By John Redmond
Yi So-yeon, the first Korean and second Asian woman to fly in space, will host a rooftop barbecue to meet with the English speaking community at Roofers in Itaewon on May 1.
As part of worldwide celebration of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s first flight into space on April 12, 1961, Yi will celebrate her and Korea’s milestone under the theme “Yuri’s night with Yi So-yeon.”
Kicking off at midday, the Korean scientist and Ph.D. graduate of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) will talk about her travels in English.
Organizers say that if you’ve never met an astronaut, here's your chance.
“The event will be friendly and casual, as she speaks and fields questions, and hopes to have an open, friendly conversation with anyone who wants to be there to celebrate with her,” said Roger Wong Won of Wong Won Productions.
“Yi knows she has many fans and supporters in the English speaking community, but she has never had the chance to greet them. Now, in collaboration with the worldwide celebration of Yuri Gagarin's first flight into space back in 1961, Yi is commemorating her own (and Korea's) first foray into space. She really wants to interact with her English speaking friends, so she has decided to throw down some beer and BBQ.”
On April 8, 2008, Yi was launched into space on board Soyuz TMA-12, with two Russian cosmonauts where she carried out 18 science experiments.
Yi is also collecting charity donations ― in the form of selling commemorative t-shirts she designed herself ― with funds going towards the Jirani Childrens's Choir.
To get to Roofers, leave exit 3 of Itaewon Station (line 6). Walk straight until you come to Dunkin Donuts. Turn right just after Dunkin Donuts. Walk up the hill for about one minute. Roofers is on the right, directly across from the Foreign Food Mart, on the top floor.