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Int'l students, musicians celebrate Australia Day

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Tony Le Rhodes, manager of Tony’s Bar and Grill in Itaewon, performs with other musicians on Australia Day, Monday night. / Korea Times photos by John Redmond

By John Redmond

International students, musicians and professionals gathered to celebrate Australia Day at Tony’s Aussie Bar and Grill on Monday night in Itaewon to enjoy beverages, food and music from the “land of down under”.

While not widely known to most expats in Korea, and politically divisive to many indigenous Australians, Jan. 26, Australia Day, is the anniversary of the first landing of the British Fleet in Port Jackson, New South Wales, in 1788.

With Australia gaining popularity among Koreans as the cheaper, closer and more practical alternative to studying abroad, it is not uncommon to find Koreans more likely to know the names of suburbs of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

There is also a large influx of Australian nationals choosing to study in Korea.

The recent Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement has also strengthened ties between the two nations in business, the arts and education.

While Australia is rich in natural resources, Korea has a wealth of technology to export. This has led to a mutually beneficial two-way partnership, with both countries eager to participate in.

The Korea Times met Australia student Lachie Smith from Canberra who is studying International Communications at Yonsei University.

Lachie Smith from Canberra, who studies at Yonsei University, takes part in a celebration at Tony’s Bar and Grill in Itaewon, Seoul.

Q: What brought you to Korea?

A:

Korea is a good study option. I’m doing my M.A. here and I’m very impressed.

Q: How do you find studying here?

I’m part of a large group of international students and I find the experience here very supportive.

Q: What are the strengths of studying here?

I have a broad range of options and my fellow students are very supportive. I’d recommend studying here.

Tony Le Rhodes, manager of Tony’s Aussie Bar and Bistro is a former session musician, best known for his work with Australian band The Choirboys. The Choirboys single “Run to Paradise,” on which Le Rhodes drummed, reached No. 3 in the Australian music charts in 1987.

Tony’s Aussie Bar and Bistro is above Noksapyeong Station at the top of the hill. The Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/tonysaussiebar?pnref=lhc.