s
oldest Episcopal Church follows; built in 1900 by Bishop Charles Corfe, it
harmoniously combines Christian, Taoist and Buddhist elements. A brief
stop at Ganghwa Jiseokmyo (prehistoric dolmen), and we’ll explore the
local marketplace, time permitting.
“Seokpa-jeong” Royal Villa, Garden, Pavillion
& Modern Art Museum Guided tour with Prof. D.
Mason
When: October 12, Friday; from 9:30am - 12:30pm
Meeting point: Gyeongbok-gung Subway St. (#327), outside Exit #3. Then
just a 10-minute bus ride, and a 10-min walk to the site.
Cost: SIWA members – 25,000KRW; non-SIWA members – 30,000KRW; Non-
members 10,000 KRW
* Cost includes Museum admission fees, but not lunch. You may bring simple snacks and
beverages, or purchase something at the museum café.
Tour Coordinator: Heike Giegerich
Closed to the public for decades and now beautifully reconstructed and
reopened under private ownership, SIWA’s visit to this great late-Joseon
Dynasty site is a must. Seokpa-jeong was the royal villa of Prince Regent
Heungseon, known as the Daewon-gun, the real ‘boss’ of Korea during the
chaotic times of the late 19th century. Reputed to be the best villa in Seoul,
with lovely gardens and pavilions with great views of Mt.Bugak-san, it’s a
key historic site of Joseon architecture. It now incorporates Seoul’s newest
art-space, the Seoul Museum. On show will be paintings done by six Korean
UPCOMING TOURS
AT A GLANCE
OCTOBER
5 SIDance Culbert Ballet
7 River rafting – Naerincheon
9 Lunch box Café &
National Folk Museum
10 SIDance Seoul Ballet Theater
11 Gangwa-do Island
12 Seokpa-jeong Royal Villa
15 Heunggak-sa Buddhist Temple
16 Yangjae Flower Market, Seoul
19 Karma Fantasy Performance
24 Soraksan hiking trip
[Overnight Oct. 24-25]
26 Seung-buk-dong District, Seoul
27 ICCN 2012 Festival
(Overnight Oct. 27-28)
30 Hongdae District, Seoul
NOVEMBER
1 Samsung Eco-house
4 Korean Antique Furniture Market
5 Wonhyo-am Temple, Dobong-san
7 Hiking at Ingwan-san, Seoul
15 Hyochang Park of Heroes, Seoul
16 Baker’s market, Seoul
19 Keunghee Oriental Medicine
Hospital
26 Pulmuone Tofu Factory, Seoul
28 HaengNam Chinaware Factory
All tour details must be confirmed
with the tour coordinator by email
following registration: tours@
siwapage.com
artist-refugees in Busan, who held their exhibition at a local “dabang” (coffee shop) during the cold, hopeless
winter of 1952.
Heungguk-sa Buddhist Temple, Goyan City Guided tour with Prof. D.
Mason
When: October 15, Monday; from 9:30am - 12:30pm
Meeting point: Gupabal Subway Station (Orange Line #320), outside Exit #1
Cost: SIWA-members – 15,000KRW; non-members – 20,000KRW
Tour Coordinator: Heike Giegerich
* Parking is available on the side road (Bukhansan-gil).
Heungguk-sa (흥국사), is a lovely and historically important Buddhist temple in Goyang City, outside Seoul.
Feel refreshed by the crisp mountain air and breathtaking views, and be amused by fascinating stories about
Korean culture and colurful tales of its founder Wonhyo, the nation’s best-known master-monk. Little is
known of its early history until the 18th century when it was reconstructed under orders of King Yeongjo, who
designated it as a “national protection temple” and revered as a site of the Hoguk-bulgyo tradition, devoted
to the “Healing Buddha” deity. Notable for its layout and “bodhi tree” reputed to be 500 years old, it’s a
popular temple for visitors, and offers a weekend Temple-Stay program entitled “Journey to Find Myself.”
Yangjae Flower Market - Seocho-gu
When: October 16, Tuesday; from 10:00am – 12:00noon
Meeting point: Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station (Line #3), exit #4
Cost: SIWA members – 5,000KRW; non-members – 15,000KRW
Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison
Yangjae Flower Market is located in Yangjae-dong in Seocho-gu. Anything you want from gardening supplies,
to flowers, to plants, to trees, real or artificial, you can find it here. It’s a combination of greenhouse owners,
and indoor and outdoor vendors operated by both wholesale and retail vendors. It is the place to go whether
you are a serious gardener and you want more than cut flowers and small plants, or simply to look around
enjoying the beautiful flowers. Opening hours are from 5am to 3am, and it’s closed Sundays.
Karma Fantasy Performance (non-verbal)
When: October 19, Friday at 17:30
Meeting point: Chungjeong-ro Station, (Lines #2 & #5), Exit #7
Cost: SIWA members – FREE; Non-members 10,000 KRW
Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison
* Photo opportunity with the performers at the end of the show
Karma is a classical tale of love, conspiracy and fate. The struggle between the forces of good and evil in
a enchanted realm of ‘god’ and ‘goddess’.…. An exciting mix of refined, elegant Korean traditional dance
and dynamic Oriental martial arts, Karma has been performed internationally since 2007 and formed part of
many major international festivals, showcasing Korean culture across the world. It offers a brand-new kind of
performance style, including an illustration of a classical oriental painting that, like magic, ‘paints itself on the
stage’ without a painter being visible to the naked eye.
DISCOVERY October I November 201217 October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 18
Seorak-san National Park Overnight Tour
When: October 24-25, Wednesday 8:00am – Thursday 6:00pm
Meeting point: Yongsan post office, above Sinyongsan Subway Station (#429
Blue Line, exit #1)
Cost: SIWA members – 248,000KRW; non-members – 278,000KRW
* Includes transportation, entrance fees, accommodation at the Seorak-san Tourist Hotel
(Western-style rooms), and three meals (Tue dinner, Wed breakfast and lunch). Not
included: Cheoksan Hot Spring/Sauna (7,000 KRW) and Waterpia (60,000 KW) entrance
fees.
Tour Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants & Heike Giegerich
Join SIWA’s popular tour to the legendary Seorak Mountains in Gangwon
Province. Seorak-san is Korea’s 2nd largest National Park, and Daecheung-
bong Korea's 3rd highest peak. Its scenic beauty is unrivaled. Time and
the elements have carved the gray granite into splendid crags rising
spectacularly from the deep valleys, with emerald pools and sparkling
streams of crystal-clear water flowing gently at their feet. The Biryong
(“Flying Dragon”) Waterfall is a beautiful 40-m high ribbon of gleaming
water. Lush wooded valleys are home to over 800 varieties of plants
and 500 species of animals. UNESCO designated 1982 that this area be
preserved for its unique botanical features. Energetic hikers are welcomed
to reach the peak of Seorak-san, up to the famous Ulsan-bawi. And, we’ll
also enjoy dipping in to the local Cheoksan hot springs, and the Seorak
Waterpia a hot-spring resort.
Seongbuk-dong Disctrict, Seoul
When: October 26, Friday; from 9:30am – 1:00pm
Meeting point: Hanseong University Metro Station (# 419 Light-Blue),
bottom of Exit #5
Cost: SIWA members – 25,000KRW; non-members – 30,000KRW
* Includes a cup of tea and a plate of rice-snacks at the teahouse (to be ordered in
advance). Admission to the Gansong Art Museum is free; as it opens only twice a year, the
queue may be long
Tour Coordinator: Patricia Tiedemann
Seongbuk-dong is one of Seoul's truly fascinating historic districts; yet,
can easily be overlooked. Learn about Korean history while enjoying
cultural leisure time in the company of our most knowledgeable guide.
Starting at the home of “Hyegok” Choi Seon-u, an exceptional example
of the best traditional Korean house (“hanok”) architecture revival, then
to the Joseon-Dynasty shrine where the ritual Seonjamjae was performed
- praying for the thriving of sericulture (making silk) was a key aspect
of traditional Korean women’s arts. Soon we reach part of the ancient
City Wall, and nearby Shilsang-Seonwon, a quirky and fascinating urban
Buddhist temple. We continue to the former home of “Manhae” Han Yong-
un, one of Korea’s most famous Buddhist monks (early 20th century),
and great activist for national independence. We’ll take a rest at Suyeon-
Sanbang Teahouse and finish at the entrance of the private Gansong Art
Museum, which holds a superb collection of traditional Korean ceramics,
paintings.
Hondae Area Walking Tour
When: October 30, Tuesdays; from 10:00am – 1:00pm
Meeting point: Hondae Station (Line #2), outside exit #8
Cost: SIWA member: Free; non-member: 10,000KRW
Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison
Hondae area, known for its “indie spiri,” is abuzz with urban street arts and
underground band musicians. Under the influence of Hongik University
(Hondae), famous for its prestigious art college, the neighborhood
was built on a foundation of artistic souls. Many homes have now been
transformed into cafes or live music venues and the area has long had a
reputation as the Mecca of urban arts and underground club culture. There
are many places that “mature adults” can enjoy too! Our guided walking
tour is designed to locate and to familiarize you with many of the spots
that SIWA ladies and their friends will take pleasure in frequenting.
“Green Tomorrow” House visit
When: November 1, Thursday; from 9:00am – 3:00pm
Meeting point: Grand Hyatt Hotel, in front of Grand Ballroom.
Cost: SIWA members – 15,000KRW; non-members – 25,000KRW
* Includes transportation and guide fee
Tour Coordinator: Eugenie Lee
Come visit “Green Tomorrow,” one of SamsungC&T Corporation’s projects,
and the first 100% “Ecological House” in Korea. Its vision is to be the
global benchmark in energy efficient building, integrating passive design
concepts, zero net energy, zero emissions technologies, and advanced
building information management systems. It introduces a new concept
of sustainable architecture by creating an environment of energy and
infrastructure independence, minimizing its environmental impact. It is
the first project in East Asia to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) Platinum certification. The house offers all the
comforts and technical support we can dream of.
Bucheon Antique Warehouse Tour
When: November 4, Sunday; from 9:00 - 2:00 pm
Meeting Point: Yongsan Station (Line #1 & Line #5)
Cost: SIWA members – 10,000 KRW, non-members – 20,000 KRW
* Places limited to the first 15-responses/paid booking
Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison
Have you been looking for fine authentic and rare items of Korean art and
antiques? Look no more! This tour is designed to attract antique lovers
who hunt for authentic Asian collectibles. At Bucheon warehouse you will
find just about everything. From Korean Yongmok (Zelkova root) antique
chests, and beautiful Blue and White Porcelain pieces, to antique Asian
textiles, Buddhist statues, boxes, baskets and buckets, and much much
more. Learn to identify authenticity, value and quality Asian antique items,
about shipping and custom process issues.
Wonhyo-am Temple, Dobong-san/Bukhan-san
Guided hiking tour with D.Mason
When: November 5, Monday; from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Meeting Point: Mangwolsa Subway Station (#112, Dark Blue), Exit #3
Tour coordinator: Heike Giegerich
* Be prepared for variable weather conditions; wear good sturdy walking-shoes. This tour
will be cancelled in the event of rain. Bring along simple snacks, water is available at the
temple. The temple might invite those who choose to stay longer and are still there at
lunchtime, to share a simple vegetarian meal at the temple cafeteria.
Enjoy one of the most scenic and interesting Buddhist temples in the Seoul
area in the company of an expert. A well-maintained rocky trail will bring
us to Wonhyo-am, founded by the great master-monk Wonhyo during
the Shilla Kingdom. Home to many famous monks, it’s spectacularly sited
below the dramatic peaks of Dobong-san, one of Seoul’s prominent sacred
guardian-mountains. Learn about the major shrines, monuments and
traditional artworks, including the uniquely Korean shamanistic paintings,
and hear colorful tales about Wonhyo.
Hiking at Ingwan-san, North-West Seoul
When: November 7, Thursday; from 9:30am - 1:30pm
Meeting Point: Hongje station (Subway Line #3), outside exit #1
Cost: SIWA members – 5,000 KRW; non-members – 15,000KRW
Guide: Mr. Kim Changdae
Tour coordinator: Ursula Taraasyants
* Wear comfortable shoes. It is an easy hike, but there's still a challenge.
Ingwan-san, on the northwestern side of Seoul, is often referred to
as ‘Benevolent King Mountain’ and ‘White Tiger Mountain.’ The steep
granite escarpments of Inwang-san are home to Korea’s most important
shamanistic shrine. We will see the peculiar rock formations that are the
places used for shamanist prayer; continue past a Buddhist temple and up
Ingwang Mountain for a 360o panoramic view of Seoul that's hard to beat.
After hiking, around 1:30 pm, you can join our professional hiking guide,
Mr. Kim Changdae, for a lunch at a local Korean restaurant.
Hyochang Park of Heroes
Guided tour with Prof. D. Mason
When: November 15, Thursday; from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Meeting Point: Hyochang Park St. (# 627), Exit #1
Tour coordinator: Ruth Ann Porter
Historically significant to Korea’s struggle for Independence from the
Japanese Colonial rule, and the messy aftermath of Liberation (1945-48),
and right in central Seoul, yet often missed. Hyochang Park features the
Tomb and Museum of “Baekbeom” Kim Gu, a hero and vital figure of 20th
century Korea; his legacy still politically relevant today. Was the leader
of the Donghak Peasant’s Rebellion in 1894 (at only 18!), and became
President of Korea’s Government-in-Exile (China). Following his triumphant
return in the fall of 1945, he led the populist Anti-Trusteeship Movement
and refused to give up on the goal of a not-divided Korea. He was
assassinated in June 26, 1949. Tombs of patriotic martyrs and the Uiyeol-sa
Shrine are in the Park too.
Bangsan Backer’s Market
When: November 6, Tuesday; from 10:00am – 12noon
Meeting Point: Euljiro 4-ga Subway station, (line 5 or 2) exit #6
Cost: SIWA members 5,000 KRW, non-members 15,000 KRW
Tour coordinator: Michelle Morrison
This tour is for those who enjoy making confections and goodies at home!
Located in a hidden corner of the larger Bangsan Market, it contains
everything needed to bake just about anything you can imagine, including
ingredients that are hard to find elsewhere, such as molasses and fruit
glazes; dried fruits; assortments of nuts; rye and wheat flour, and various
purees and extracts. Also baking equipment and tools…. and the cutest
decorative boxes, ribbons and stickers to wrap up your treats!
Kyung Hee University Oriental Medical Hospital
When: November 19, Monday; from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Meeting Point: Hoegi Subway Station (line #1), outside exit #1
Tour Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants
* The number of participants is limited to 12 people due to space constrains.
* We can enjoy a traditional Korean lunch together at a nearby restaurant, time permitting.
Kyung Hee University famous Oriental Medical Hospital is the leading
hospital of (Traditional Korean) Oriental medical practice, and Oriental
medical science in Korea. An English-speaking doctor will show us the
hospital’s main Clinical Departments and explain the various diagnostic and
therapeutic capabilities. Short presentations on Oriental ways of beauty
treatment (facial acupuncture), traditional ways of supporting good skin
condition and a Qigong class (traditional Chinese practice of aligning
movement, breath and meditation) will follow. We will learn about, and
watch demonstrations of, traditional healing methods (acupuncture,
moxibustion and others) for common diseases, as well as relatively new
treatment methods, such as facial acupuncture. Concluding with a Q&A
session, doctors will be ready to answer all our questions concerning health
issues.
“Pulmuone” Tofu Factory
When: November 26, Monday; from 8:30am – 4:00pm
Meeting Point: Suseo Subway Station (line #3), outside exit #1.
Cost: SIWA members – free; non-members – 10,000 KRW (incl. lunch)
Coordinator: Eugenie Lee
* Register early, limited spaces available! Your passport/ID number is required for travel
insurance purposes (a 1hr bus ride to venue).
Pulmuone Co. Ltd. is one of Korea’s leading providers of fresh, close-to-
nature products. Upon arrival we’ll attend a brief introduction about the
company’s history, values and products. The factory tour will follow, and
we’ll have a chance to observe the full process of tofu production, from
soybeans to the final packaging stage. Next, to the “Soy Bean Theatre”
and “Organic Road,” where we’ll learn about current and innovative
technologies, and organically processed foods. We will join the Cooking
class and make our own tofu and will, of course, have a very healthy
soybean based buffet lunch.
Haeng Nam Chinaware Modih Factory, Yeoju
Date: November 28, Wednesday; from 8:30am – 3:00pm approx.
Meeting point: Grand Hyatt Hotel, in front of the Ballroom entrance.
Cost: SIWA members – 30,000 KRW; non-members – 40,000 KRW
(Includes bus transportation and lunch)
Tour coordinator: Eugenie Lee
* Time permitting, we can enjoy lunch together at a nearby Korean restaurant, where the
local specialty set menu will be served.
Established in 1942, Haeng Nam Chinaware Inc. is the leading chinaware
company in Korea. Highly regarded in global markets for superior
quality products, its self-branded Bone Chinaware is distributed to many
prestigious departments stores internationally, and to Thailand’s Royal
family. Presently over 2000 items are being produced in various shapes
& designs to meet customers’ diverse demands. The Haeng Nam Modih
plant in Yeoju has the capacity to produce over a million pieces of bone
chinaware per month, the largest production scale for a single bone china
manufacturing facility in the world.
Feature Story
If you wish to take an article of Korean contemporary couture
back home, you would do well to choose famous Korean
designer and successful entrepreneur Mr. Lie, Sang Bong. If
the name sounds familiar to you it’s no surprise, as Mr. Lie is
extremely popular outside Korea and his designs are worn by
such divas as Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.
Having being part of Korea’s fashion scene since 1993, when
he presented his first collection at Seoul Fashion Week, Mr Lie
is now one of Korea’s most prominent designers. The catwalk
show last July in “All Eyes on Korea,” a 100 Day Festival of
Korean Culture at London’s V&A museum, was the highlight of
the evening. I would encourage you to take any opportunity
(especially as a SIWA member) to attend at least one of Mr.
Lie’s fashion shows - they are spectacular! Modernity mixed
with pleasure-for-eye-colors and timeless elegance always
dominate Mr. Lie’s runways. A sense of sophisticated beauty
remains with you long after the show is over.
We are very thankful to Designer Lie for making time in his
busy schedule to answer our questions and satisfy our curiosity
about ‘His Art’, ‘His style;’ and for giving us tips on how to be
fashion savvy this season.
SIWA: Designer Lie, when you were a little boy growing up in
‘old-time’ Korea, who did you dream to become?
L.S.B.: When I was little I wanted to be a singer. I even attended
university to become a singer, but later changed my mind as
I became interested in writing. While studying Drama as my
major, I continued to pursue writing.
SIWA: But why did you become a designer? Why not chose
any other profession that is more popular in Korea e.g.
businessman, trader etc?
L.S.B.: I think I am just blessed as I chose, and I actually could
do, the job that I love. Being a designer is my life passion.
SIWA: What is ‘Korean’ style? What is Korean fashion style in
your opinion? Is there a distinctive Korean style/ fashion? For
example, Japanese style is very unique. Can the same be said
about Korean style/fashion?
DISCOVERY October I November 201219
L.S.B.: I would say that the distinctiveness of Korean style is in
its fast change. A significant number of Koreans love fashion
and are very sensitive to these changes. Of course, they do
follow Western trends but with a peculiar Korean twist. In my
opinion, there is much more variety in Korean fashion style
than in Japanese style.
SIWA: Do you prefer to tailor for women or men? Why?
L.S.B.: Definitely for women. I started as a designer for
women’s fashion and I am still designing mostly for women.
Of course, I do design for men also, specially for my fashion
shows, but I remain more interested in dressing up beautiful
women’s bodies and I take pride in making women look
beautiful through my designs.
SIWA: What’s your favorite color?
L.S.B.: Red. It’s the color of energy.
SIWA: Can you give us some easy tips on how to always look
chick and stylish. What should we always keep in our closet?
L.S.B.: Most important is to find clothes with a silhouette from
which your body type can benefit. And, if you need a stylish
item for winter, just try a cape!
SIWA: Tell us about fashion trends this fall/winter 2012. What
colors and shapes are in fashion now?
L.S.B.: In any case, winter and autumn colors are schematic.
But don’t aim to choose clothes only in a dark palette. Try to
mix and match light colors with dark and you will be a winner
this season! Navy and grey are modern colors, and wine color
always adds an accent to your outfit.
Special thanks to Lee, Bokhee for arranging this interview and to
Mariya Maderich who translated it into English from Korean.
SIWA FASHION STYLE
Interview with prominent Korean Designer Lie, Sang Bong
www.liesangbong.com
ICCN 2012 Festival –
Overnight tour to Gangneung
When: October 27 – 28, Saturday 8:00am to Sunday 3:30pm
Meeting point: Hangangjin Station (line #6), Exit #2
Cost: SIWA members (and close relatives) – 40,000 KRW; non-
members – 50,000 KRW
* Includes transportation, accommodation, breakfast & all activities
Additional costs: individual meals and Festival entrance fee 8,000
KRW (which includes a 4,000KRW coupon to be spent at the ICCN
venue)
RSVP & Payment: To secure your booking the payment must be
done by October 17, either bank transfer or cash at SIWA October 17
Coffee Morning.
Accomodation options (Family resort near beach):
Family – Korean Ondol room (sleeping on the floor)
Couple – Double room
Single – Double room, Twin room or Ondol (3~4 persons in a room)
Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison
ICCN (Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network) is an
international organization of local governments which aims at
safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage and ensuring sustainable
development at a local level around the world. It was founded
in Cairo, Egypt in 2008 and about 30 full members (cities) and
associate members (organizations) share cultural information and
policies at an annual meeting. Gangneung was instrumental in the
establishment of the ICCN, following UNESCO 2005 designation of
the Gangneung Danoje Festival as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”
The ICCN Joint Festival will be held in Gangneung from October
19th to 28th 2012. With over 30 cities from 25 nations (including
member cities of ICCN), and 26 international artistic groups
showcasing their intangible cultural heritage, it promises to be a
most exciting and significant cultural event.
Performances by international and local groups, hands-on cultural
experiences, exhibitions, international exchanges, an international
conference and a ‘World Open Market’ are just but a few of the
activities planned for the Festival. ICCN has invited SIWA members
to Gangneung city to be part of the beginning of this Cultural
Renaissance. Join us at this special festival with your whole family!
Itinerary
Day 1 (Oct. 27, Saturday)
08:00 ~ 11:00 - Meeting at Exit #2, Hangangjin Station (line #6)
11:00 ~ 12:30 - Lunch at the Festival Open Market
12:30 ~ 20:00 - Tour around the Festival venues
20:00 ~ 20:30 - Move to accommodation
Day 2 (Oct. 28, Sunday)
09:00 ~ 10:00 - Breakfast at «Terarosa» Cafe
10:30 ~12:30 - Tour the Coffee Festival venue
	 (Includes coffee making experience)
12:30 ~ 15:30 - Journey back to Seoul
October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 20
Special Feature Special Feature
DISCOVERY October I November 201221 October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 22
Iremember the time when one of our SIWA members was fined
for not paying her family car tax. She simply didn’t know she
had to pay it (she thought her husband’s company should either
notify them or pay it); as well as when she got the non-utilities
related bill at her home address, she just threw it away. She ended
up paying an over 600,000KRW fine, as well as having to attend
the court hearing, which it wasn’t long but was very unpleasant.
Scared by her experience, each year I look out for my car tax bills
and make sure I paid them on time. My little phobia made me think
that it would be helpful to let SIWA members know why and when
to pay car tax in Korea. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Mr.
Kim, Jang Han, a coordinator at the Gangnam-Gu branch of the
Automobile Tax Office, who was very kind to answer all my car tax
related questions.
SIWA: How much is the car tax usually?
Mr. Kim: The automobile tax is based on engine displacement plus
the local education tax, which is calculated as a percentage of the
total automobile tax. For example:
1. Automobile tax: 80 Won per CC for engine displacement equal
to or less than 1,000 CC; 140 won per CC for engine displacement
between 1,000 CC and 1,600 CC; 200 won per CC for engine
displacement over 1,600 CC.
2. Local Education Tax: 30 % of the total automobile tax.
SIWA: Is the tax more expensive for foreign residents in Korea?
Mr. Kim: No, the same tax rules and rates apply to a corporate
body, individual and foreigners without distinction.
SIWA: If my family has two cars - do we have to pay more or less
tax?
Mr. Kim: Each car is imposed the same automobile tax (as per
above calculation), no matter how many cars you or your family
own.
SIWA: How often should I pay car tax?
Mr. Kim: Twice a year; half the annual tax in June and half again in
December.
SIWA: Is the car tax different from area to area in Seoul?
Mr. Kim: No. The same car tax rules and rates apply all over Seoul
and Korea.
SIWA: Is it true that Gangnam district (Gu) is the most expensive
(tax wise) in Seoul?
Mr. Kim: No, it isn’t true. The same tax rules and rates apply all
over Seoul and Korea.
SIWA: Sometimes I am given the option to pay the tax in full for
one year or in two 6 monthly installments. Why?
Mr. Kim: Usually the automobile tax is due twice a year, half in
June and half in December. But if the amount of the tax is less than
100,000 Won, then tax has to be paid in one single payment.
SIWA: What should I do if I didn’t receive the bill in my mail?
Mr. Kim: You can request the bill from your nearest community
center or Gu Office by phone or in person. If you didn’t receive the
bill by the due date, the bill should be re-issued without additional
Proven support by licensed expat Counselors available for you and your family, and in your native language.
AHS now has services available in 4 languages: English, Korean, Spanish & Portuguese …and it’s not just lip
service, our professionals understand your words AND your meaning.
Let AHS worry about the billing. We deal directly with most overseas insurance companies (including CIGNA,
Tricare, FSBP, GBG, BUPA, HTH, UH, Tiecare, AETNA & more) for increased convenience & decreased out-of-
pocket cost for you.
Take a break from your surroundings & invest in yourself with a visit to our luxurious offices,
conveniently located at Gongdeok Station.
Car Tax–when & how much to pay!
Professional Counseling for
Individuals, Couples & Families
info@ahsorea.com
www.ahskorea.com
02-749-7915
by Mariya Maderich
charges. Payment should be made by bank transfer to the
designated bank.
SIWA: If I pay the car tax after the due date, what is the overdue
payment?
Mr. Kim: If your automobile tax exceeds 300,000 won, 3 percent
of the outstanding car tax will be added as a default fine when
payment has not been made by the due date, plus1.2 percent of
the tax due for any additional month over the due date. If your
car tax is less than 300,000 Won, 3 percent of your car tax will be
added, but no other additional fees after that.
SIWA: If I move from the area, do I have to re-register my car with
the new district office, or I can keep paying taxes in my previous
Gu?
Mr. Kim: Yes, you need to re-register your car at your new Gu and
pay the tax there.
The answers were provided by Mr. Kim, Jang Han (김장한). from
the Tax Division at Gangnam-Gu Office. His contact details are as
follow:
TEL : (02)2104-1546 / FAX : (02)2104-2464
E-mail : kimjangh@gangnam.go.kr
Special thanks for wonderful translation to Meesun Joo,
International Relations Coordinator at the Local Economy Division
of the Gangnam District Government
Message from the Editor
Get out of Seoul!
………and find the Morning Calm Village
Iknow that many people hesitate to go out of
Seoul on weekends because the traffic can be a
nightmare. But there are some hidden gems out there
and it would be a pity to miss them.
Recently Pierre and I headed north–east to Cheorwon,
and found a small piece of Paradise nestled among the
golden rice paddies alongside the Hangtang River –
Morning Calm Village.
Built in July 2011 – the Village has 21 units. We were
greeted by the staff who went out of their way to
help us. The staff do not speak much English, but we
had no trouble checking in, making sure a Korean BBQ
dinner would be brought to our unit a bit later, and
finding our way to our home for the weekend. The
resort is stylish, well furnished, and had a great shower
and bath. Step outside onto the terrace and take in
the view of the Hangtang River and out across to the
mountains, which seemed to go on forever.
Nothing seemed more sensible than just opening
a bottle of good Aussie wine, settling down on the
terrace to soak up the lovely view, watch day turn
into night and enjoy the company of the dragonflies
on the trees around us. A bit later our BBQ arrived – a
mini BBQ with a generous selection of pork and beef
to cook, as well as a lovely soup, kimchi and salad.
Delicious.
The next morning we enjoyed a lovely chicken porridge
in the café, watching white water rafters floating down
the river and around the corner to the rapids. There is
a walkway running through the resort and heading out
in either direction gives great views of the river, rice
paddies and surrounding mountains.
There are many other attractions in the area, but this is
also a place where you can just sit and enjoy watching
as life passes by. Sunday morning we were up and out
early so that Pierre could run in the local Cheorwon
marathon with fellow runners from the Seoul Flyers
Running Club. Then back into the car to make our way
back to Seoul.
The website for Morning Calm Village is in Korean, but
has a great selection of pictures of each of the units
available. (www.morningcalmvillage.com)
Here is another link that may be helpful. Korean Tourism
have put together some e-books – The one titled Korea’s
Most Unique Accommodation includes a good report in
English on Morning Calm Village as well as many other
choices. (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/GK/GK_
EN_2_7_4.jsp) So I say – embrace the traffic and GET OUT
OF SEOUL!
The Korea Tourism Organization
(KTO) has released a new publication
rounding up Korea’s most unique
hotels, resorts, spas, and guest
houses.
http://www.koreaittimes.com/
story/20428/unique-places-stay-
when-comfort-meets-convenience
Morning Calm Village, a resort in Cheorwon County,
Gangwon-do (Gangwon Province) run by Sim Entertainment,
an agency representing many of Korea’s movie and TV
stars. As such, the resort is a popular destination for
Korean celebrities, as well as a frequent set for the filming
of TV shows and movies. The resort not only provides the
opportunity for a glimpse into celebrity lives, but also
features beautiful scenery around the nearby Hantangang
River, as well as birdwatching opportunities during the
colder months of the year.
DISCOVERY October I November 201223
by Kerrie Matthee
October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 24
DISCOVERY October I November 2012 October I November 2012 DISCOVERY
Events Around Town
2625
Details on all of these events/activities and more can be found on www.korea4expats.com.
Click on What’s Going On.
To receive Anne's Events E-newsletter twice a month, write to events@korea4expats.com
Anne Ladouceur is an experienced expat residing in Korea for over 10 years. You can find more information on all events listed above on her
website at korea4expats.com. The Korea4Expats website not only provides information on upcoming events, but also on a variety ofissues/
questions related to living and working in Korea. There's also a Forum where you can go to ask and answer a whole range of questions or where
you can buy or sell household items, etc. The Directory contains expat-recommended businesses and services who have agreed to support the
free-to-use services provided by www.korea4expats.com.
by Anne Ladouceur
ABOUT KOREA
Yeol Walking Tour 9 October | 10:30am to 12:00pm | Free of charge | Seoul City Hall Area
Yeol Lecture, “Seoul’s Inwang-san - the Mystical Benevolent-King Mountain” 6 November | Free admission | Seoul Museum of History
Dragons in Korea Art Exhibition Ends 1 January 2013 | W4,000 admission fee | Ho-Am Art Museum, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do
ART & CULTURE
National Geographic Photo Exhibition: The Beautiful Days Ends 11 October | 11:00am-8:00pm | W12,000 / W7,000 | Seoul Arts Center, Seocho
Steve McCurry Photo Exhibition Ends 21 October | 11:00am-8:00pm | W10,000-W6,000 | Seoul Arts Center, Seocho
Gwangju Contemporary Art Biennale Ends 11 November | 9:00am to 6:00pm | W19,000-W4,000 | Gwangju, Jeollanam-do
Deoksugung Project Exhibition Ends 2 December | 9:00am to 9:00pm | W1,000 Adults | National Art Museum, Deoksu Palace
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Family Weekend Festival Saturday 6 and 13 October | Free of charge | Outdoor Stage, Seoul Arts Center, Seocho
Han River Pirates Touch Rugby for boys and girls Sundays to 25 November | 9:00-11:00am | Dulwich College, Seocho
Gulliver's Travels – Play for Children (and adults) 26-28 October | 3:00pm & 7:00pm | W27,000 / 22,000 | CTS Art Hall, Dongjak-gu
Global Bridge Program for multi-cultural children Saturday classes end April 2013 / Winter camp in January | Free of charge
Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do.
FESTIVALS
Islamic Cultural Festival Saturday 6 October | 12:00-8:00pm | Free admission | Seongbuk-dong
Seoul International Fireworks Festival Saturday 6 October | from 7:30pm | Free admission | Yeouido-Hangang-Park, Seoul
Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival 5-7 October | Free admission | Suwon, Gyeonggi-do
CIOFF World Folkloriada 1-14 October | 10:00am~10:00pm | Festival pass W25,000-W20,000 (Pass) / Admission W5,000-W4,000
Anseong City, Gyeonggi-do
Jarasum International Jazz Festival 12-14 October | 3-day pass W80,000 / 2-day pass W60,000 / 1-day pass W35,000 | Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do
Festival month in Korea October and November offer a great many festivals all over Korea. The festivals highlight Korean culture, history,
regional foods, dishes, music and more. Go to Korea4Expats.com and click on What’s Going On for more information.
ENTERTAINMENT / THEATRE
Gidon Kremer & Kremerata Baltica Tues 16 Oct, 8pm | R W150,000 / S W120,000 / A W80,000 / B W50,000 | Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall
Night at the Paradise Weekends 12-20 October | W20,000 advance / W25,000 at the door | Itaewon
Picasso at the Lapin Agile Saturdays (8pm) and Sundays (4pm) from 20 October to 04 November | W15,000. White Box Theatre, Yongsan-gu
Handel’s Messisah by Camarata Chorale Saturday 15 December | 7:30pm | Chungdong First Methodist Church, Jung-gu
SPORTS & FITNESS
SAN Beginner Climbing School Sundays 7 Oct-4 Nov | Meet at 7:30am | W385,000, (includes VAT) | Bukhansan National Park
G-Global Aviation in Ansan 3-7 Oct, 9:00am - 6:00pm | Gyeonggi International Aviation, Gyeonggi-do, Ansan, Sangnok-gu, Sa-dong
Scottish Country Dancing Practices / Lessons Wednesdays to 21 November | 7:30-9:30pm | W5,000 participation fee | British Embassy.
Professional Baseball Soccer(Football) and Basketball schedules around Korea on Korea4Expats.com in What’s Going On
OTHER
Home-Style Italian Lunch Every Sunday | W15,000 | Franciscan Foreign Kindergarten, Hannam-dong
Camarata Music Company is looking for singers for its Chamber Singers as well as participants (male/female) for it’s December
performance of Handel’s Messiah Rehearsals Sundays | 4:00-7:00pm | HaeBangChon, Itaewon.
Grand Ambassador Seoul Associated with Pullman
completing touch-up on 108 rooms
Smart Guestroom with Modernity, connectivity and
Effective Space Design
Grand Ambassador Seoul completes its touch-up work on 108
guestrooms to introduce new room types targeted for luxury
business and leisure travelers. The newly introduced ‘Smart
Rooms’ are designed for modernity and connectivity based on
convenience and efficiency. Our new guestroom will guarantee
your distinctive experience with premium guest service and
professional assistance to your successful business.
+ Modern & warm interior design embracing
soft brown & champagne gold colors
+ Designed for ‘Modernity’ and ‘Connectivity’
-Remote Jack Pack System, 42-Inch LED TV
+ Extend VIP Floors (3 floors → 6 floors) for enhanced
privacy for business guests
+ New room type to accommodate demand of
business & luxury leisure travelers
+ All guestrooms include 3-pin adaptor, wireless phone,
Nespresso coffee, rain shower and bidet
( Photo : Deluxe King & Single Bed Room / Ondol Room )
( Photo: Deluxe King Bed Room )
287, Dongho-ro, Joong-Gu, Seoul 100-855, Korea T. 82.2.2275.1101 F. 82.2.2272.0773 www.ambatel.com www.pullmanhotels.com
Chadwick International is the second campus
of Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, California
Chadwick International
Information Session & Campus Preview
Chadwick International, an independent, coeducational,
non-denominational PreK-G12 international school, fully equipped with
state-of-the-art facilities located in Songdo, just 35 miles from Seoul,
is holding multiple 'get to know us' events for prospective families with
students in the PreK to Grade 10 levels.
Come to one of the below event dates to :
ㆍMeet current students, parents, faculty, and administrators
ㆍTour Chadwick International’s state-of-the-art educational facilities
ㆍLearn about Chadwick International’s missions and curriculum
Info Sessions :
ㆍOctober 25, 10:00 am~12:00 pm @ Chadwick International, Songdo
ㆍNovember 1, 2:00 pm~4:00 pm @ RenaissanceHotel,Yeoksam-dong,Seoul
ㆍNovember 15, 10:00 am~12:00 pm @ Chadwick International, Songdo
Open House :
ㆍDecember 1, 10:00 am~12:00 pm @ Chadwick International, Songdo
Registration : www.chadwickschool.org
Inquiry : Tel. 032-250-5030~2
Premium Platinum Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors

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BAZAAR 2012

  • 1. October I November 2012 SIWA Woman SIWA Style Designer Lie, Sang Bong Exclusive Interview Bazaar 2012 Tours for every Style Romantic Weekend Away Car Tax S e o u l I n t e r n a t i o n a l W o m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n
  • 2. October I November 2012 DISCOVERY SIWA supports a variety of groups that are organised by our members. Contact us at coursecoordinator@ siwapage.com or vpactivities@siwapage.com 2 www.siwapage.com Contents SIWAStyle! 2 Table of Contents 3 President’s Letter Special Announcements Welcome to new Board members 4 SIWA Board 5 Editor’s Letter SIWA Interest Groups Chair – Thank you On the Cover, About Discovery FocusonSIWAActivities 6 SIWA Coffee Mornings Newcomers’ Meetings SIWA Clubs: Moms & Tots Cultural connection 7 Enrichment Classes – Fall Sign-Up Photos Looking back at OASIS Club: Interviews 10 Bazaar Updates Welfare– Where does the money go? 11 CulturalViews–GangnamStyle? Korean Lesson, by Hyejin Kim SIWATourstoDreamAbout!! 13 Past tour photos 14 SIWATours:Teamupdates 15 UpcomingTours: OverviewandDetails FeatureStories 19 InterviewwithDesignerLie,SangBong byBockheeLee&MariyaMaderich 21 CarTax–when&howmuchtopay? byMariyaMaderich 23 Weekend Getaway, by Kerrie Matthee 26 Events around Seoul, by Anne Ladouceur Advertisers Adaptable Human Solutions (AHS) Ambassador Hotel, Chadwick School IVY Dental Clinic, Seoul Selection Maria Fertility Clinic Pumex International Movers WY Dentistry Seoul International Women’s Association 28 Changeuimun-ro 5th Street Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 110-819 www.siwapage.com Whether you’re a newcomer to Seoul, long-time expat or Korean resident, SIWA has something for you! Founded in 1952, the Seoul International Women’s Association is Seoul’s largest and oldest international women’s group. Bringing together women from over 50 countries, SIWA provides opportunitites for friendship, cultural exchange, personal growth and community service. Come join the fun! Find out more at www.siwapage.com SIWA Woman SIWA Style Book Club Our members take turns to host once a month to discuss a chosen book. Mums & Tots Mums take turns hosting and have special gatherings for Christmas, Halloween, baby showers, etc. Korean/English Conversation Group Exchanging conversation tips in Korean and English over lunch in a restaurant. Cultural Connection Group Our members take turns to host once a month and give a presentation on their home country. Transitions Supporting members who are in the process of a global transition. The group meets for lunch and discussions. SIWA Working Womens Network Meeting outside office hours, come along for dinner and tap into our network of professional women.
  • 3. August I September 2012 DISCOVERY Message from the PresidentMessage from the President Welcome New Board & Committee Members 4 President’sLetter A utumn is my favorite time of year, especially in Seoul. Although the calendar doesn’t say so, it always feels like the beginning of a new year, a fresh start. SIWA has a renewed energy as well. You can see it with our new clubs and tours, and the buzz at our SIWA Enrichment Classes Sign-Up in September. Perhaps our biggest change in SIWA this year is our Bazaar venue. Thanks to the help of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, we are having the Bazaar at the Seoul Museum of History (http://www.museum.seoul.kr/eng_ new/index.jsp). This museum is in a great location, walking distance from Sejong Center. Best of all, admission to the museum and the Bazaar is free! Make plans to be there on November 13, to purchase items and sample food from around the world. All the proceeds go to support SIWA charities, all in Korea, so get a start on your holiday shopping and help those in need at the same time. Have you checked out our new website (siwapage.com)? It is attractive and easy to use, and best of all, easier for us to update to bring you the latest SIWA news and information. Don’t forget to “friend” us on Facebook as well. The beautiful women who serve on our Board and committees are bringing fresh ideas, clubs, and events to SIWA. We have re-started our moms and tots group, opened up the SIWA Book Club, and have begun a new support group for women that want to transition into the workforce in Korea. Check out the website to find out more. Johanne Marias – Mom’s & Tot’s Leader J ohanne is an Australian mother of three children, one of whom is still young enough to stay home with Mum. Johanne and her family have lived in Canada, Australia and China before moving to Seoul. Johanne dreams of adding France to the list. “The nicest surprise about moving to Seoul has been making Korean friends. How nice it is that SIWA includes both expatriate and local women.” The Special Olympics World Winter Games Organizing Committee will hold a “Special Scarf Campaign” to motivate participation of people, wishing for a successful 2013 Games. SIWA members participation is requested to assist in this mission: * To deliver a warm welcome message to athletes participating in the 2013 Special Olympics by giving scarves knitted by moms in Korea. * To Raise awareness of the 2013 Special Olympics and encourage citizen’s participations for the success of the 2013 Games. Date/time: October 30 (Tue) 2012 / 10:30 ~ 12:00 (1 hr 30 min) Place: International meeting room, The National Library of Korea For additional event details and schedule please visit: www.siwapage.com and www.2013SOPOC.org Premium Platinum Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors DISCOVERY October I November 20123 I also want to acknowledge our new members, who may be reading this magazine for the first time. We need you! We need your friendship, your ideas, and your presence at our clubs, tours and coffee mornings. Interested in getting involved or have a great idea? Email me at president@siwapage.com. Let’s go have a coffee and talk about it. New website, new Bazaar venue, new clubs, new members, along with the great tradition of SIWA. That’s how we do it, SIWA style! Sincerely, Terri Hartman SIWA President SIWA Executive Board 2012/2013 President, Terri Hartman president@siwapage.com Vice President Fundraising Shelby Bupp-Crockett vpfundrising@siwapage.com Vice President Membership Isabelle Min vpmembership@siwapage.com Vice President Activities Ursula Tarasyants vpactivities@siwapage.com Board Admin Katia Edrenkina boardadmin@siwapage.com Treasurer Pamela Curley treasurer@siwapage.com Standing Committee 2012/2013 Arts & Exhibitions Mihe Shin Art@siwapage.com Communications Mariya Maderich communications@siwapage.com Diplomatic Liaison Panagiota Konstantinopoulou diplomat@siwapage.com Discovery Editor Pilar Perez-McKay discoveryeditor@siwapage.com Hospitality Liudmila Kosareva hospitality@siwapage.com Interest Groups Teodora Suciu interestgroups@siwapage.com Memberships Amanda Beal Barut membership@siwapage.com Public Relations Eugenie Lee publicrelations@siwapage.com Special Events Bockhee Lee specialevents@siwapage.com Sponsorship (Open Position) sponsorsiwa@siwapage.com Tours Mildred Berenschot tours@siwapage.com Welfare (Open Position) welfare@siwapage.com Committees 2012/2013 Advertising Elena Rizzo Neglen advertising@siwapage.com Bazaar Bockhee Lee bazaar@siwapage.com Book Club Capucine Lartigue Andrade siwabookclub@siwapage.com Cultural Connection Jinsung Yang culturalconnection@siwapage.com Moms & Tots Johanne Marias momsandtots@siwapage.com Newcomers Jennifer Kim newcomers@siwapage.com Transition Group Isabelle Min transition@siwapage.com Working Women’s Network Elmira “Ella” Urazaeva workingwomensnetwork@siwapage.com www.siwapage.com Liudmila Kosareva – Hospitality Chair L iudmila came to Korea from Russia in 2009 as part of her international career. Previously, she enjoyed studying in Seoul during which time she was engaged in organizing a wide range of activities as a fellow of the scholarship program and a participant of UNESCO projects. She acquired a passion for volunteering eight years ago and since then she has been developing training sessions and presenting leadership programs in Europe and Asia. Liuda enjoys exciting hobbies like surfing, public speaking and travelling. With an outgoing and energetic personality, she loves to chat with friends over a cup of coffee and will be happy to see you at the SIWA Coffee Mornings, an opportunity to spend one more wonderful morning in our lives. I am glad to have this opportunity to make a contribution to the society we all live in. That’s why being a part of SIWA, the oldest and the largest Women Association in Seoul is a great honor. Together we can make life in Seoul more interesting for both expats and Koreans. It is great to know that your efforts and work will lead to changes that will help people in need. I love interacting with people, that’s why welcoming new members and organizing Coffee Morning events is a big pleasure for me. As a Hospitality Chair I intend to create friendly atmosphere and amazing feeling of doing common activities for all women who have this wonderful chance to be a part of this family called SIWA. I would like to thank Andrea Garay for a fabulous job as SIWA hospitality chair and wish her success in her new path. Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013 Special Scarf Campaign
  • 4. DISCOVERY October I November 20125 SIWA Coffee Morning Coffee Mornings are held monthly and members and non-members are always welcome. It is a great opportunity to make new friends and chat with old ones as well as enjoy interesting and diverse presentations by guest speakers. SIWA OCTOBER 17nd Coffee Morning with Kip Richardson How come oatmeal is 15,000 won a box? Why is there no veal in Korea? Have the free trade agreements helped to bring down the cost of foreign food? Get the answers to these questions and more from our guest speaker, Kip Richardson, owner of High Street Market. Kip has spent many years in Korea in the food business, importing meat and other foreign foods. Find out why some products are difficult if not impossible to import and what is changing in Korea. If you’ve ever wondered why your favorites don’t seem to be here in Korea, Kip can tell you why.. Kip Richardson is the owner of High Street Market in Itaewon and he will discuss many issues of interest surrounding imported foods in Korea. When: October 17, 2012 (9:30 am -11:30 am) Where: Grand Ambassador Hotel Entrance Fee: 15,000 (SIWA Members), 20,000 (Non-Members) Cultural Connection Group SIWA Cultural Connection group was formed to bring all of our different backgrounds together. Our purpose is to help one another understand and appreciate each other’s diverse culture. October 8: “Vietnamese Food Culture” Our October Culture Connection meeting will be hosted by Dinh Ha, a native Vietnamese,who will share with us the pleasure of cooking Vietnamese food. A great opportunity to learn Vietnamese culture through cooking. Hosted by Dinh Ha, a native Vietnamese who will share with us the pleasure of cooking Vietnamese food. This will be a great opportunity to learn Vietnamese culture through cooking. Very limited places, must RSVP. When: October 8th, Monday; 11:00am - noon Venue: Dongbinggo-dong house Presenter: Dinh Ha Coordinator: Jinsung Yang November 6: “Scape from Paradise: North Korea” Every year thousands of North Koreans cross the border to flee the most isolated country in the world. The vast majority of those finding refuge in South Korea are women. unprepared for the challenges of living in capitalist, democratic, and multicultural societies, thus lacking the necessary skills to cope with the modern world. This presentation will address the issue of the situation inside North Korea and how North Koreans adjust to the South Korean society. When: October 19, Tuesday; 10:30am - 12:30pm Venue: Antonette's house Presenter: Joanna Hosaniak Coordinator: Jinsung Yang RSVP to: culturalconnections@siwapage.com Event Capacity: Limited to first 15 registrations Moms & Tots Club - Play & Picnic! The group provides an opportunity to meet with other moms to form friendships and to meet playmates for your children! Activities range from casual get togethers at local play areas and parks to mom’s odd nights out, themed parties (Halloween, Christmas etc.), baby showers and much more! When: October 19th, Friday; from 10:30 am till 1:30pm Venue: Olympic Park East Gate 2 (convenient for access via subway line 5) or find us at the “Family Playground Area” Transport and parking information at: http://www.olympicpark.co.kr/jsp/english/index.jsp What to bring: A ball or kite if you wish, and a picnic lunch (or buy lunch near East Gate 2) RSVP: Advance booking will need to be made by e-mail to momsandtots@ siwapage.com Group members will be informed of planned activities to assist you in “getting out” into the community and having fun! The kids in our group range in age from newborns to approx. 5 years. If you are interested in joining Moms & Tots Club: You have to be a current SIWA member. Application is available at: http://siwapage.com/join-us/join-us/ Newcomers' Welcome: October 16 th & November 12 th If you are new to Seoul or new to SIWA, we encourage you to join our Newcomers’meeting. An intimate get-together, and a great chance to learn more about SIWA and a little about life in Seoul. All are welcomed to attend this meeting. Kip first arrived in Korea in the early '80's and has lived a total of 20+ years in Korea. He speaks Korean fluently and has worked in the Korean food sector for 25 years. In 1996, Kip moved to Korea as The Asia Director for Cargill. He managed sales throughout Asia until 2004, when he negotiated the Aussie/Korean joint venture known as Kobeak Foods. As Kobeak CEO, Kip worked closely with well known restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse, TGI Fridays, On The Border and Tesco to name a few. He started High Street Market with some friends in late 2010. High Street is an upscale shop specializing in imported goods for the expat community living in Seoul, Korea. Meats, wines, cheeses and their own bakery as well as a full kitchen combine to bring to foreign customers those items not easily found in the local supermarkets - and in the authentic flavors and recipes we know and appreciate. A little slice of home located in the most exciting neighbourhood in Seoul... The company also directly imports and processes meats at their Authentic Foods facility in Yaksu-dong. Time: from 10:30AM Venue: M-plaza Seoul Global Cultural Center Location: Fifth Floor, Myeong-dong M Plaza, Seoul Directions: Myeongdong station, subway line 4, Exit #6, walk 5 minutes Kip Richardson October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 6 Hello – Welcome once again to your Discovery Magazine! How fast the time has gone by…. Did you enjoy the summer? And all the Korean traditional holidays…. Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol – 광복절), Chuseok (추석), National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol – 개천절), Hangul Day (Hangeulnal – 한글날)….?? I am writing from San Sebastian, Spain, where I will be based until next February with my husband. It is very exciting to be back in my country of birth and getting reacquainted with the language and culture – talk about reverse culture shock! We were lucky to have Korean friends visiting us during the Chuseok break and celebrated ‘Korean/ Spanish fusion’ style, which also meant eating lots of food! There was much for SIWA to celebrate too: new sponsors, the sign-up morning was great success with many new members joining us, new website launch, new brochure, new groups, over 330 ‘likes’ on facebook, exciting weekly eNewsletters and fun contests, invitations to special events, amazing tours and activities…. just a few of the benefits SIWA provides to our members. Enjoy your magazine and remember to take note of all event dates on the calendar – we hope you will join us!! Best wishes, Pilar Calendar 2012 Regular Meetings Newcomers October 9 November 14 December 5 Coffee Mornings October 17 November (Bazaar & Exhibition) December 5 In addition to our regular meetings, SIWA organises many Tours and Events. For updates and bookings visit www.siwapage.com Save the Dates! SIWA Bazaar Tuesday, November 13 SIWA Art Exhibition “Colours of Seoul” November 14 ~ 21 SIWA Holiday Brunch (Coffee Morning) Wednesday, December 5 featuring wine tasting and holiday spirit courtesy of Pieroth Wine Public Holidays (days off) December 25 Christmas Day January 1, 2013 New Year’s Day Membership Directory 2012/2013 Remember to renew your Membership and let us know If you agree to be listed in the 2012/2013 Directory Editor’sLetter CONTRIBUTORS WELCOMED! Discovery Magazine is always looking for contributors. Whether you are an experienced journalist, a budding writer, or just want to write up a special experience, please contact us to inquire about guidelines and themes for upcoming issues, at: discoveryeditor@ siwapage.com All submissions must be approved for Publication and may be edited for clarity and length. Next Deadline for Contributions 10 November 2012 Discovery is published by SIWA bi-monthly (six issues per year) with articles and content written by our members. It is printed and distributed exclusively for SIWA members. All opinions expressed in articles are those of the respective authors, and may or may not reflect the official position of SIWA. All rights reserved SIWA 2012. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of SIWA. If you have not received your copy of Discovery, please contact Amanda Beal Barut at membership@siwapage.com. Advertising related inquiries should be sent to Elena Rizzo at: advertising@siwapage.com. DISCOVERY PHOTO FILES All photos used by Discovery magazine, unless otherwise stated, have been provided by SIWA photography group and are the property of SIWA EDITOR Pilar Perez-McKay | PHOTO EDITOR Mihe Shin GRAPHIC DESIGNER Shin Eun-Ji | PRINTING COORDINATOR Ko Yeon-Kyung PRINTED BY Seoul Selection | ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Elena Rizzo CONTRIBUTORS: SPECIAL FEATURES Bockhee Lee, Pamela Curley, Isabelle Min, Mariya Maderich, Kerrie Matthee, Ursula Tarasyants, Diane Wermenlinger, Genie Barnes, Kerstin Poepplau CONTRIBUTORS: Regular Features Hyejin Kim, Anne Ladouceur Cover photo Seoul Museum of History, Main Lobby area. Photo by Ms Mihe Shin, SIWA Art & Exhibitions Chair. ON THE COVER SIWA Regular Activities SIWA Regular Meetings SIWA page Thank you to our members who ‘like’ our facebook page and visit us regularly. Teodora Suciu, SIWA Interest Groups Chair: Thank you!! I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to all the teachers for their interest in collaborating with SIWA. For their dedication, patience and understanding in fulfilling all the procedures in order to facilitate the smooth running of the sign-up morning. We were very lucky to have such a great variety of classes being offered to our members. I would have liked to express my thanks personally and regret not to have had enough time to thank everyone on the day. What a busy and exciting morning we had! Thank you to all of our members who joined us at the SIWA Enrichment Classes Sign-Up Coffee Morning. I hope that the classes offered reached your expectations and will satisfy your cultural and social needs in order to make your stay in Korea even more rewarding. I would also like to thank the SIWA team who did such an amazing job in organizing tasks and helping at the reception desk on Sign-up day and who proved once more their passion, dedication and professionalism that characterize our association! See you all again at the January Sign-up!!! October I November 2012 SIWA Woman SIWA Style Designer Lie, Sang Bong Exclusive Interview Bazaar 2012 Tours for every Style Romantic Weekend Away Car Tax S e o u l I n t e r n a t i o n a l W o m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n
  • 5. Diane Wermenlinger My name is Diane Wermenlinger and I was in Seoul from August 2002 to August 2007. These were 5 memorable years. My husband was in Korea as the Canadian Military Attache and it was the first time for us that we moved without the children who were young adults with life of their own. I remember arriving in Seoul wondering if I would be able to connect with people interested in meditation, self-development and self-healing subjects. Within a week of my arrival I was given a SIWA magazine and to my amazement, there it was, a sub-group of SIWA called Oasis. For the next 5 years Oasis became my extended family. Even if we were a group of people from around the world and changing on a yearly basis, we became family and a great support to each and others, which continues even today. We are now back in Canada where I started my own Oasis group in my hometown to the delight of eight wonderful women, and it all started in Seoul thanks to SIWA! Congratulations SIWA for giving the ex-path community such a wonderful possibility of connection and I wish you long and a successful future. dianecwerm@yahoo.ca It’s a common saying that you live life looking forward, but you understand it by looking back. Perhaps the same can be said of SIWA in this our 50th year anniversary. A time to reflect on SIWA’s past set goals for our future. SIWA celebrates its 50th birthday in difficult times, in the midst of a lingering economic crisis that has affected the capacity of people to donate and increased the needs of those less fortunate. Nevertheless, the SIWA Bazaar remains a cornerstone of SIWA and the SIWA women, and the friends and family and community that support them while they work tirelessly to make it a success. Another cornerstone is SIWA’s enrichment classes, groups and clubs; as your participation in the September sign-up morning demonstrated! We can be proud when looking back at the positive effect that these activities bring to our members. In this issue, we have contacted members of the Oasis group that, while no longer in Seoul, continue their friendships and still feel the benefits of their chance meeting in Seoul and their membership of SIWA. We thank Geinie, Diane, Anne and Kerstin for their contributions! I look forward to bringing you more reviews of member’s experiences and feedback in future issues, please write to me if you would like to share your story. Enjoy reading! Genie Barnes I did many things with SIWA during the four years (2001-2005) that my husband David and I spent in Seoul. His employer, Philips Electronics, was doing a joint venture with LG. Although I had visited Korea several times, I only knew a few people when we set up home in April 2001. SIWA was an opportunity to meet people, learn some new things (survival Korean!), use my skills (writing articles and editing others for Discovery), and do some good in the community. One of the most important gifts to me from SIWA was the Oasis interest group. We met once a week to discuss a topic of spiritual or metaphysical interest and to meditate together. It was indeed an oasis of calm in a busy life in a bustling city. Now David and I live in a quiet retirement community in Georgetown, Texas. I still use my “heart in Seoul” volunteer apron from one of the SIWA bazaars. It’s been washed so many times that the lettering has almost worn away, but wearing it reminds me of all the good times and good friends in Seoul. d_and_g_barnes@hotmail.com Kerstin Poepplau I joined the SIWA Board as the Recording Secretary, now Board Administrator, shortly after my arrival in Seoul in 1998, until 2001. In addition to a wide range of administrative functions, I assisted other Board members with their responsibilities and the running of the SIWA office, plus I was involved in the start of the SIWA homepage; a major learning experience since it wasn’t as common to have websites then as it is today. In fact, when I started on the Board, we still worked from a phone tree. I also helped Anne Ladouceur, appointed Program Chair at the same time I joined the Board, with setting up the Working Women’s Network. I’m proud to see that both the website and WWN are still integral parts of SIWA. My greatest joy however, came from helping newcomers adjust to their new life in Seoul. I’m happy to still be doing so by helping Anne out on Korea4Expats. I still feel connected to Seoul in many ways because the wonderful friends I made, many of whom I’m still in contact with. I even came to Seoul just to attend the St Andrew’s Ball. My husband Andreas and I discovered Scottish Country Dancing while in Seoul and we loved Gavin Mckay’s practices. Imagine, a German couple discovering Scottish dancing in South Korea…..one of the many positives of life as an expat! We are now back in Germany and I am currently a self-employed Shiatsu practitioner – a passion which started with SIWA’s Interest Group classes, on top of being a Global Moderator for Korea4Expats, and a resource for newcomers to Hamburg. My time in Seoul and my SIWA experiences remain one of the highlights of my life and I wish the same to all of you. “Just get involved”. What Enrichment Classes and SIWA Groups Mean to our Members the best of SIWA is Friendship that last to this day between Isabelle Min and myself. Picture 2005 Enrichment Classes Fall 2012 Sign-Up Over 130 members attended the Coffee Morning on Sep 19 Thank you!! The Many Faces & Styles of the SIWA Woman Anne Ladouceur At one of my first Coffee Mornings, I asked about evening and weekend activities and was told to see the Program Chair, but when I asked her name, discovered she had just left Korea. I put my name to be contacted by her replacement – resulting in an invitation to fill the vacancy. Lesson learned – if you complain about a lack, be prepared to take responsibility! No complaints though, since that decision helped shape much of what I’ve done during my 15 years in Korea. I was elected president in 1999-2000, experienced having the First Lady attend our Bazaar, served on the Welfare Committee for about 10 years and remain an active member in some form or other. It is because of SIWA that I started my Events Newsletter (2000), which I then linked to K4E when the site went on line in July 2007. At the start the newsletter went to about 35 people, now it reaches over 7,000. The path on which I embarked when I first joined SIWA lead me to the honour of being named ‘Honourary Citizen of Seoul’ in 2010. Thanks to SIWA, I’ve made many enduring friendships with women from all over the world, including Korea and, as a result, could travel all over the globe and connect with someone in almost every country. What a gift!!! anne@korea4expats.com
  • 6. DISCOVERY October I November 20129 10October I November 2012 DISCOVERY ◦ Foreigners’ questions answered by a real Korean ◦ Clears up all your doubts regarding Korean culture, lifestyle and history ◦ Discover the Korea you want to see, not the Korea Korea wants to show you ◦ Contains years of knowledge and experience accumulated by former reporter Kim Hyung-geun ◦ Available at Seoul Selection, major bookstores and Amazon.com Ask a Korean Dude asks all the questions and provides all the answers: all you have to do is sit back and read. An Authoritative and Irreverent Guide to the Korea Experience Ask a Korean Dude Facebook Page Opened Find out more by visiting Ask a Korean Dude's own Facebook page. The Korean Dude is open to answer any question you may have on Korea! Written and Compiled by Kim Hyung-geun (Hank Kim) 344 pages | US$ 30.00 | 19.000 won B1 Korean Publishers Association Bldg., 105-2 Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-190, Korea fran@seoulselection.com | 82-2-734-9565 | www.seoulselection.com The book every expat has been waiting for! I’m Hank. Annie. Last November the SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar raised revenue in excess of KRW120 million. As so much of the work and preparation of the Bazaar is undertaken by our hardworking SIWA members, the costs of the Bazaar were less than KRW34 million, leaving a whopping KRW91 million to be spent on Charities. Since November 2011, SIWA has donated over KRW 91 million to support Women, Children, the Elderly, the Disabled, the Sick and the Dying, people less fortunate than ourselves. Our Welfare Team visits all charities to determine their requirements and to ensure that all the hard earned SIWA monies are spent where they are needed most. To present the data differently: Out of every 1,000 won earned at our 2011 Bazaar, 730 won was available to our charities. That is 73% of the 2011 Bazaar earnings was available to charities. Lets make the 2012 Bazaar even more successful at our new central venue, The Seoul History Museum. If you can help us in any way, please contact our Bazaar Chair Bockhee Lee at: siwabazaar@siwapage.com SIWA woman style: she excels at work and play, and has a giving and generous spirit. “SIWA operates as a voluntary not-for-profit organization in Korea, qualifying as a tax-exempt organization under the Korea Corporation Income Tax Law. The main objective of the Association is to further opportunities for sharing of social, cultural, community and welfare interest among women of different nationalities. In addition, the Association provides assistance to those in need in Korea. SIWA engages an independent Auditor to audit its affairs annually, the fiscal year operates from 1 May to 30 April”. SIWA Welfare – Where Does the Money Go?? SIWA and the Diplomatic Community Bazaar 2012 at the Seoul Museum of History, Jonggno-gu 2011 SIWA Bazaar Outcome Distribution 27% Operational Costs * Operational costs include venue hire and printing. 73% Donations to Charities SIWA Bazaar Team awaits you on November 13 at the Seoul Museum of History, 9:30am start We are very excited to have been welcomed to host the Bazaar at this elegant and spacious venue, so centrally located and within easy access of public transportation – and no entry fee. We are confident that it will bring much success and assist us in our fundraising efforts. Experience “Seoul Embracing the World” at the Bazaar on Thursday, November 13. We invite you to come and enjoy International foods & wines, antiques, handicrafts and entertainment from around the world. Take part in the Lucky Draw and Raffles to win amazing prizes!! * Call for Volunteers: Never too late - There are many ways in which you can help; you may volunteer either the day before or on Bazaar day, also by promoting the event and inviting your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours to the Bazaar. * Vendors Welcomed: We encourage vendors to take part in the Bazaar and, together with the Diplomatic Community, help us bring together the exotic, delicious and colourful foods, products and gifts that make the SIWA Bazaar an event to remember and a ‘must have’ in your calendar. * Sponsorship & Donation Opportunities: no donation is too big or too small - Without you, the Diplomatic Community and our valued and generous sponsors, SIWA would not be able to support the Korean charities that are so much in need of our help. For more information about the Bazaar or how to volunteer: please contact Bockhee Lee, Bazaar Chair at bazaar@siwapage.com or visit www.siwapage.com
  • 7. DISCOVERY October I November 201211 Feature Story At first I thought it was another one of those patriotic exaggerations. For years, Korean media had been publicizing about the increasing number of international fans who love K-Pop and Korean movies/dramas and to this Korean, they sounded way too inflated. So when I first heard of these TV reports about the latest K-Pop hit on youTube by a certain singer Psy, I thought it was yet another one of those. But then my husband showed me this hilarious youTube video where a white man was recorded singing ‘Gangnam Style’ at the top of his voice while driving. And a couple of days later, when I was told by a visiting Canadian (my friend’s nephew who had just landed in Seoul), that he too had heard of this hip song, I stopped doubting the media and Psy with his ‘Gangnam Style. To date, this song has been viewed 200 million times on youTube and the number is likely to skyrocket before this article is published. In New York, people were spotted dancing with Psy in Time Square, and elsewhere a wedding couple was filmed dancing to the tune before and after their ceremony. Psy himself appeared on some of the major US TV shows being his natural self as he explained how he had not for a single moment planned or imagined this worldwide, overnight stardom. So, the question remains: Why this sudden fame and craze? Certainly the tune is quite catchy and the visuals are as Psy put it ‘cheesy,’ so…? My guess is that first of all, the world is responding to Koreans’ love for doing things together, as in group horse riding dance. This new dance is filling the vacuum since the Macarena, Saturday Night Fever and, of course, Michael Jackson. Another reason for this phenomenon is the wry humor rampant in the music video that is typically Korean, but had seldom been exported until now. Gone are the days of Asian mysticism and in are the days of Korean humor. Finally, for many international viewers, this would have been the first time they saw a Korean singer’s kitschy video displaying the many streets, nooks and corners of Seoul, What a novel surprise this must have been! From purely Korean perspective, I am amazed by how natural the young man is posing with American TV hosts and speaking up without an inch of hesitation, even raising his arms to shout ‘DaeHanMinKuk ManSe’ (Long live Korea) and jokingly saying that he hopes folks won’t think that all Korean men look as he does. You’ve come a long way baby! Cultural Views- Gangnam Style? Korean Pronunciation Translation 병원 byeong-won hospital 약국 yak-guk pharmacy 동물병원 dong-mul-byeong-won veterinary clinic 한의원 han-ui-won Korean clinic / Chinese clinic 의사 ui-sa doctor 한의사 han-ui-sa oriental clinic doctor 침 chim acupuncture 주사 ju-sa injection 물리치료 mul-li-chi-ryo physical therapy 처방전 cheo-bang-jeon prescription 내과 nae-ggwa internal medicine 소아과 so-a-ggwa pediatric 이비인후과 i-bi-in-hu-ggwa otolaryngology 산부인과 san-bu-in-ggwa obstetrics and gynecology 정형외과 jeong-hyung-oe-ggwa orthopedics 안과 an-ggwa ophthalmology Hyejin Kim is a Korean language teacher. She can be reached at dearhyejin@hotmail.com. Hospital, Emergency expressions by Hyejin Kim Isabelle Min is a “Cultural Interpreter” supporting cultural transition of expat executives and Koreans going global through lectures, workshops and coaching. At SIWA she leads the Transition Group and serves as a Vice President.
  • 8. DISCOVERY October I November 2012 October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 14 SIWA Tours Team AnnouncementsSIWA Tours 13 Past tours and events Bycicle tour Ginseng tour Palgakjeong Tour Norebang Night on september 6 Ginseng tour Ginseng tour Tours Announcement SIWA Tours fees are set from the estimated tour cost per person, which usually includes transportation, tour guide fee and admission. Our Tour Coordinators are all Volunteers and always do their best to keep tour prices as low as possible. Non SIWA-members are charged an additional 10,000KRW for tours arranged through SIWA (all proceeds go directly to the SIWA account and are used to support Charities) SIWA TOURS TEAM: tours@siwapage.com Coordinator: Eugenie Lee laliberta@gmail.com 010-7202-6324 Coordinator: Michelle Morrison michelle_19jph@hotmail. com 010-3575-952 Coordinator: Ruth Ann Porter porterrap@aol.com 010-4228-8470 Coordinator: Heike Giegerich heike@luva.de 010-8440-8559 Coordinator: Bockhee Lee soundofspring2000@ yahoo.co.kr 010-3325-0770 Chairperson: Mildred Berenshot mildred.berenschot @gmail.com 010-4949-2238 Coordinator: Patricia Tiedemann patricia.tiedemann @usa.net 010-2514-9897 Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants ursulat@mail.ru 010-4810-2592 For all upcoming SIWA tours, please visit our website page at www.siwapage.com/activities/tours Positions open: Tour Coordinator The SIWA Tours team is committed to helping SIWA members and friends discover our host country. Come with us and experience the many wonders of Korea; it’s a great way to settle in, meet new friends, and have lots of fun! Would you like to be part of the Tours team…. Become a Coordinator. To request further information, please email Mildred Berenshot, Tours Chairperson, at: tours@siwapage.com Upcoming August / September tours and events are detailed in the following pages, and all tours and events will be posted to SIWA’s homepage, remember to visit us often: www.siwapage.com/activities/tours Gyongkido Museum on August 14 Gyongkido Museum August 14 Myeong-dong Temple of Heaven tour September 7 Ginseng tour Norebang Night September 6 Karma Fantasy performance on September 7 LaBoheme PalgakjeongTour Myeong-dong Temple of Heaven tour September 7
  • 9. DISCOVERY October I November 201215 SIWA Tours to Dream About: fun, friendship, laughter….& beautiful memories! Seoul International Dance Festival (SIDance) When: October 5, Friday 7:20pm (Cullberg Ballet) & October 10, Wednesday 7:20pm (Seoul Ballet Theater) Meeting point: Godeok Station (Line no.5 to Sangil-dong direction) Exit no.4 Cost: 30,000KRW for Cullberg Ballet; 21,000KRW for Tour coordinator: Eugenie Lee (laliberta@gmail.com) SIDance was established in 1998 by UNESCO International Dance Council to encourage the introduction of Korean dance worldwide and bring International dance styles to Korea. It has become one of best dance and performance festivals in Korea and has influenced Asian and other International dance associations and projects. Enjoy these fascinating and wonderful dance performances! River Rafting (Family tour) - Naerincheon Stream When: October 7, Sunday; from 7:30am - 5:00pm Meeting point : Bus Parking lot in front of Hyatt Hotel Grand Ballroom Cost: SIWA members 50,000KRW; non-members 60,000 KRW. *All Children under 12 y.o. 45,000KRW Price includes bus transportation, rafting equipment and Korean buffet lunch. Additional cost for wetsuit + footwear hire – 10,000KRW Tour Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants Naerincheon Stream in Inje-gun, Gangwon-do Province, flows into the Hangang River and its rapids are comparable to well-known rivers in other countries. The waters are clean and clear, and the lush, wooded valleys offer spectacular views. A perfect balance of high, rough rapids and smooth, gentle rapids, mean ideal conditions for outdoor recreational sports. Anyone can learn simple paddling maneuvers, making rafting a great family activity! Swimming in the calmer stretches is also a treat. National Folk Museum & Lunch Box Café When: October 9, Tuesday; from 10:00am – 1:30pm Meeting Point: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line #3), outside Exit #2 Cost: SIWA member – 10,000KRW, non-member – 20,000KRW Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison Experience something unique in an unconventional lunch setting and learn about the history & culture of the Korean people’s life style. Come along and experience both in one morning! The National Folk Museum of Korea offers a ‘window’ into Korean culture and traditional life. Observe the magnificent collections depicting daily routines and occupations of pre-modern Koreans. After, enjoy a unique lunch at the traditional Tongin Market - collect your individual ‘lunchbox’ container and go shopping for food of your choice. After a round of the food stalls, back to the upstairs café to purchase fresh rice & soup. Ganghwa-do, Korea’s 5th largest island When: October 11, Thursday; from 8:00am - 5:30pm Meeting point: Sinyongsan Subway Station (Blue Line #429, exit #1), next to Yeongsan Post Office. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking. Cost: SIWA members – 43,000KRW; non-SIWA members – 53,000KRW * It includes transportation and entrance fees, not lunch. You may bring your own picnic or purchase a Korean lunch. Tour Coordinator: Ruth Ann Porter Famous for its ginseng and woven mats, Ganghwa is situated on the West Sea at the mouth of the Han River. First stop DukJin-Jin fortress, where the cannon openings along the wall offer magnificent unobstructed views towards the wide southern end of the Yomha Channel. Then, Dr Kim’s beautiful traditional Korean residence and unique garden. Jeondung- sa (Temple of the Inherited Lamp) is next, built in 381 AD by a famous monk named Ado, it contains some of the remaining Tripitaka Koreana, woodcarvings from the 13th century. Gam Dok Gyeohwe, Korea’s oldest Episcopal Church follows; built in 1900 by Bishop Charles Corfe, it harmoniously combines Christian, Taoist and Buddhist elements. A brief stop at Ganghwa Jiseokmyo (prehistoric dolmen), and we’ll explore the local marketplace, time permitting. “Seokpa-jeong” Royal Villa, Garden, Pavillion & Modern Art Museum Guided tour with Prof. D. Mason When: October 12, Friday; from 9:30am - 12:30pm Meeting point: Gyeongbok-gung Subway St. (#327), outside Exit #3. Then just a 10-minute bus ride, and a 10-min walk to the site. Cost: SIWA members – 25,000KRW; non-SIWA members – 30,000KRW; Non- members 10,000 KRW * Cost includes Museum admission fees, but not lunch. You may bring simple snacks and beverages, or purchase something at the museum café. Tour Coordinator: Heike Giegerich Closed to the public for decades and now beautifully reconstructed and reopened under private ownership, SIWA’s visit to this great late-Joseon Dynasty site is a must. Seokpa-jeong was the royal villa of Prince Regent Heungseon, known as the Daewon-gun, the real ‘boss’ of Korea during the chaotic times of the late 19th century. Reputed to be the best villa in Seoul, with lovely gardens and pavilions with great views of Mt.Bugak-san, it’s a key historic site of Joseon architecture. It now incorporates Seoul’s newest art-space, the Seoul Museum. On show will be paintings done by six Korean UPCOMING TOURS AT A GLANCE OCTOBER 5 SIDance Culbert Ballet 7 River rafting – Naerincheon 9 Lunch box Café & National Folk Museum 10 SIDance Seoul Ballet Theater 11 Gangwa-do Island 12 Seokpa-jeong Royal Villa 15 Heunggak-sa Buddhist Temple 16 Yangjae Flower Market, Seoul 19 Karma Fantasy Performance 24 Soraksan hiking trip [Overnight Oct. 24-25] 26 Seung-buk-dong District, Seoul 27 ICCN 2012 Festival (Overnight Oct. 27-28) 30 Hongdae District, Seoul NOVEMBER 1 Samsung Eco-house 4 Korean Antique Furniture Market 5 Wonhyo-am Temple, Dobong-san 7 Hiking at Ingwan-san, Seoul 15 Hyochang Park of Heroes, Seoul 16 Baker’s market, Seoul 19 Keunghee Oriental Medicine Hospital 26 Pulmuone Tofu Factory, Seoul 28 HaengNam Chinaware Factory All tour details must be confirmed with the tour coordinator by email following registration: tours@ siwapage.com artist-refugees in Busan, who held their exhibition at a local “dabang” (coffee shop) during the cold, hopeless winter of 1952. Heungguk-sa Buddhist Temple, Goyan City Guided tour with Prof. D. Mason When: October 15, Monday; from 9:30am - 12:30pm Meeting point: Gupabal Subway Station (Orange Line #320), outside Exit #1 Cost: SIWA-members – 15,000KRW; non-members – 20,000KRW Tour Coordinator: Heike Giegerich * Parking is available on the side road (Bukhansan-gil). Heungguk-sa (흥국사), is a lovely and historically important Buddhist temple in Goyang City, outside Seoul. Feel refreshed by the crisp mountain air and breathtaking views, and be amused by fascinating stories about Korean culture and colurful tales of its founder Wonhyo, the nation’s best-known master-monk. Little is known of its early history until the 18th century when it was reconstructed under orders of King Yeongjo, who designated it as a “national protection temple” and revered as a site of the Hoguk-bulgyo tradition, devoted to the “Healing Buddha” deity. Notable for its layout and “bodhi tree” reputed to be 500 years old, it’s a popular temple for visitors, and offers a weekend Temple-Stay program entitled “Journey to Find Myself.” Yangjae Flower Market - Seocho-gu When: October 16, Tuesday; from 10:00am – 12:00noon Meeting point: Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station (Line #3), exit #4 Cost: SIWA members – 5,000KRW; non-members – 15,000KRW Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison Yangjae Flower Market is located in Yangjae-dong in Seocho-gu. Anything you want from gardening supplies, to flowers, to plants, to trees, real or artificial, you can find it here. It’s a combination of greenhouse owners, and indoor and outdoor vendors operated by both wholesale and retail vendors. It is the place to go whether you are a serious gardener and you want more than cut flowers and small plants, or simply to look around enjoying the beautiful flowers. Opening hours are from 5am to 3am, and it’s closed Sundays. Karma Fantasy Performance (non-verbal) When: October 19, Friday at 17:30 Meeting point: Chungjeong-ro Station, (Lines #2 & #5), Exit #7 Cost: SIWA members – FREE; Non-members 10,000 KRW Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison * Photo opportunity with the performers at the end of the show Karma is a classical tale of love, conspiracy and fate. The struggle between the forces of good and evil in a enchanted realm of ‘god’ and ‘goddess’.…. An exciting mix of refined, elegant Korean traditional dance and dynamic Oriental martial arts, Karma has been performed internationally since 2007 and formed part of many major international festivals, showcasing Korean culture across the world. It offers a brand-new kind of performance style, including an illustration of a classical oriental painting that, like magic, ‘paints itself on the stage’ without a painter being visible to the naked eye.
  • 10. DISCOVERY October I November 201217 October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 18 Seorak-san National Park Overnight Tour When: October 24-25, Wednesday 8:00am – Thursday 6:00pm Meeting point: Yongsan post office, above Sinyongsan Subway Station (#429 Blue Line, exit #1) Cost: SIWA members – 248,000KRW; non-members – 278,000KRW * Includes transportation, entrance fees, accommodation at the Seorak-san Tourist Hotel (Western-style rooms), and three meals (Tue dinner, Wed breakfast and lunch). Not included: Cheoksan Hot Spring/Sauna (7,000 KRW) and Waterpia (60,000 KW) entrance fees. Tour Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants & Heike Giegerich Join SIWA’s popular tour to the legendary Seorak Mountains in Gangwon Province. Seorak-san is Korea’s 2nd largest National Park, and Daecheung- bong Korea's 3rd highest peak. Its scenic beauty is unrivaled. Time and the elements have carved the gray granite into splendid crags rising spectacularly from the deep valleys, with emerald pools and sparkling streams of crystal-clear water flowing gently at their feet. The Biryong (“Flying Dragon”) Waterfall is a beautiful 40-m high ribbon of gleaming water. Lush wooded valleys are home to over 800 varieties of plants and 500 species of animals. UNESCO designated 1982 that this area be preserved for its unique botanical features. Energetic hikers are welcomed to reach the peak of Seorak-san, up to the famous Ulsan-bawi. And, we’ll also enjoy dipping in to the local Cheoksan hot springs, and the Seorak Waterpia a hot-spring resort. Seongbuk-dong Disctrict, Seoul When: October 26, Friday; from 9:30am – 1:00pm Meeting point: Hanseong University Metro Station (# 419 Light-Blue), bottom of Exit #5 Cost: SIWA members – 25,000KRW; non-members – 30,000KRW * Includes a cup of tea and a plate of rice-snacks at the teahouse (to be ordered in advance). Admission to the Gansong Art Museum is free; as it opens only twice a year, the queue may be long Tour Coordinator: Patricia Tiedemann Seongbuk-dong is one of Seoul's truly fascinating historic districts; yet, can easily be overlooked. Learn about Korean history while enjoying cultural leisure time in the company of our most knowledgeable guide. Starting at the home of “Hyegok” Choi Seon-u, an exceptional example of the best traditional Korean house (“hanok”) architecture revival, then to the Joseon-Dynasty shrine where the ritual Seonjamjae was performed - praying for the thriving of sericulture (making silk) was a key aspect of traditional Korean women’s arts. Soon we reach part of the ancient City Wall, and nearby Shilsang-Seonwon, a quirky and fascinating urban Buddhist temple. We continue to the former home of “Manhae” Han Yong- un, one of Korea’s most famous Buddhist monks (early 20th century), and great activist for national independence. We’ll take a rest at Suyeon- Sanbang Teahouse and finish at the entrance of the private Gansong Art Museum, which holds a superb collection of traditional Korean ceramics, paintings. Hondae Area Walking Tour When: October 30, Tuesdays; from 10:00am – 1:00pm Meeting point: Hondae Station (Line #2), outside exit #8 Cost: SIWA member: Free; non-member: 10,000KRW Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison Hondae area, known for its “indie spiri,” is abuzz with urban street arts and underground band musicians. Under the influence of Hongik University (Hondae), famous for its prestigious art college, the neighborhood was built on a foundation of artistic souls. Many homes have now been transformed into cafes or live music venues and the area has long had a reputation as the Mecca of urban arts and underground club culture. There are many places that “mature adults” can enjoy too! Our guided walking tour is designed to locate and to familiarize you with many of the spots that SIWA ladies and their friends will take pleasure in frequenting. “Green Tomorrow” House visit When: November 1, Thursday; from 9:00am – 3:00pm Meeting point: Grand Hyatt Hotel, in front of Grand Ballroom. Cost: SIWA members – 15,000KRW; non-members – 25,000KRW * Includes transportation and guide fee Tour Coordinator: Eugenie Lee Come visit “Green Tomorrow,” one of SamsungC&T Corporation’s projects, and the first 100% “Ecological House” in Korea. Its vision is to be the global benchmark in energy efficient building, integrating passive design concepts, zero net energy, zero emissions technologies, and advanced building information management systems. It introduces a new concept of sustainable architecture by creating an environment of energy and infrastructure independence, minimizing its environmental impact. It is the first project in East Asia to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. The house offers all the comforts and technical support we can dream of. Bucheon Antique Warehouse Tour When: November 4, Sunday; from 9:00 - 2:00 pm Meeting Point: Yongsan Station (Line #1 & Line #5) Cost: SIWA members – 10,000 KRW, non-members – 20,000 KRW * Places limited to the first 15-responses/paid booking Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison Have you been looking for fine authentic and rare items of Korean art and antiques? Look no more! This tour is designed to attract antique lovers who hunt for authentic Asian collectibles. At Bucheon warehouse you will find just about everything. From Korean Yongmok (Zelkova root) antique chests, and beautiful Blue and White Porcelain pieces, to antique Asian textiles, Buddhist statues, boxes, baskets and buckets, and much much more. Learn to identify authenticity, value and quality Asian antique items, about shipping and custom process issues. Wonhyo-am Temple, Dobong-san/Bukhan-san Guided hiking tour with D.Mason When: November 5, Monday; from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Meeting Point: Mangwolsa Subway Station (#112, Dark Blue), Exit #3 Tour coordinator: Heike Giegerich * Be prepared for variable weather conditions; wear good sturdy walking-shoes. This tour will be cancelled in the event of rain. Bring along simple snacks, water is available at the temple. The temple might invite those who choose to stay longer and are still there at lunchtime, to share a simple vegetarian meal at the temple cafeteria. Enjoy one of the most scenic and interesting Buddhist temples in the Seoul area in the company of an expert. A well-maintained rocky trail will bring us to Wonhyo-am, founded by the great master-monk Wonhyo during the Shilla Kingdom. Home to many famous monks, it’s spectacularly sited below the dramatic peaks of Dobong-san, one of Seoul’s prominent sacred guardian-mountains. Learn about the major shrines, monuments and traditional artworks, including the uniquely Korean shamanistic paintings, and hear colorful tales about Wonhyo. Hiking at Ingwan-san, North-West Seoul When: November 7, Thursday; from 9:30am - 1:30pm Meeting Point: Hongje station (Subway Line #3), outside exit #1 Cost: SIWA members – 5,000 KRW; non-members – 15,000KRW Guide: Mr. Kim Changdae Tour coordinator: Ursula Taraasyants * Wear comfortable shoes. It is an easy hike, but there's still a challenge. Ingwan-san, on the northwestern side of Seoul, is often referred to as ‘Benevolent King Mountain’ and ‘White Tiger Mountain.’ The steep granite escarpments of Inwang-san are home to Korea’s most important shamanistic shrine. We will see the peculiar rock formations that are the places used for shamanist prayer; continue past a Buddhist temple and up Ingwang Mountain for a 360o panoramic view of Seoul that's hard to beat. After hiking, around 1:30 pm, you can join our professional hiking guide, Mr. Kim Changdae, for a lunch at a local Korean restaurant. Hyochang Park of Heroes Guided tour with Prof. D. Mason When: November 15, Thursday; from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Meeting Point: Hyochang Park St. (# 627), Exit #1 Tour coordinator: Ruth Ann Porter Historically significant to Korea’s struggle for Independence from the Japanese Colonial rule, and the messy aftermath of Liberation (1945-48), and right in central Seoul, yet often missed. Hyochang Park features the Tomb and Museum of “Baekbeom” Kim Gu, a hero and vital figure of 20th century Korea; his legacy still politically relevant today. Was the leader of the Donghak Peasant’s Rebellion in 1894 (at only 18!), and became President of Korea’s Government-in-Exile (China). Following his triumphant return in the fall of 1945, he led the populist Anti-Trusteeship Movement and refused to give up on the goal of a not-divided Korea. He was assassinated in June 26, 1949. Tombs of patriotic martyrs and the Uiyeol-sa Shrine are in the Park too. Bangsan Backer’s Market When: November 6, Tuesday; from 10:00am – 12noon Meeting Point: Euljiro 4-ga Subway station, (line 5 or 2) exit #6 Cost: SIWA members 5,000 KRW, non-members 15,000 KRW Tour coordinator: Michelle Morrison This tour is for those who enjoy making confections and goodies at home! Located in a hidden corner of the larger Bangsan Market, it contains everything needed to bake just about anything you can imagine, including ingredients that are hard to find elsewhere, such as molasses and fruit glazes; dried fruits; assortments of nuts; rye and wheat flour, and various purees and extracts. Also baking equipment and tools…. and the cutest decorative boxes, ribbons and stickers to wrap up your treats! Kyung Hee University Oriental Medical Hospital When: November 19, Monday; from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon Meeting Point: Hoegi Subway Station (line #1), outside exit #1 Tour Coordinator: Ursula Tarasyants * The number of participants is limited to 12 people due to space constrains. * We can enjoy a traditional Korean lunch together at a nearby restaurant, time permitting. Kyung Hee University famous Oriental Medical Hospital is the leading hospital of (Traditional Korean) Oriental medical practice, and Oriental medical science in Korea. An English-speaking doctor will show us the hospital’s main Clinical Departments and explain the various diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Short presentations on Oriental ways of beauty treatment (facial acupuncture), traditional ways of supporting good skin condition and a Qigong class (traditional Chinese practice of aligning movement, breath and meditation) will follow. We will learn about, and watch demonstrations of, traditional healing methods (acupuncture, moxibustion and others) for common diseases, as well as relatively new treatment methods, such as facial acupuncture. Concluding with a Q&A session, doctors will be ready to answer all our questions concerning health issues. “Pulmuone” Tofu Factory When: November 26, Monday; from 8:30am – 4:00pm Meeting Point: Suseo Subway Station (line #3), outside exit #1. Cost: SIWA members – free; non-members – 10,000 KRW (incl. lunch) Coordinator: Eugenie Lee * Register early, limited spaces available! Your passport/ID number is required for travel insurance purposes (a 1hr bus ride to venue). Pulmuone Co. Ltd. is one of Korea’s leading providers of fresh, close-to- nature products. Upon arrival we’ll attend a brief introduction about the company’s history, values and products. The factory tour will follow, and we’ll have a chance to observe the full process of tofu production, from soybeans to the final packaging stage. Next, to the “Soy Bean Theatre” and “Organic Road,” where we’ll learn about current and innovative technologies, and organically processed foods. We will join the Cooking class and make our own tofu and will, of course, have a very healthy soybean based buffet lunch. Haeng Nam Chinaware Modih Factory, Yeoju Date: November 28, Wednesday; from 8:30am – 3:00pm approx. Meeting point: Grand Hyatt Hotel, in front of the Ballroom entrance. Cost: SIWA members – 30,000 KRW; non-members – 40,000 KRW (Includes bus transportation and lunch) Tour coordinator: Eugenie Lee * Time permitting, we can enjoy lunch together at a nearby Korean restaurant, where the local specialty set menu will be served. Established in 1942, Haeng Nam Chinaware Inc. is the leading chinaware company in Korea. Highly regarded in global markets for superior quality products, its self-branded Bone Chinaware is distributed to many prestigious departments stores internationally, and to Thailand’s Royal family. Presently over 2000 items are being produced in various shapes & designs to meet customers’ diverse demands. The Haeng Nam Modih plant in Yeoju has the capacity to produce over a million pieces of bone chinaware per month, the largest production scale for a single bone china manufacturing facility in the world.
  • 11. Feature Story If you wish to take an article of Korean contemporary couture back home, you would do well to choose famous Korean designer and successful entrepreneur Mr. Lie, Sang Bong. If the name sounds familiar to you it’s no surprise, as Mr. Lie is extremely popular outside Korea and his designs are worn by such divas as Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. Having being part of Korea’s fashion scene since 1993, when he presented his first collection at Seoul Fashion Week, Mr Lie is now one of Korea’s most prominent designers. The catwalk show last July in “All Eyes on Korea,” a 100 Day Festival of Korean Culture at London’s V&A museum, was the highlight of the evening. I would encourage you to take any opportunity (especially as a SIWA member) to attend at least one of Mr. Lie’s fashion shows - they are spectacular! Modernity mixed with pleasure-for-eye-colors and timeless elegance always dominate Mr. Lie’s runways. A sense of sophisticated beauty remains with you long after the show is over. We are very thankful to Designer Lie for making time in his busy schedule to answer our questions and satisfy our curiosity about ‘His Art’, ‘His style;’ and for giving us tips on how to be fashion savvy this season. SIWA: Designer Lie, when you were a little boy growing up in ‘old-time’ Korea, who did you dream to become? L.S.B.: When I was little I wanted to be a singer. I even attended university to become a singer, but later changed my mind as I became interested in writing. While studying Drama as my major, I continued to pursue writing. SIWA: But why did you become a designer? Why not chose any other profession that is more popular in Korea e.g. businessman, trader etc? L.S.B.: I think I am just blessed as I chose, and I actually could do, the job that I love. Being a designer is my life passion. SIWA: What is ‘Korean’ style? What is Korean fashion style in your opinion? Is there a distinctive Korean style/ fashion? For example, Japanese style is very unique. Can the same be said about Korean style/fashion? DISCOVERY October I November 201219 L.S.B.: I would say that the distinctiveness of Korean style is in its fast change. A significant number of Koreans love fashion and are very sensitive to these changes. Of course, they do follow Western trends but with a peculiar Korean twist. In my opinion, there is much more variety in Korean fashion style than in Japanese style. SIWA: Do you prefer to tailor for women or men? Why? L.S.B.: Definitely for women. I started as a designer for women’s fashion and I am still designing mostly for women. Of course, I do design for men also, specially for my fashion shows, but I remain more interested in dressing up beautiful women’s bodies and I take pride in making women look beautiful through my designs. SIWA: What’s your favorite color? L.S.B.: Red. It’s the color of energy. SIWA: Can you give us some easy tips on how to always look chick and stylish. What should we always keep in our closet? L.S.B.: Most important is to find clothes with a silhouette from which your body type can benefit. And, if you need a stylish item for winter, just try a cape! SIWA: Tell us about fashion trends this fall/winter 2012. What colors and shapes are in fashion now? L.S.B.: In any case, winter and autumn colors are schematic. But don’t aim to choose clothes only in a dark palette. Try to mix and match light colors with dark and you will be a winner this season! Navy and grey are modern colors, and wine color always adds an accent to your outfit. Special thanks to Lee, Bokhee for arranging this interview and to Mariya Maderich who translated it into English from Korean. SIWA FASHION STYLE Interview with prominent Korean Designer Lie, Sang Bong www.liesangbong.com ICCN 2012 Festival – Overnight tour to Gangneung When: October 27 – 28, Saturday 8:00am to Sunday 3:30pm Meeting point: Hangangjin Station (line #6), Exit #2 Cost: SIWA members (and close relatives) – 40,000 KRW; non- members – 50,000 KRW * Includes transportation, accommodation, breakfast & all activities Additional costs: individual meals and Festival entrance fee 8,000 KRW (which includes a 4,000KRW coupon to be spent at the ICCN venue) RSVP & Payment: To secure your booking the payment must be done by October 17, either bank transfer or cash at SIWA October 17 Coffee Morning. Accomodation options (Family resort near beach): Family – Korean Ondol room (sleeping on the floor) Couple – Double room Single – Double room, Twin room or Ondol (3~4 persons in a room) Tour Coordinator: Michelle Morrison ICCN (Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network) is an international organization of local governments which aims at safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage and ensuring sustainable development at a local level around the world. It was founded in Cairo, Egypt in 2008 and about 30 full members (cities) and associate members (organizations) share cultural information and policies at an annual meeting. Gangneung was instrumental in the establishment of the ICCN, following UNESCO 2005 designation of the Gangneung Danoje Festival as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” The ICCN Joint Festival will be held in Gangneung from October 19th to 28th 2012. With over 30 cities from 25 nations (including member cities of ICCN), and 26 international artistic groups showcasing their intangible cultural heritage, it promises to be a most exciting and significant cultural event. Performances by international and local groups, hands-on cultural experiences, exhibitions, international exchanges, an international conference and a ‘World Open Market’ are just but a few of the activities planned for the Festival. ICCN has invited SIWA members to Gangneung city to be part of the beginning of this Cultural Renaissance. Join us at this special festival with your whole family! Itinerary Day 1 (Oct. 27, Saturday) 08:00 ~ 11:00 - Meeting at Exit #2, Hangangjin Station (line #6) 11:00 ~ 12:30 - Lunch at the Festival Open Market 12:30 ~ 20:00 - Tour around the Festival venues 20:00 ~ 20:30 - Move to accommodation Day 2 (Oct. 28, Sunday) 09:00 ~ 10:00 - Breakfast at «Terarosa» Cafe 10:30 ~12:30 - Tour the Coffee Festival venue (Includes coffee making experience) 12:30 ~ 15:30 - Journey back to Seoul October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 20
  • 12. Special Feature Special Feature DISCOVERY October I November 201221 October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 22 Iremember the time when one of our SIWA members was fined for not paying her family car tax. She simply didn’t know she had to pay it (she thought her husband’s company should either notify them or pay it); as well as when she got the non-utilities related bill at her home address, she just threw it away. She ended up paying an over 600,000KRW fine, as well as having to attend the court hearing, which it wasn’t long but was very unpleasant. Scared by her experience, each year I look out for my car tax bills and make sure I paid them on time. My little phobia made me think that it would be helpful to let SIWA members know why and when to pay car tax in Korea. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Mr. Kim, Jang Han, a coordinator at the Gangnam-Gu branch of the Automobile Tax Office, who was very kind to answer all my car tax related questions. SIWA: How much is the car tax usually? Mr. Kim: The automobile tax is based on engine displacement plus the local education tax, which is calculated as a percentage of the total automobile tax. For example: 1. Automobile tax: 80 Won per CC for engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000 CC; 140 won per CC for engine displacement between 1,000 CC and 1,600 CC; 200 won per CC for engine displacement over 1,600 CC. 2. Local Education Tax: 30 % of the total automobile tax. SIWA: Is the tax more expensive for foreign residents in Korea? Mr. Kim: No, the same tax rules and rates apply to a corporate body, individual and foreigners without distinction. SIWA: If my family has two cars - do we have to pay more or less tax? Mr. Kim: Each car is imposed the same automobile tax (as per above calculation), no matter how many cars you or your family own. SIWA: How often should I pay car tax? Mr. Kim: Twice a year; half the annual tax in June and half again in December. SIWA: Is the car tax different from area to area in Seoul? Mr. Kim: No. The same car tax rules and rates apply all over Seoul and Korea. SIWA: Is it true that Gangnam district (Gu) is the most expensive (tax wise) in Seoul? Mr. Kim: No, it isn’t true. The same tax rules and rates apply all over Seoul and Korea. SIWA: Sometimes I am given the option to pay the tax in full for one year or in two 6 monthly installments. Why? Mr. Kim: Usually the automobile tax is due twice a year, half in June and half in December. But if the amount of the tax is less than 100,000 Won, then tax has to be paid in one single payment. SIWA: What should I do if I didn’t receive the bill in my mail? Mr. Kim: You can request the bill from your nearest community center or Gu Office by phone or in person. If you didn’t receive the bill by the due date, the bill should be re-issued without additional Proven support by licensed expat Counselors available for you and your family, and in your native language. AHS now has services available in 4 languages: English, Korean, Spanish & Portuguese …and it’s not just lip service, our professionals understand your words AND your meaning. Let AHS worry about the billing. We deal directly with most overseas insurance companies (including CIGNA, Tricare, FSBP, GBG, BUPA, HTH, UH, Tiecare, AETNA & more) for increased convenience & decreased out-of- pocket cost for you. Take a break from your surroundings & invest in yourself with a visit to our luxurious offices, conveniently located at Gongdeok Station. Car Tax–when & how much to pay! Professional Counseling for Individuals, Couples & Families info@ahsorea.com www.ahskorea.com 02-749-7915 by Mariya Maderich charges. Payment should be made by bank transfer to the designated bank. SIWA: If I pay the car tax after the due date, what is the overdue payment? Mr. Kim: If your automobile tax exceeds 300,000 won, 3 percent of the outstanding car tax will be added as a default fine when payment has not been made by the due date, plus1.2 percent of the tax due for any additional month over the due date. If your car tax is less than 300,000 Won, 3 percent of your car tax will be added, but no other additional fees after that. SIWA: If I move from the area, do I have to re-register my car with the new district office, or I can keep paying taxes in my previous Gu? Mr. Kim: Yes, you need to re-register your car at your new Gu and pay the tax there. The answers were provided by Mr. Kim, Jang Han (김장한). from the Tax Division at Gangnam-Gu Office. His contact details are as follow: TEL : (02)2104-1546 / FAX : (02)2104-2464 E-mail : kimjangh@gangnam.go.kr Special thanks for wonderful translation to Meesun Joo, International Relations Coordinator at the Local Economy Division of the Gangnam District Government
  • 13. Message from the Editor Get out of Seoul! ………and find the Morning Calm Village Iknow that many people hesitate to go out of Seoul on weekends because the traffic can be a nightmare. But there are some hidden gems out there and it would be a pity to miss them. Recently Pierre and I headed north–east to Cheorwon, and found a small piece of Paradise nestled among the golden rice paddies alongside the Hangtang River – Morning Calm Village. Built in July 2011 – the Village has 21 units. We were greeted by the staff who went out of their way to help us. The staff do not speak much English, but we had no trouble checking in, making sure a Korean BBQ dinner would be brought to our unit a bit later, and finding our way to our home for the weekend. The resort is stylish, well furnished, and had a great shower and bath. Step outside onto the terrace and take in the view of the Hangtang River and out across to the mountains, which seemed to go on forever. Nothing seemed more sensible than just opening a bottle of good Aussie wine, settling down on the terrace to soak up the lovely view, watch day turn into night and enjoy the company of the dragonflies on the trees around us. A bit later our BBQ arrived – a mini BBQ with a generous selection of pork and beef to cook, as well as a lovely soup, kimchi and salad. Delicious. The next morning we enjoyed a lovely chicken porridge in the café, watching white water rafters floating down the river and around the corner to the rapids. There is a walkway running through the resort and heading out in either direction gives great views of the river, rice paddies and surrounding mountains. There are many other attractions in the area, but this is also a place where you can just sit and enjoy watching as life passes by. Sunday morning we were up and out early so that Pierre could run in the local Cheorwon marathon with fellow runners from the Seoul Flyers Running Club. Then back into the car to make our way back to Seoul. The website for Morning Calm Village is in Korean, but has a great selection of pictures of each of the units available. (www.morningcalmvillage.com) Here is another link that may be helpful. Korean Tourism have put together some e-books – The one titled Korea’s Most Unique Accommodation includes a good report in English on Morning Calm Village as well as many other choices. (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/GK/GK_ EN_2_7_4.jsp) So I say – embrace the traffic and GET OUT OF SEOUL! The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has released a new publication rounding up Korea’s most unique hotels, resorts, spas, and guest houses. http://www.koreaittimes.com/ story/20428/unique-places-stay- when-comfort-meets-convenience Morning Calm Village, a resort in Cheorwon County, Gangwon-do (Gangwon Province) run by Sim Entertainment, an agency representing many of Korea’s movie and TV stars. As such, the resort is a popular destination for Korean celebrities, as well as a frequent set for the filming of TV shows and movies. The resort not only provides the opportunity for a glimpse into celebrity lives, but also features beautiful scenery around the nearby Hantangang River, as well as birdwatching opportunities during the colder months of the year. DISCOVERY October I November 201223 by Kerrie Matthee October I November 2012 DISCOVERY 24
  • 14. DISCOVERY October I November 2012 October I November 2012 DISCOVERY Events Around Town 2625 Details on all of these events/activities and more can be found on www.korea4expats.com. Click on What’s Going On. To receive Anne's Events E-newsletter twice a month, write to events@korea4expats.com Anne Ladouceur is an experienced expat residing in Korea for over 10 years. You can find more information on all events listed above on her website at korea4expats.com. The Korea4Expats website not only provides information on upcoming events, but also on a variety ofissues/ questions related to living and working in Korea. There's also a Forum where you can go to ask and answer a whole range of questions or where you can buy or sell household items, etc. The Directory contains expat-recommended businesses and services who have agreed to support the free-to-use services provided by www.korea4expats.com. by Anne Ladouceur ABOUT KOREA Yeol Walking Tour 9 October | 10:30am to 12:00pm | Free of charge | Seoul City Hall Area Yeol Lecture, “Seoul’s Inwang-san - the Mystical Benevolent-King Mountain” 6 November | Free admission | Seoul Museum of History Dragons in Korea Art Exhibition Ends 1 January 2013 | W4,000 admission fee | Ho-Am Art Museum, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do ART & CULTURE National Geographic Photo Exhibition: The Beautiful Days Ends 11 October | 11:00am-8:00pm | W12,000 / W7,000 | Seoul Arts Center, Seocho Steve McCurry Photo Exhibition Ends 21 October | 11:00am-8:00pm | W10,000-W6,000 | Seoul Arts Center, Seocho Gwangju Contemporary Art Biennale Ends 11 November | 9:00am to 6:00pm | W19,000-W4,000 | Gwangju, Jeollanam-do Deoksugung Project Exhibition Ends 2 December | 9:00am to 9:00pm | W1,000 Adults | National Art Museum, Deoksu Palace CHILDREN & FAMILIES Family Weekend Festival Saturday 6 and 13 October | Free of charge | Outdoor Stage, Seoul Arts Center, Seocho Han River Pirates Touch Rugby for boys and girls Sundays to 25 November | 9:00-11:00am | Dulwich College, Seocho Gulliver's Travels – Play for Children (and adults) 26-28 October | 3:00pm & 7:00pm | W27,000 / 22,000 | CTS Art Hall, Dongjak-gu Global Bridge Program for multi-cultural children Saturday classes end April 2013 / Winter camp in January | Free of charge Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do. FESTIVALS Islamic Cultural Festival Saturday 6 October | 12:00-8:00pm | Free admission | Seongbuk-dong Seoul International Fireworks Festival Saturday 6 October | from 7:30pm | Free admission | Yeouido-Hangang-Park, Seoul Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival 5-7 October | Free admission | Suwon, Gyeonggi-do CIOFF World Folkloriada 1-14 October | 10:00am~10:00pm | Festival pass W25,000-W20,000 (Pass) / Admission W5,000-W4,000 Anseong City, Gyeonggi-do Jarasum International Jazz Festival 12-14 October | 3-day pass W80,000 / 2-day pass W60,000 / 1-day pass W35,000 | Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do Festival month in Korea October and November offer a great many festivals all over Korea. The festivals highlight Korean culture, history, regional foods, dishes, music and more. Go to Korea4Expats.com and click on What’s Going On for more information. ENTERTAINMENT / THEATRE Gidon Kremer & Kremerata Baltica Tues 16 Oct, 8pm | R W150,000 / S W120,000 / A W80,000 / B W50,000 | Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall Night at the Paradise Weekends 12-20 October | W20,000 advance / W25,000 at the door | Itaewon Picasso at the Lapin Agile Saturdays (8pm) and Sundays (4pm) from 20 October to 04 November | W15,000. White Box Theatre, Yongsan-gu Handel’s Messisah by Camarata Chorale Saturday 15 December | 7:30pm | Chungdong First Methodist Church, Jung-gu SPORTS & FITNESS SAN Beginner Climbing School Sundays 7 Oct-4 Nov | Meet at 7:30am | W385,000, (includes VAT) | Bukhansan National Park G-Global Aviation in Ansan 3-7 Oct, 9:00am - 6:00pm | Gyeonggi International Aviation, Gyeonggi-do, Ansan, Sangnok-gu, Sa-dong Scottish Country Dancing Practices / Lessons Wednesdays to 21 November | 7:30-9:30pm | W5,000 participation fee | British Embassy. Professional Baseball Soccer(Football) and Basketball schedules around Korea on Korea4Expats.com in What’s Going On OTHER Home-Style Italian Lunch Every Sunday | W15,000 | Franciscan Foreign Kindergarten, Hannam-dong Camarata Music Company is looking for singers for its Chamber Singers as well as participants (male/female) for it’s December performance of Handel’s Messiah Rehearsals Sundays | 4:00-7:00pm | HaeBangChon, Itaewon. Grand Ambassador Seoul Associated with Pullman completing touch-up on 108 rooms Smart Guestroom with Modernity, connectivity and Effective Space Design Grand Ambassador Seoul completes its touch-up work on 108 guestrooms to introduce new room types targeted for luxury business and leisure travelers. The newly introduced ‘Smart Rooms’ are designed for modernity and connectivity based on convenience and efficiency. Our new guestroom will guarantee your distinctive experience with premium guest service and professional assistance to your successful business. + Modern & warm interior design embracing soft brown & champagne gold colors + Designed for ‘Modernity’ and ‘Connectivity’ -Remote Jack Pack System, 42-Inch LED TV + Extend VIP Floors (3 floors → 6 floors) for enhanced privacy for business guests + New room type to accommodate demand of business & luxury leisure travelers + All guestrooms include 3-pin adaptor, wireless phone, Nespresso coffee, rain shower and bidet ( Photo : Deluxe King & Single Bed Room / Ondol Room ) ( Photo: Deluxe King Bed Room ) 287, Dongho-ro, Joong-Gu, Seoul 100-855, Korea T. 82.2.2275.1101 F. 82.2.2272.0773 www.ambatel.com www.pullmanhotels.com Chadwick International is the second campus of Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, California Chadwick International Information Session & Campus Preview Chadwick International, an independent, coeducational, non-denominational PreK-G12 international school, fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities located in Songdo, just 35 miles from Seoul, is holding multiple 'get to know us' events for prospective families with students in the PreK to Grade 10 levels. Come to one of the below event dates to : ㆍMeet current students, parents, faculty, and administrators ㆍTour Chadwick International’s state-of-the-art educational facilities ㆍLearn about Chadwick International’s missions and curriculum Info Sessions : ㆍOctober 25, 10:00 am~12:00 pm @ Chadwick International, Songdo ㆍNovember 1, 2:00 pm~4:00 pm @ RenaissanceHotel,Yeoksam-dong,Seoul ㆍNovember 15, 10:00 am~12:00 pm @ Chadwick International, Songdo Open House : ㆍDecember 1, 10:00 am~12:00 pm @ Chadwick International, Songdo Registration : www.chadwickschool.org Inquiry : Tel. 032-250-5030~2
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